Radical Islamic groups against a new Christian school

Local politician protests in Pare-Pare against the opening of a new school. Gamaliel School Foundation: We have all the permits and our classes are open to students of all faiths. An influential Muslim in defence of the school appeals to President Joko Widodo: “It shows that the unity in diversity that Pope Francis flouted is not just words.”

Jakarta () – Some local radical Muslims are promoting a new wave of protests against the establishment of a Christian school in the city of Pare-Pare, in the province of South Sulawesi. The group calls itself the Forum of the Muslim Society of Parepare (FM2P) and accuses the Gamaliel School Foundation of having no legal basis to build an educational facility in the Watang Soreang sub-district. The protest was held at the local government headquarters (DPRD) last Friday, with the aim of having the permits granted by the Pare-Pare authority revoked.

Citing a 2021 regulation from the Indonesian Ministry of Education, they say that “a Christian educational institution is only allowed to be built where there is no public rejection.” “In Soreang,” they add, “there are still many schools whose number of students is below expectations.” The Gamaliel School Foundation responds by pointing out that all requirements have been met and that it will be completed in October 2023. The school’s lawyer, Rachmat S Lulung, also recalled that this Christian school is an inclusive educational institution, “open to all Indonesian students.”

A local politician from Pare-Pare, Kamaluddin Kadir, also publicly supports the protesters’ disagreement, citing the fact that the school is located in a Muslim-majority area. However, Permadi Arya, a Muslim influencer, has taken a stand against their comments, appealing to President Joko Widodo by recalling Pope Francis’ visit a few weeks ago. “President Jokowi,” he wrote on social media, “please show your power to protect our Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, the spirit of the nation to ensure unity in diversity, which you publicly defended in front of the pontiff. If you do not have the courage to do so, it will mean that yours were just empty words.”