Indonesia may relax restrictions on church construction
December 03, 2015
Tjahjo Kumolo, Indonesia’s interior minister, said recently that the government of President Joko Widodo may relax regulations on the building of churches.
Widodo, who is viewed as a reformer, was elected in 2014.
Since 2006, church construction projects have required the approval of the local village chief, at least 99 signatures from church members, and at least 60 signatures of support from local residents, according to AsiaNews. “It is my personal opinion the section on the collection of signatures should be reduced in number, if not eliminated,” said Kumolo.
The nation of 255.5 million ranks fourth in the world in population and has more Muslims than any other country. Indonesia is 87% Muslim, 7% Protestant, 3% Catholic, and 2% Hindu.
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
- Meno restrizioni (L’Osservatore Romano, p. 6)
- Jakarta wants to reform the law on places of worship, fewer restrictions on building permits (AsiaNews.it)
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
