Government is not Anti Religion-Based Mass Organizations: Minister of Home Affairs

Minister of Home Affairs Tjahjo Kumolo affirmed that the issuance of Government Regulation in Lieu of Law (Perppu) Number 2 of 2017 on Mass Organizations. However, the issuance of this Regulation is a refinement of Law Number 17 of 2013 on Mass Organizations.

The Minister criticized the rumours on social media that give impression that the Government is anti religion-based mass organizations, in this regard Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia (HTI). The Regulation is actually issued to respond to the presence of mass organizations that want to change Pancasila (the Five Principles, the Indonesian State Philosophy) and the 1945 Constitution.

“Based on the 1945 Constitution, the Government respects freedom of association, including to establish a mass organization. It is fine to establish a religion-based organization. However, it should obey and respect the law,” the Minister said.

The Minister firmly said that every organization must uphold Pancasila principles, the 1945 Constitution,  and the values of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia as well as Bhinneka Tunggal Ika. If not, these organizations have violated the law.

Previously, President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo has explained that Perppu Number 2 of 2017 was issued due to a number of threats to the unity and sovereignty of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.

The Government, the President added, will not let any mass organization or individual tries to abuse their freedom. “The country must be fearless to take control. It is one of its task,” the President said when opening the training of State Defence Academy of the National Democrat (NasDem) Party, in Jakarta, Sunday (16/7) afternoon.

The Government then suggested opposing parties to take legal actions. “Should there be any party that does not agree with this Regulation, you can file a judicial review. This country upholds the law,” the President firmly said while adding that this country’s future and integrity must be protected. (Puspen Kemendagri/ES)(MMB/YM/Naster)