Indonesia is markedly more relaxed in its approach to homegrown Islamic supremacist thugs (see also: the church saga in Bogor) than ones with international connections, though they have shown a rather soft touch at times in the latter case as well. As long as the local groups focusing on harassing Christians and Ahmadis, intervention has […]
Indonesia: Muslims shouting “jihad” vandalize security post, demand alcohol ban
The Islamic Defenders Front demands a ban on alcohol, the Muslim way: with a near-riot, vandalism, and threats of jihad. And what about the sizable number of non-Muslims in Indonesia, who may want to drink alcohol? Pah! Who cares about them? “Indonesia Islamic group rallies to demand alcohol ban,” from Reuters, January 12: JAKARTA | […]
Indonesia: Muslims enraged by call for a “friendly Islam”
It’s a Religion of Peace, and if you ask us to behave as if it is, we’ll attack you — this appears to be a guiding principle of the Islamic Reform Movement. “Bumper Sticker Sparks New Clash at Indonesian Church,” by Vento Saudale for the Jakarta Globe, January 2: Bogor. A bumper sticker prompted members […]
Indonesia: Islamophobes torch Shi’ite boarding school — no, wait…
Actually it looks as if the perps were Sunni Wahhabis. Odd. We hear so much more about “Islamophobes,” and yet those who are accused of that particular trumped-up malady never seem to do any acts of violence to rival those committed by Islamic jihadists. “Shia Islamic Boarding School Torched, Police Do Nothing: Allegation,” from the […]
Indonesia: Christian congregation forced to celebrate Christmas at member’s home after threats from Islamic group
Once again, is there still a government in Jakarta? The Yasmin Church of Bogor has a supreme court decision on its side, but the mayor and local thugs have stood in their way with impunity. It is standard operating procedure for Jakarta to turn a blind eye to homegrown abuse of non-Muslims, for that is […]
Indonesia: Punk rock fans detained in Aceh may face further indoctrination and harassment
They were held incommunicado from their families and kept away from school and work for ten days. They have completed their ten-day detention, but are not free. There will evidently be follow-up indoctrination, and they remain under the thumb of authorities. Is there still a government in Jakarta? One could be forgiven for doubting. The […]
Indonesia’s Christmas tradition: Turning a blind eye to persecution and intimidation of Christians
Indonesia routinely takes the path of least resistance with its homegrown Islamic supremacist thugs, and the path of least resistance is to offer them little to no resistance in response, even offering compromises. But those who persecute Christians, Hindus, Ahmadis, and others with near impunity will eventually turn on the state that has enabled them […]
Robert Spencer and Michael Coren discuss Islam in Indonesia
I was on the nonpareil Michael Coren’s Sun TV show tonight, discussing that alleged bastion of peaceful Islam, modern moderate Indonesia. Video thanks to Vlad Tepes.
Aceh: Punk rockers deemed “threat to Islamic values” held incommunicado in “re-education camps”
According to the detainees who were interviewed, they are missing school, and they cannot contact their parents. Jakarta, which consistently takes the path of least resistance with homegrown “extremism,” may or may not be motivated to rein in the proliferating abuses in Sharia-ruled Aceh. An update on this story. –˜Punk’s Not Dead” Despite Aceh Arrests,” […]
Indonesia: Islamic supremacists decapitate statue of Virgin Mary
For these people, piety means destroying the religious symbols of other religions. “Central Java: statue of the Virgin decapitated,” by Mathias Hariyadi for Asia News, December 15 (thanks to C. Cantoni): The act of vandalism occurred last night in Sendag Prawito (Semarang Archdiocese), in a small chapel devoted to Our Lady. A cross was also […]