Post-Modern Democracy in the ASEAN Region: Preserving Pluralism, Ensuring Justice The Urgency of Legal Reform, Indonesia

 


Muhammad Adib Alfarisi


Introduction

Southeast Asia Regional Tensions, Indonesia

The Southeast Asian region is often the scene of politically and legally charged societal dynamics, particularly in Indonesia where the issue of freedom of religion and belief (FPIC) plays a central role in many identity conflicts. Events such as the conflict between ethnic Madurese and local communities in Kalimantan, tensions between Chinese and Javanese communities in Pekalongan, and religious riots in Ambon, Poso, and Sambas show that differences in identity, including religion, can become social disintegration when not balanced with equal protection of rights for all groups. In practice, however, GBV in Indonesia still faces serious structural and cultural obstacles. Although normatively regulated in the constitution, the existence of a legal instrument, Law No. 1/PNPS/1965, limits the expression of beliefs that are different from the mainstream, resulting in normative conflicts Article 28I paragraph (1) of the 1945 Constitution emphasizes human rights as rights that cannot be reduced. On the other hand, the 2008 SKB 3 Minister policy against the Ahmadiyah group is concrete evidence of the legalization of discrimination by the state, contrary to the principle of state neutrality. This reality reflects that without a strong commitment from the state to uphold justice and equality, freedom of religion and belief becomes a source of social tension in the midst of the diversity of communitarian Indonesian society.

 

Kebebasan beragama dan berkeyakinan (KBB), Indonesia

Freedom of religion and belief (KBB) is one of the fundamental and non-derogable in national and international legal regimes. The coexistence of the Indonesian legal system which adheres to the principles of the rule of law (rechtsstaat) and constitutional democracy, freedom of religion or belief is not only normatively guaranteed but also an integral part of the protection of citizens' constitutional rights. Article 28E paragraphs (1) and (2) and Article 29 paragraph (2) of the 1945 Constitution explicitly provide guarantees to every person to embrace religion, practice worship and believe in accordance with their conscience.  Furthermore, through the ratification of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) with Law No. 12 of 2005, Indonesia is legally bound to respect and protect freedom of thought, conscience and religion as stated in Article 18 of the ICCPR.

Furthermore, the freedom of religion and belief in creating a just and inclusive society does not rely solely on the procedural existence of law (rule of law), but must also guarantee substantive justice (rule of justice). This approach is essential to strengthening the practice of human rights law, including through concrete strategies such as judicial review of discriminatory regulations—for instance, the Blasphemy Law. Additionally, Constitutional Court Decision No. 97/PUU-XIV/2016 affirms the constitutional right of faith adherents to have their belief listed in the religion column of civil registration documents. This reflects a progressive and inclusive constitutional approach that embraces the concept of a living constitution.

Major challenges also arise in resolving ethnic, religious, and cultural conflicts, both at the national and international levels. Scholars have highlighted how various conflicts—such as those between the Tuareg communities and the Malian government, the Russia–Ukraine war that has triggered global inflation, the apartheid system in South Africa, tensions between Iran and Israel, and the ongoing Israeli–Palestinian conflict—often involve cultural and identity dimensions. These factors complicate conflict resolution due to fundamental differences in lifestyles and values upheld by each group.

The discrimination against Uyghur Muslims in China illustrates how religious freedom is often sacrificed in the name of state stability. The root of these problems is not merely political; it is also embedded in a collective perception that views “difference” as a threat. Therefore, the struggle for freedom of religion and belief must go hand-in-hand with building a collective consciousness that is peaceful, just, and respectful of each civilization, in order to prevent greater humanitarian tragedies.

 

Conclusion

Indonesia's Regional Stability

Ketegangan yang terjadi mencerminkan kompleksitas persoalan di Indonesia sebagai negara dengan wilayah yang plural dan beragam. Dalam kerangka hukum kritis, penyelesaian konflik yang penuh tensi ini membutuhkan kebijakan publik sebagai prioritas utama, yang didukung oleh strategi litigasi, regulasi yang tepat, pemantauan yang berkelanjutan, serta penyuluhan hukum yang efektif. Upaya penyelesaian juga harus melibatkan peran aktif pemerintah pusat dan daerah, tokoh agama, tokoh adat, serta masyarakat luas, demi menciptakan inklusivitas dalam proses penyelesaian. Keterlibatan multipihak ini bertujuan untuk melahirkan solusi yang berorientasi pada keadilan substantif, dengan menempatkan nilai-nilai kemanusiaan dan demokrasi sebagai fondasi utama, sebagaimana amanat negara hukum demokratis yang berdasar pada kedaulatan rakyat dan supremasi hukum, yakni "a democratic and constitutional state based on the rule of law and the sovereignty of the people."

The tensions reflect the complexity of Indonesia's problems as a country with plural and diverse regions. Within a critical legal framework, resolving these tense conflicts requires public policy as a top priority, supported by litigation strategies, appropriate regulations, ongoing monitoring, and effective legal counseling. Resolution efforts must also involve the active role of central and local governments, religious leaders, traditional leaders, and the wider community, in order to create inclusiveness in the resolution process. This multi-stakeholder involvement aims to produce solutions oriented towards substantive justice, by placing humanitarian and democratic values as the main foundation, as mandated by "a democratic and constitutional state based on the rule of law and the sovereignty of the people."


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