The Jakarta Post, 9/7/2005 2:24:36 PM
Govt to review joint decree on building houses of worship
JAKARTA (Antara): Minister of Home Affairs M. Ma'ruf said on Wednesday that the
government would review a controversial joint ministerial decree on the construction of
venues to host religious services.
He said the joint ministerial decree, which was issued in 1969, would be brought into
line with Law No. 32/2004 on regional autonomy.
Ma'ruf said that he and Minister of Religious Affairs M. Maftuh Basyuni, Minister of
Justice and Human Rights Hamid Awaluddin, Attorney General Rahman Sales as well
as National Police chief Gen. Sutanto would hold a meeting to discuss the review.
Under the current decree, congregations wishing to build a house of worship must
obtain a permit from the head of the local administration and seek permission from
local residents.
Ma'ruf said that the review was also due to the recent closure of dozen of churches in
West Java. (*)
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