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Our cognitive dissonance
We have suddenly awoken in a country in which we feel no longer welcome simply because of our differences.
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Beheaded: Police officers inspect the statue of Jesus at St. Lidwina Church in Bedog, Sleman, Yogyakarta on Sunday, February 11. A man attacked the church using a sword during mass, injuring several people, including the pastor. (JP/Aditya Sagita)
W
e are a diverse and tolerant nation, they said. We are a respectful and peaceful community, they said. They forgot to mention the caveat: these only apply as long as you are part of the majority, you follow certain interpretations and do not criticize the democracy veiled in bigotry.
Indonesia has seen the rise of populism, just like many other countries. At first, it looked like a singular phenomenon, an expression of piety among those who supported it and a juicy topic of discussion for those who opposed it.
Intolerance and bigotry have permeated our lives even further. It is not just a show of power from a majority group.
It is becoming a way of life, condoned and perpetuated by the government. It is like a silent and well-orchestrated coup. We have suddenly awoken in a country in which we feel no longer welcome simply because of our differences.
Our legislature believes that it is more important to interfere with our private lives than to focus on other more pressing matters. They do not welcome any criticism against them.
Last year, in a report submitted to the United Nations Human Rights Council during the third cycle of universal periodic review, Indonesia stated that it remained committed to protecting the legal rights of all its diverse communities and that was taking efforts to end discrimination and violence connected to the violation of those rights. This stance appeared under the section on freedom of thought, conscience and religion.
And just recently, Indonesia proudly highlighted its diplomatic efforts for peace and humanity, as Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi mentioned at the opening of the Jakarta Human Rights Conversation, held to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 25th anniversary of the Vienna Declaration and Program of Action.
