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House of worship decree needs revising: Home Minister
Tjahjo Kumolo
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Tjahjo Kumolo. (Kompas.com/Indra Akuntono) (Kompas.com/Indra Akuntono)
Tjahjo Kumolo. (Kompas.com/Indra Akuntono)
The joint ministerial decree on the building of houses of worship needs to be revised to avoid religious intolerance, said Home Minister Tjahjo Kumolo on Tuesday.
"The case of Aceh Singkil has raised the government's concerns since it provoked anarchism and vandalism of houses of worship by certain groups," said Tjahjo as quoted by Antara news agency.
He admitted that rules regarding the building of houses of worship in regions had been arranged in the joint decree between three ministries. But he considered the implementation as prone to intolerant actions, which often led to anarchism and vandalism.
"The Home Ministry will [initiate] a discussion with the Religious Affairs Ministry to polish the rules regarding the building of houses of worship, so that everyone can respect other groups who want to build their houses of worship based on their beliefs," said Tjahjo.
He added that the rules stipulated in the decree still apply until such revisions had been conducted. (kes)(++++)
