A New Chapter for Indigenous Faiths
The Constitutional Court's verdict following a judicial review of the civil administration law in early November is a long-overdue answer to the silent wish of many an Indonesian follower of one of the indigenous faiths. Because of it, they can now list their belief on their ID card (KTP). Indonesia has 130,000 adherents of indigenous beliefs and religions. For far too long, they have struggled against systematic neglect and discrimination by the state. This group includes adherents of the Ugamo Bangso Batak in North Sumatra, Adat Musi in North Sulawesi and Wetu Telu in North Lombok. Tempo English reports.
December 4, 2017
No Longer in Hiding
Adherents of the Ugamo Bangso Batak have long struggled against discrimination, and work for social inclusion. A recent Constitutional Court verdict offers new hope to adherents of indigenous faiths.
Medan resident Rosni Simarmata can now have "indigenous belief" written on the line stating her religion on her ID card (KTP). Although Rosni adheres to the Ugamo Bangsa Batak (literally translating into 'the religion of the Batak peop
...