Religous Affairs Ministry: Sharia perda drafted based on local wisdom

Jakarta, NU Online
Expert staff in Religious Affairs Ministry Oman Faturrahman said religion-based regional regulation or sharia perda was the authority of local administration. However, the policies must be first examined.

“For example, on how to prevent such regulations cause persecution against minority groups,” Oman was quoted by tempo.co as saying in Ayana Mid Plaza Hotel, Jakarta, Wednesday (21/11).

According to Oman, sharia perda were drafted based on local wisdom in each region, but it often stuck to limited rules. “This is perhaps what we have to monitor together as to prevent persecution,” he explained.

Oman said the ministry would surely monitor the implementation of the sharia perda considering other religious groups must be weighed to fit in the regulation.

Normatively, he continued, the ministry assessed no issue on the religion-based bylaw. However, according to Oman, there was a case related to its implementation that broke certain limits. “For example, [the bylaw] normatively aims to guard women, but on its implementation, it limits women’s rights,” he added.

Sharia perda has been widely talked again among the public following the refusal statement conveyed by Indonesia Solidarity Party (PSI) chairperson Grace Natalie. She deemed religion-based bylaw which based on certain party’s interest potentially triggered conflict. (Masdar)