A

pril 2, p. 1

Religious Affairs Minister Surya-dharma Ali blamed Christians for the closure of some churches in the country, saying they politicized an issue that is purely administrative in nature.

Suryadharma said that Christians in the country are not the only ones who had problems getting permits to build places of worship, but they got more attention simply because they talked to the press more.

Your comments:

Name a case where you can prove your claim Mr. Minister. None, right? What’s next? Discouraging the press from talking to minorities in the future so your boys can do anything they please or censor on minority related issues in the media?

Nolom Ebal

I agree with the minister. They are exaggerating administrative problems into political issues!

Doni Ardian

I 1,000 percent agree with the statement of the minister that Christians bring discrimination on themselves and it is a crystal clear fact that Muslims living where they are the majority, like in Java and Sumatra, have given abundant tolerance toward Christians. What a pity and grim portrayal when Muslims living in areas where they are a minority like Poso, Ambon and Papua face painful discrimination.

Ahmed Lats

It’s clear to any impartial observer that in certain areas of Java there is an increased intolerance toward minorities. This intolerance is being perpetrated by elements within the Muslim faith, which has become more and more conservative and radicalized by trouble makers from within, including radical groups that we have now all become familiar with.

I am neither Christian nor Muslim, but when I hear of church congregations trying to worship outside their closed or destroyed churches, it makes me very angry indeed. Is this how you want your religion represented and shown to the world?

Simon