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 […]
Aceh: Punk rockers’ mohawks shaved as “threat to Islamic values”
“Morality” policing is a cheap and lazy way for a government to look busy and effective. It is a tool of intimidation and political pandering where Sharia has tied the right to rule to Islamic piety. As even Imam Rauf knows, Sharia is a package deal, and its reach into every area of life sets […]
Indonesia: Interior ministry tries appeasement to end standoff with Muslim mayor ignoring court order on church opening
From this story: “The Supreme Court ruled in December 2010 that the closure was unlawful and ordered its reopening, but the city administration continues to ignore the ruling. Mayor Diani Budiarto has used several excuses to keep the church closed, most recently saying there should not be a Christian church on a street with an […]
Indonesia: “Islamic extremists” push for demolition of five churches
Once again, this is a fight over permits. The permit system for houses of worship in Indonesia is one example of a crafty form of legislation in Muslim countries: laws that have the practical effect of allowing the enforcement of Sharia without the international and domestic political liability of spelling it out. Other examples include […]
Indonesia: Hundreds of “hardline Muslims” gather to denounce “arrogance” of church for continuing to exist
First, the congregation of Indonesian Christians continues to exist. The next thing you know, they’ll want to continue to exist with dignity in peace and security. The unmitigated gall! More on the unending saga of the Yasmin Church in Bogor, which has involuntarily found itself at the heart of Indonesia’s permit system charade, which is […]
Indonesia: Ahmadi mosque that operated for 21 years suddenly closed over permit violation
In this case, the violation does not concern the usual permit system that stacks the deck against non-Muslim houses of worship. This incident seems to involve a convenient technicality, as Indonesia tightens the screws against the Ahmadi sect across the country: in several provinces, they are banned outright. Also noteworthy is the matter-of-fact statement that […]
Indonesia: City outside of capital bans “sexy” advertising in mission to become “a religious city”
Creeping Sharia, just outside of Jakarta. Customers wield immense power where advertising is concerned, and may always vote with their pocketbooks where it crosses lines of decency or stupidity. Wouldn’t it be more impressive than a ban if pious residents of Depok took their business elsewhere en masse? That would achieve a more lasting social […]