Seeking a Viable Alternative to Indonesia’s Blasphemy Laws

The Regional Coordinator for the joint project of the IPPFoRB and APHR on freedom of religion or belief, Desi Hanara wrote an op ed on The Diplomat. The article explores the significance of the United Nations Human Rights Council Resolution 16/18 as a viable alternative to blasphemy law. It calls on Indonesia to intensify its efforts to implement the resolution, and make immediate steps to repeal its 1965 Blasphemy Law and amend its draft Penal Code by shifting the criminalisation of blasphemy into criminalisation of incitement to discrimination, hostility and violence, to prevent from perpetuating discrimination against the minorities.

The article is timed to respond to the aggravating legislative steps by the Indonesian Parliament in expanding the provisions related to blasphemy under the draft Penal Code, which is expected to be tabled soon in the parliament amidst the worsening pandemic situation in our country.

The full article is accessible in this link.