Respect for diversity which is the primary foundation of the order of the nation-state continues to erode as the 13-year journey of reformation continues. This can be seen from the conflicts between different ethnic groups, races and/or religions such as what occurred during the May 1998 Tragedy, Maluku and Poso. In the last five years, there has been an intensity of attacks on minority religions, namely attacks on churches, the Ahmadiyah community, Shiites and other groups accused of being cults. These incidents leave a legacy of suspicion between groups. In this situation, women are the main group that experiences violence and intimidation.

This is the background to the Religious Campaign initiated by Komnas Perempuan. This campaign is supported by the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Indonesia (MK RI), the Institute for the Empowerment of Women and Children in Ambon, the United North Sumatra Alliance in Medan, the Program for Religious and Cross-Cultural Studies (CRCS) in Yogyakarta and the Institute of Humanistic Studies (LENSA) in Mataram. On 25 May 2011, Komnas Perempuan held a national dialogue in those 5 regions simultaneously by way of video conference. This activity was also part of a series in commemorating the May 1998 Tragedy, National Education Day, National Awareness Day and 13 years of Indonesian reformation.

“After twelve years of religious-based conflict in Ambon, the separation between religious groups is still happening. The separation of residential areas is solid proof that the impact of the conflict is still felt today despite the state declaring that the conflict in Ambon is over. In this situation, the initiative taken by women in restoring peace in Ambon such as by reopening trading activity forms part of the efforts used by women to mend the diversity which has been torn apart,” stated Wa Ode Arisa, a student at Pattimura Ambon University who is also an activist at the Institute for the Empowerment of Women and Children.

Responding to this issue, Constitutional Court judge Maria Farida who was a speaker was of the view that the state has an obligation to deal with this issue comprehensively. This includes making inroads into bridging the gap in monitoring the fulfilment of constitutional rights in areas which have district autonomy. “There is discourse on a Constitutional Complaint that the Constitutional Court should be able to address rules and regulations under the law. Nevertheless, at this time the Supreme Court cannot act”, said Maria Farida. (NQ & VS)