Religious freedom

Wed, 02/27/2008 12:08 PM  |  Opinion

One problem that is rarely addressed in the columns of The Jakarta Post is the freedom of not believing. The Indonesian constitution does not leave space to atheists. Yet everyone should have the right to accept or reject belief in God.

Why is it usually impossible to claim one's disbelief in God without being branded a blasphemer? Why is atheism not allowed by the Constitution? Freedom of religion can exist only if there is freedom of rejecting religion too. PHILIPPE BORSA
Noumea, New Caledonia

The power crisis Feb. 22, p. 6

It is a really stupid policy. You think coal and oil power plants are the most suitable plants for Indonesia. And for that reason, you avoid building a nuclear power plant, which is actually the most reliable, safe and economic plant, and environmentally friendly.

You think a nuclear power plant is not marketable for the 2009 general election, since people oppose the plan. So then you never even mention that for solving the energy crisis in this country. You are struggling to reduce global warming, but on the other hand you are releasing more and more CO2. HAKIM
Tokyo

Energy crisis Feb. 24, p. 1

It is time to become aware of the worldwide energy crisis taking shape. Peak oil is here. Even Indonesia is now an oil importer! South Africa and Indonesia (among others) are already experiencing the early effects of peak oil.

Saudi Arabia is probably in decline (they refuse to tell) and oil is still at $US100 per barrel despite a recession. There will be many left behind who cannot pay $200-500/barrel or more for oil.

Car companies are having trouble, and oil companies are merging. These are canaries in the coal mine. WOLFIE
Jakarta

I agree with the nuke society, that Indonesia never faces energy crisis. Indonesia only faces a crisis of mentality and professionalism. DEDDY YUSUF
Bandung

Valentine in Bukit Tinggi

I read The Jakarta Post's report and subsequent article on Bukit Tinggi and Valentine's celebration with pride and a tickle. I am proud because Bukit Tinggi is an Indonesia city many of our national heroes came from.

I am tickled by the way foreign culture is promoted by our own people. Obviously, Valentine's celebration is not part of Indonesian or Minangnese culture. As English proverb says, "When in Rome, do as the Roman's." In my view, it is out place celebrating Valentine's in Bukit Tinggi.

As a Minangnese man, I do not like to see Minangnese's colors tarnished by pink or other colors. Minangnese's colors have philosophical meaning behind them. Invasion of foreign culture will likely lead to erosion of our own, don't you think so? HENDRY D. SINGGALANG
Jakarta

Newmont contract Feb. 15, p. 2

Pathetic! Who would want to do business in a country like this? Let this be a warning to other foreign investors investing in Indonesia to put their money and expertise elsewhere. PETER DYKES
Taipei

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