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No religion on KTP, no public services: Pontianak deputy mayor
Jakarta Globe - November 14, 2014
In comments that are likely to inflame debate about religious freedom and the rights of minority groups, Sutarmidji said he would instruct the region's population agency and sub-district offices not to serve people who fail to put their religion on ID cards, known as KTP.
He said the religion column on the cards should not be omitted as it was required under current law. "If you want to add another religion or belief you should first amend the law that stipulates it," he told detik.com.
Indonesia formally recognizes only six religious designations: Buddhist, Catholic, Protestant, Confucian, Hindu and Muslim. Adherents are required to identify themselves on their KTP.
Under the current laws and regulations, observers of minority and indigenous religions such as Sunda Wiwitan, Buhun and Kejawen have their religion column left blank, regardless of whether they wish to state their faith or not.
In the past, members of religious minority groups have had to identify themselves as observers of state-recognized religions.
Last week Tjahjo Kumolo, Indonesia's minister of home affairs, spurred debate about the place of religious identification on KTPs by saying people should be allowed to leave the religion column blank on IDs.
Tjahko said not stating one's religion is "a matter of privacy" and the government should not meddle with people's beliefs.
Source: http://thejakartaglobe.beritasatu.com/news/religion-ktp-public-services-pontianak-deputy-mayor/.
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