As candidates embark on the campaign trail in preparation for Indonesia's presidential election in July, human rights groups have expressed strong opposition to an increasing number of Sharia-inspired laws introduced by local governments.
Opponents say the laws discriminate against religious minorities and violate Indonesian policy Pancasila or "united in diversity". With parliamentary elections in April and President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono expected to form a coalition with several Islamic parties for the July presidential election, such laws could become a key campaign issue.
Although Aceh is the only province completely governed by Sharia (Islamic law), more than 50 governments in 16 of the 32 provinces across Indonesia have passed laws influenced by Sharia. These laws became possible after the passing of a regional autonomy law in 2000.
A lawyer from the law firm Eleonora and Partners stated that, "in general, the legal system regulates and guarantees the religious freedom of Indonesian citizens... but in reality there is discrimination." Religious freedom is guaranteed by Article 29 of the country's constitution, said Syafi'I Anwar, head of the International Center for Islam and Pluralism. "Therefore," he said, "the government must help all religious communities to practice their faith as freely as possible and take measures against those who violate this right." (Compass Direct/Danish European Mission)
