Faith

Indonesian Mayor Seeks to Ban Christian Churches on Streets With Islamic Names

JAKARTA, Indonesia (The Blaze/AP) — Incidents of violence and discrimination against Christians in the Islamic nation of Indonesia have been increasing in recent years. In the latest example of anti-Christian sentiment, a mayor is trying to ban Christian churches on streets with Islamic names.

This attempt to block construction of a new parish in the world’s largest Muslim-majority country raises major human and civil rights concerns. While the proposal, itself, may not seem dangerous on the surface, critics say that however arbitrary it is, it serves as yet another example of growing religious intolerance in the nation.

Back in September 2010, Al-Jazeera reported on the troubles facing Christians in the region:

Indonesia, a secular nation of 240 million, has a long history of religious tolerance, but a small extremist fringe has become more vocal – and violent – in recent years. This, of course, is driving the religious issues that are beginning to boil in the Southeast Asian nation.

The Taman Yasmin Indonesian Christian Church was supposed to open in the city of Bogor in 2008, but residents protested, claiming its permit was illegal. Then, the battle was taken to the courts.

Though the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the church in December, Mayor Diani Budiarto refused to comply. He argued he was pushing for a decree to make it illegal to open churches on streets with Islamic names.

Critics said President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono – who relies heavily on Islamic parties in parliament – has remained silent as minorities have been attacked by hard-liners or seen their houses of worship torched or boarded up. Christians, who make up 10 percent of the population, also say it can take years to get permits to build new churches.

The Taman Yasmin worshippers have been holding weekly services in front of their sealed off building for nearly three years, said Bona Singalingging, the church spokesman. He called the mayor’s latest proposal part of a “dangerous” trend.

Back in June, The Blaze covered the violent Indonesian mob that destroyed two churches and attacked a Christian school. The individuals behind these actions were seeking a stricter prison sentence for a man who had handed out leaflets calling Islam a violent religion. The Blaze’s Buck Sexton reported that over a thousand Muslims rioted to express their outrage that the court failed to sentence the offending Christian, Antonius Banwengan, to death.

The Setara Institute for Peace and Democracy, a human rights group, says attacks on religious freedom by hard-liners more than tripled in the last two years.

In 2010, there were 64 incidents, ranging from physical abuse to preventing groups from performing prayers and burning houses of worship, up from 18 in 2009 and 17 in 2008.

Comments (100)

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  • Powell Sinclair
    Posted on August 23, 2011 at 10:17am

    “Streets with Islamic names.” That is probable every stinken street in this crappy country.

    Report Post »  
    • loriann12
      Posted on August 23, 2011 at 12:40pm

      Funny as my 12 year old was reading over my shoulder, that’s what he said.

      Report Post »  
    • smithclar3nc3
      Posted on August 23, 2011 at 1:00pm

      I was thinking about how can some many in government protect Islam and attack or at the very least trample Christanity. The answer was always there and I never realized it until now. Government wants to control the population and Islam is a Religion that put mopre control over it followers than any other religion. So much control that they would kill innocent civilians in it’s name. Government want to merge with Islam to gain both economic and spiritual control together. Christian of the world will soon find themselves out numbered and outlawed if they don’t start fighting back.

      Report Post »  
    • chazman
      Posted on August 23, 2011 at 2:43pm

      … the real reason the LEFT in America doesn’t attack ISLAM is not because they are in cahoots together or because they both want to destroy the West, America, Israel or Capitalism. No, not at all. The reason ISLAM gets a free pass from the LEFT is because the LEFT is scared of ISLAM.
      The LEFT needs to change that.

      THX MRBUTCHER

      Report Post »  
    • AvengerK
      Posted on August 23, 2011 at 3:47pm

      ahh…the religion of peace and tolerance again.

      Report Post »  
    • nptden
      Posted on August 23, 2011 at 9:10pm

      Yet the Muslims want to build a mosque at the 911 site. Bastards.

      Report Post » nptden  
    • muhamadhater
      Posted on August 24, 2011 at 1:19am

      this link right here may answer alot of your questions, hope it helps and GOD bless u all!!
      And please help spread the word/truth about these extremist!!
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMLJJEDDDGc

      Report Post » muhamadhater  
  • W@nd@
    Posted on August 23, 2011 at 10:10am

    Does any one think this is anything new?
    I remember before the 2004 tsunami either that particular Christmas season or the year previous,
    3 little girls (from a young teen downward to grade schoolers) were killed/slaughtered walking on their way home after attending Christian school…discrimination is par for course in a muslim country…hello! They are soooo far from tolerant!

    Report Post »  
    • paperpushermj
      Posted on August 23, 2011 at 11:36am

      I remember that the heads of only two of the little girls where found.

      Report Post » paperpushermj  
  • MrKnowItAll
    Posted on August 23, 2011 at 9:55am

    The Muslims have infiltrated us by using our Hearts and Kindness against us. The is no question they are the Wolves in Sheep Clothing.

    Report Post » MrKnowItAll  
  • Bravefaith.org
    Posted on August 23, 2011 at 9:37am

    Praying for all of you in Indonesia. Wish I could be there with you guys.

    Report Post »  
  • Liberalismsamentaldisorder
    Posted on August 23, 2011 at 9:37am

    Clearly Islam is the religion of peace and tolerance, better get rid of all those evil jihadist christians.

    Report Post »  
  • Centralsville
    Posted on August 23, 2011 at 9:36am

    Christians are persecuted in all Muslim countries, much like in the West but even worse.

    Report Post »  
    • jhaydeng
      Posted on August 23, 2011 at 10:44am

      Exactlty, but no one WANTS to believe it!

      Report Post »  
    • loriann12
      Posted on August 23, 2011 at 12:43pm

      I wonder if these liberals that support the Muslims and also gay rights, etc. know they’ll be the first to go after the get rid of the Christians? Muslims kill gays, they kill those that aren‘t as shari’a compliant as they themselves perceive themselves to be. I’m glad Christians realize we are all sinners saved by grace, and don’t stop sinning in this life, we just try.

      Report Post »  
  • LOLReally
    Posted on August 23, 2011 at 9:27am

    Islam is why God created ICBM’s.

    Report Post »  
  • team1blazer
    Posted on August 23, 2011 at 9:21am

    WAKE UP. Islam is NOT a religion….It is a form of government…..and it wants to rule the world!

    Report Post » team1blazer  
  • spirited
    Posted on August 23, 2011 at 9:16am

    “The Muslim ‘Call to Prayer’ is one of the prettiest sounds on Earth.”-Barack Obama

    The first few lines of the call to prayer state:
    Allah is Supreme!
    Allah is Supreme!
    Allah is Supreme! Allah is Supreme!
    I witness that there is no god but Allah
    I witness that there is no god but Allah
    I witness that Muhammad is his prophet …

    >It does have a melodic sound.

    Report Post » spirited  
    • momsense
      Posted on August 23, 2011 at 9:26am

      Melodic and hypnotic–just like a drug.

      Report Post »  
    • eyestoseeearstohear
      Posted on August 23, 2011 at 8:01pm

      THIS is why Obama believes what he does…HE IS ANTI-GOD, AS WELL.
      ~~~
      Out of ALL the things going on, around the WORLD, God CANNOT be happy with
      that “man” in Washington – AND IF YOU LOOK CLOSER,
      YOU WILL FIND HE HAPPENS TO HAVE HIS HAND IN MOST OF THE
      HORRIBLE THINGS HAPPENING AROUND THE WORLD.

      Obama, UNFORTUNATELY, was put in charge of the GREATNEST NATION, a nation
      WHO ORIGINALLY HONORED & RECOGNIZED GOD, AS GOD, a nation that GOD BLESSED
      AND DESIGNATED TO BE A LEADING EXAMPLE.

      And, WHAT do we have?
      A POTUS who DOES NOT BELIEVE IN GOD, OUR CREATOR.
      A POTUS who AIDS IN PERVERTING GOD’S WORD & WAYS.
      i.e.., Abortion, Sexual Perversion, etc.
      A POTUS who LIES ABOUT ANY & EVERYTHING.
      A POTUS who WORKS EVIL DEEDS, CORRUPTS AND DECIEVES…
      from the smallest thing to the largest…it DOESN’T matter, he CANNOT tell the truth.

      Obama is ON THE WRONG SIDE OF EVERY ISSUE.
      He PRACTICES TO DECIEVE, and makes US ask,
      ” IS HE REALLY THAT IGNORANT OR IS IT THAT HE REALLY DOESN’T UNDERSTAND?

      WHEN ACTUALLY,
      HE ISN’T IGNORANT AND HE REALLY DOES UNDERSTAND…
      LIKE THE DEVIL – HE SEEKS TO DESTROY…
      TO DESTROY AMERICA, OUR FINANCES, OUR MORALS,
      OUR VERY FOUNDATION, OUR WAY OF LIFE, AND ULTIMATELY, US.

      AND…he has been quite successful, so far.
      IF we want God’s Blessings, for our Country and People,
      God’s People CANNOT allow this.

      Report Post »  
    • muhamadhater
      Posted on August 24, 2011 at 3:54pm

      hey settle down….this was happening long before Obama…Its just Obama is so good at messing this country up, he makes it look like he started it..Hightly trained professional POS liar.. sorry will shortin that up for ya!!, Hes a professional politition!!
      I cant honestly see that we have had a good Potus since Reagan, of course that’s my opinion.

      Report Post » muhamadhater  
  • JLGunner
    Posted on August 23, 2011 at 9:13am

    Christianity under attack as usual.

    Report Post » JLGunner  
  • AnAmerican111
    Posted on August 23, 2011 at 8:46am

    Glad to see one of OBUMA’s home nations showing once again what a farce islam is…………..

    Report Post »  
    • Morris
      Posted on August 23, 2011 at 9:09am

      We should ban all Muslim Mosques on all streets in our America!!!!!!!

      Report Post »  
    • This_Individual
      Posted on August 23, 2011 at 10:53am

      Sorry Morris, the whole freedom of religion thing would get in the way of that. We must adhere to our constitution.

      Report Post »  
  • Dismayed Veteran
    Posted on August 23, 2011 at 8:46am

    Praise the Indoneisian Christians for their faith. It is really easy for American Christians to speak out against American liberals. Think of the courage to praise the LORD in a country whose major religious population wants you dead.

    Report Post » Dismayed Veteran  
    • old white guy
      Posted on August 23, 2011 at 9:26am

      i hope american christians are armed.

      Report Post »  
    • This_Individual
      Posted on August 23, 2011 at 11:00am

      Our nation‘s constitution protects it’s citizens from such attacks on individual freedoms (such as religion). As long as we do not allow our constitution to be dismantled, we all have the freedom to worship as we wish. So, I wouldn’t worry.

      Report Post »  
    • corsair18
      Posted on August 23, 2011 at 2:32pm

      This_Individual……That is the whole point here. In Indonesia it is already happening. Islamists are already dismanteling thier constitution. Islam always rules over government in Islamic countries. And militant Islam always pushes to expand into non-muslim countries and take over. ( Dearborn, Michigan?) Check out englishdefenseleague.org and find out what they are pushing for in the UK. It is a shocker.

      Report Post » corsair18  
  • Unstable Phenomenon
    Posted on August 23, 2011 at 8:45am

    Ah yes….the religion of peace…and the persecution begins. Where are MSNBC and CNN on these stories? Oh yea that’s right, they are to busy throwing Israel under the buss.

    Report Post » Unstable Phenomenon  
  • AnAmerican111
    Posted on August 23, 2011 at 8:42am

    islam once again showing it is nothing more that a terrorist facade…………

    Report Post »  
  • db321
    Posted on August 23, 2011 at 8:36am

    Enough is Enough

    Report Post » db321  
  • TheFreeHeart
    Posted on August 23, 2011 at 8:31am

    There should be an open season on all *******, no bag limit!

    Report Post » TheFreeHeart  
  • NHABE64
    Posted on August 23, 2011 at 8:25am

    Maybe we should be doing that here, banning any and all mosques on Christian named streets or anywhere else for that matter.

    Report Post »  
  • SamIamTwo
    Posted on August 23, 2011 at 8:23am

    Caving into the evilness, eh? Imposing Sharia law by caveat, gee who could have seen this coming…LOL

    Coming to America…propagating the cities one Mosque at a time. Carter told us to go to zero population growth in the mid to late 70′s…I wrote a paper in my sociology population class…Titled, “Procreate till you Pop”…it was based on my limited study of failing countries who had started this up in other countries…no one to back-fill the vacant positions and decay of society. Man they gave me a bad grade for that one. A C…and I was right. (1969)

    Tell your sons and daughters to have as many children as possible…they are a gift from God. Raise them up in the ways of the Lord that they may not stray but prosper in all things.

    Report Post » SamIamTwo  
  • jkendal
    Posted on August 23, 2011 at 8:20am

    Extremely troubling…

    Report Post »  
  • palrider1
    Posted on August 23, 2011 at 8:09am

    @ep46
    I believe the mosque will be like government buildings, someone has to watch over the new acquired flocks their creating and to enforce marxist muslim’s sharia law.

    Report Post »  
  • AmericablessGod
    Posted on August 23, 2011 at 7:34am

    We must remember Indonesia is one of the largest Islamic countries in the world and Christians are a small minority. We must also remember that Christ’s Church will always be persecuted in His name. Sharia law is in place and coming to an American city near you.

    In this country, we still (for now) have the right to freedom of religion. We Christians must fight for and defend that right so the same thing does not happen here. Pray for the Christians in the Muslim world as well as Jews in hostile lands.

    Report Post » AmericablessGod  
    • Caniac Steve
      Posted on August 23, 2011 at 8:25am

      i sadly agree ..we,the people are being divided from within…my neighborwho was is a WW2 Vet wants to see all illegals rounded up and placed in camps ;like the japanese were. But i reminded him that many US Citizens suffered wrongly and looked at me and said well smart A$$ where would you begin?/ I told him at the borders..bring our troops home and put them on the borders…he smiled go figure

      Report Post » Caniac Steve  
  • Cat
    Posted on August 23, 2011 at 7:29am

    Talking until the face turns blue only works when the evidence is so obvious they can see, and even then they are blind.
    Wake up America!

    Report Post » Cat  
  • loriann12
    Posted on August 23, 2011 at 7:14am

    Are they going to ban Mosques from streets with Christian names?

    Report Post »  
    • EP46
      Posted on August 23, 2011 at 7:26am

      Good idea! I have asked over and over why there has been a literal explosion of mosque building in the U.S. in the past 10 yrs. We do not even know how many….but I simply cannot understand the building of mosques in small …out of they way….towns that could never have the population to support the need. Small towns with less than 25,000 inhabitants and a mosque springs up ??? What are these being used for? Who are the people using them? Who is crossing our open borders while we are focused on illegals from Mexico?

      Report Post »  
    • euragone
      Posted on August 23, 2011 at 7:30am

      Again… we read “but a small extremist fringe has become more vocal – and violent” How can we tell Small from the Large… Again..Muslims show us their religious tolerance….

      Report Post » euragone  
    • loriann12
      Posted on August 23, 2011 at 7:49am

      Obama is importing Palastinians…

      http://www.moonbattery.com/archives/2009/02/obama_spending.html

      Report Post »  
  • kickagrandma
    Posted on August 23, 2011 at 7:14am

    Wow, LORD. YOUR children in this place need YOUR intervention and protection in a big way. We pray for them, GOD, that the armies of HEAVEN be arrayed to come to their defense. Grant the CHRISTIANS in that horribly heathen land, YOUR presence, YOUR peace, YOUR courage. In the name of JESUS, YOUR SON, we pray, amen.

    Report Post »  
  • armywife77
    Posted on August 23, 2011 at 7:13am

    Islam, a religion of peace. Right? Didn’t Barack live in Indonesia for a while?

    Report Post » armywife77  
    • loriann12
      Posted on August 23, 2011 at 7:16am

      Yes, he lived there from 5-10 years of age. If he was born in 1961, that would have been 1966-71. That was the end of the Indonesian Killings of 1965-66. there were mutilated bodies of communists (killed by Muslim youth and women) hanging in the streets of Jakarta. Read for yourself.

      http://www.massviolence.org/The-Indonesian-Killings-of-1965-1966

      Report Post »  
    • AJAYW
      Posted on August 23, 2011 at 7:17am

      Right on ARMYWIFE77, religion of peace NOT, religion of hate YES

      Report Post »  
    • qpwillie
      Posted on August 23, 2011 at 7:54am

      armywife77,
      Yep, that’s where he spent the main “formative” years of his life.

      Report Post » qpwillie  
    • NoGlobalism
      Posted on August 23, 2011 at 8:04am

      Formative. Right. Frankenstein on steroids.

      Report Post » NoGlobalism  
    • loriann12
      Posted on August 23, 2011 at 9:43am

      You would think after all the violence Obama saw between the ages of 5 and 10 that he would have PTSD. There was a train of thought that said our CIA and military was involved in all the killing of Communists over there (don‘t know if it’s true or not, but somehow it’s believable). Could be why he hates our military, FBI and CIA and special forces. And the sheeple put this guy in office. Not me.

      Report Post »  
    • Bill Rowland
      Posted on August 23, 2011 at 10:12am

      Not only did he live there he attended a islamic school and a mosque. He also learned and participated in the prayers that are required by the Koran. He has stated that the prayers are the prettiest sounds he has ever heard.

      Report Post »  
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