Winding Road of Religious Tolerance

Common wisdom is needed to respond to this developing dynamic in order to unravel the tangled threads of the controversy – not with an attitude that can worsen the situation.

The intention of the state (read: Religious Affairs Ministry) to be present in managing religious life to make it better, tolerant and mature, does not always fit with the aspirations of (some) members of the community.

Controversy, polemic and public debates regarding state policies on religious affairs are becoming commonplace. We can see this after the launch of the Religious Affairs Minister Circular No. 5/2022 concerning guidelines on the use of loudspeakers at mosques and mushola (prayer rooms).