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Indonesia's most tolerant city rejects campaigning at places of worship
Local leaders and authorities signed a pact to bar campaigns at places of worship in Singkawang, West Kalimantan.
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Local leaders and authorities signed a pact to bar campaigns at places of worship in Singkawang, West Kalimantan. (Shutterstock.com/Agungky )
T
he Singkawang Interfaith Communication Forum, the police and public figures in Singkawang, West Kalimantan, have signed an agreement to bar campaign activities at houses of worship.
“The accord aims to prevent any potential unease among residents ahead of the general election,” said deputy Singkawang Police chief Comr. Joko Sulistiono, as quoted by Antara.
He expressed the hope that the managements of houses of worship, be they mosques, churches or other holy places, would deny permission to candidates looking to hold campaign events on their premises.
Forum head Baharuddin expressed his appreciation for the initiative designed to boost interfaith tolerance.
According to a 2018 Setara Institute report, Singkawang is currently the most tolerant city in Indonesia.
The commander of the Singkawang Regional Military Command, Lt. Col. Victor Jacob Lucas, said his personnel would maintain their guard for any threat.
“The local security forces will need to prepare concrete steps to prevent any problems occurring in Singkawang,” Victor said. (mai)
