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The future president must resolve blasphemy controversy
Indonesia's political landscape has, regrettably, served as fertile ground for the propagation of religious-based campaigns, frequently entwined with disinformation.
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Who am I?: Visual artist Agan Harahap created a series of fictive portraits titled 'Mardijker Photo Studio' as his response to the worldwide rise of identity politics. (JIPFest/-)
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n a curious turn of events as Indonesia's presidential candidates take center stage in the media spotlight, another highly sensitive issue with potential political ramifications has emerged on the national stage.
The recent verdict from the Palembang District Court in South Sumatra, which sentenced media celebrity Lina Mukherjee to two years in prison and imposed a hefty fine of Rp250 million (US$16,233), has yet again brought to the fore the deeply ingrained sensitivities surrounding matters of religion in Indonesia.
Lina’s case, which revolves around pork consumption deemed blasphemous to Islamic values, has not only incited public outrage but has also ignited a fresh debate on the intersection of freedom of expression and religious sensitivities in the world's largest Muslim-majority nation.
At a time when presidential candidates are fervently advancing their ideas and thoughts, the question of how this incident might influence the political landscape ahead of the February 2024 election comes to mind.
The recurring issue of blasphemy remains a pressing concern that demands the attention of Indonesia's future leaders. It is a matter of grave importance not only for safeguarding the principles of religious harmony and freedom but also for the very health of Indonesia's democracy.
Reports have suggested that the nation's democratic progress has been hampered by the enforcement of blasphemy laws, which often create societal tension and division. The ability of future leaders to strike a balance between respecting religious sensitivities and upholding the principles of freedom of expression will be a defining factor in Indonesia's journey toward a more inclusive and robust democracy.
Addressing this issue with wisdom and foresight is not merely an option, but a necessity for the progress and unity of the nation.
