5 Examples of Indonesia’s Turn to Conservative Islam
Worldwide, Islam does not seem to be evolving in a tolerant direction.
Five Examples of Indonesia’s Turn to Conservative Islam
Indonesia has had a tradition of moderate Islam in a culture influenced by Hinduism and Buddhism. But the tenor has changed in recent years, with conservative Muslims and hard-line groups gaining traction in pushing for stricter moral laws and social norms. Here are some examples that show the country’s turn to conservative Islam.
1 Reviving Efforts to Criminalize Cohabitation of Unmarried Couples
Indonesia considered criminalizing cohabitation and sex among singles in early 2013. The idea fizzled at the time, but recently proponents revived the effort, asking the Supreme Court for a constitutional prohibition. Also this year, religious hard-liners staged antigay rallies, and the government threatened to block websites it says promote lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender lifestyles.
2 Aceh Province Passes Stricter Islamic Laws
In 2014, the province of Aceh passed a stricter Islamic code, expanding caning punishments to adultery, homosexual acts and public displays of affection, and extending Shariah law to non-Muslims.
3 Islamic Parties Push to Ban Sale of Alcohol
Indonesia banned the sale of alcoholic beverages in minimarts in April 2015. The ban was later relaxed, but now Islamic parties are pushing a bill that would ban the sale of beer, wine and spirits across the country.
4 Telecom Provider Blocks Access to Netflix
In January of this year, Indonesia’s biggest telecommunications provider blocked access to Netflix Inc.’s video-streaming service after the Indonesian Film Censorship Board and traditional cable-television operators complained about what it said was violent and adult content.
5 100,000 Protest in Jakarta Against Christian Governor
On Friday, some 100,000 Muslims gather in Jakarta to protest the city’s Christian governor for making a reference to the Quran they say amounted to blasphemy. Days before, an influential council of Islamic leaders released a statement reminding Muslims that they shouldn’t vote for candidates of other faiths.
http://blogs.wsj.com/briefly/2016/11/04/indoislam5things/
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