Human Rights

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  Buddhist, Muslim leaders urge tolerance in Burma

  2013-05-15

  The Indonesia Grand Sangha Conference (KASI) has called for an end to intercommunal violence and is organising deliveries of aid to Burmese refugees displaced by the clashes.

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  Tolerance, religious freedom key to Indonesia's future growth

  2013-05-07

  Some say the recent uptick in violence against religious minorities could have harmful effects on the economy.

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  Indonesian women test their mettle at Morocco rally

  2013-05-06

  With Kartini Day as a backdrop, Total E&P Indonesie sent four female employees to Morocco to participate in a women-only motor rally in March.

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  ASEAN puts spotlight on human rights in business

  2013-05-04

  The regional body is seeking to establish standards and close loopholes affecting human rights in member states.

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  Indonesia presses for end to violence against Rohingya Muslims

  2013-05-01

  During a state visit to Burma, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono urges resolution of communal violence there, and says Indonesia is ready to help.

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  Bali festivals showcase interfaith bonding

  2013-04-23

  Residents of all faiths want to work hard to preserve the tradition of co-existence they enjoy on the island.

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  Politicians, locals push to prove Indonesia's tolerance

  2013-04-22

  Despite some recent incidents of sectarian conflict, the government maintains the country has a tolerant society.

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  Building permits unevenly enforced in Indonesia

  2013-04-20

  Several houses of worship in Indonesia have been closed or torn down because they lacked the required approval. But some say even mainstream mosques are usually built without a permit.

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  Marching for a more tolerant Indonesia

  2013-04-18

  Members of Indonesia's largest Muslim organisation join the protest calling for the protection of religious freedom.

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  Without a church, worshippers hold Easter outside

  2013-04-03

  An unusual congregation in front of the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta was an apparent effort to refocus attention on growing religious tensions in West Java.

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  Putrajaya Hindu Temple to pay tribute to the goddess of all things

  2013-03-18

  Malaysian Hindus set sights on a new house of worship in their country's seat of government.

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  Indonesians ponder how to promote tolerance

  2013-03-16

  Religious leaders, academics and regular citizens call for increased dialogue in order to foster co-existence and better relations among the country's faiths.

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  In Indonesia, continuing debate over "female circumcision"

  2013-03-05

  The OIC says Islam does not support the practice and the UN has condemned it. What stance will Indonesia take?

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  Malaysia needs to do more for people with disabilities, advocates say

  2013-02-27

  Lax enforcement of a 2008 law enshrining rights for people with disabilities is preventing them from living independently or being welcomed fully into society.

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  Lunar New Year highlights religious tolerance

  2013-02-15

  The annual Imlek celebrations were an occasion to promote Indonesia's diverse cultural tapestry.

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  Situation grows dire for Sampang Shia Muslims

  2013-02-14

  Food, medical services and security have been halted for victims of sectarian violence who are refusing relocation offers.

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  Religious intolerance still at red-alert level, group says

  2013-02-13

  Most Indonesian Muslims are moderate. Can they protect pluralism amid rising signs of religious intolerance?

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  Helping hands ease Jakarta flooding woes

  2013-02-04

  Donations flow in and social media plays a role as Jakartans rally to help flood victims.

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  Proposed ban on straddling motorcycles criticised

  2013-01-23

  A Muslim scholar is among those expressing doubt that the prohibition will make women safer.

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  Muslim youth assist Christian holiday celebrations

  2013-01-08

  Members of the Islamic Youth Movement helped provide security during Christmas celebrations in Madiun.

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  Residents of Ra-gnae rally for peace and reconciliation

  2013-01-04

  Locals call for insurgents to lay down their arms and help build a better quality of life in the Deep South.

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  Uprooting the causes of religious violence

  2012-12-27

  Intolerance among youth and erroneous notions of jihad are driving an alarming trend, says a local NGO that is seeking to combat the problem.

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  Burqa escape prompts discussion in Indonesia

  2012-12-06

  A convicted terrorist's decision to escape by donning women's garb is "embarrassing" and disrespectful to Islam, scholars say. It has also led to new screening rules at prisons where militants are incarcerated.

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  International parliamentarians promote interfaith co-operation

  2012-12-01

  Lawmakers of many countries pledge their commitment to religious tolerance and discuss how their institutions can promote it.

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  In Central Java town, Sunni and Shia live in harmony

  2012-11-28

  Friendship and tolerance characterise Sunni-Shia relations in a port region proud of its history of tolerance.

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  Displaced Shia Muslims feel abandoned

  2012-11-21

  Funding is running low and boredom is setting in for the Shia Muslims sheltering in a sports facility in Sampang since a mob burned their homes in late August.

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  In Malaysia, a Sikh temple stands as a place of fellowship

  2012-10-29

  The gurdwara, the largest in Southeast Asia, offers a variety of services, as well as tranquillity and togetherness, to local Sikhs and people from other faiths.

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  Activists say Sharia shaming led to suicide in Aceh

  2012-09-27

  Publicly called a prostitute, teen girl apparently chose death to escape the humiliation.

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  Shia cleric's trial legally flawed: experts

  2012-09-26

  A team of legal experts says judges' verdict was based on allegations, not evidence, in the test case for Indonesia's Shia community

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  Amid demonstrations, Muslim leaders call for restraint

  2012-09-15

  While upholding the right of Muslims to voice outrage against a film deemed offensive to Islam, clerics and political leaders have been calling for the protests to steer clear of violence.

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  Indonesia sends humanitarian aid to Burma

  2012-09-11

  An Indonesian humanitarian mission reached Burma's Rakhine state on August 30th with sarongs, hygiene kits and blankets for Muslims and Buddhists affected by recent violence.

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  Indonesians decry attack, call for acceptance of Shia minority

  2012-09-01

  Top figures urge the government to eliminate the misperception that Shia is not a legitimate branch of Islam.

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  Shia Muslims of Madura attacked again

  2012-08-31

  East Java's governor has vowed to prosecute perpetrators after the second attack on a Shia community in nine months.

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  Practicing the love they both preach in Tanjung Priok

  2012-08-07

  Hymn of praise and call to prayer mingle without conflict in this part of Tanjung Priok where church and mosque co-exist as neighbours.

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  Film portrays healing power of an interfaith friendship

  2012-08-06

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  East Java forum empowers abuse victims

  2012-08-02

  Victims of domestic violence in Jombang find sympathetic listeners and learn new skills at the Independent Women's Forum (FPM).

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  Ramadan brings opportunity for seasonal beggars

  2012-08-01

  Efforts to practice charity during Islam's holy month can mean easy money for itinerants who flock to neighbourhoods around the capital.

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  Homeless in Ambon, again

  2012-07-26

  Lacking privacy and adequate sanitation while facing an uncertain future, Muslims and Christians alike suffer in temporary shelters after the latest sectarian violence in Ambon, Indonesia.

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  Dieng celebrates traditional Javanese culture, and tolerance

  2012-07-14

  In the Dieng Plateau, local traditions are preserved and Islamic beliefs are practiced. Locals say the combination is essential to their identity.

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  Tolerance on display in Ambon during Qur'an recital event

  2012-07-07

  Indonesia's president expressed his pride at seeing Muslims and Christians work together to host the National Qur'an Recital Competition in Ambon.

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  Aceh ban on "un-Islamic" attire stirs debate

  2012-06-28

  Wearing jeans or shorts could lead to a public caning as Banda Aceh authorities launch stricter enforcement of Sharia-inspired regulations on clothing. Some say their personal liberty is under attack.

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  Migrants sacrifice for a better life

  2012-06-26

  Leaving one's family is hard but necessary decision for many Indonesian women who struggle to make ends meet.

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  East Java villagers irate over fundamentalists

  2012-06-21

  Hundreds of people stage a protest in Bangunsari, declaring that Islam is a religion of tolerance and harmony.

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  Thailand approves massive payout to Deep South victims

  2012-06-20

  Thailand approves massive payout to Deep South victims

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  Fans mount a fashion tribute to Lady Gaga in Jakarta

  2012-06-18

  Little Monsters dance and dress away their disappointment over the Lady Gaga concert cancellation at a Jakarta fashion event.

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  Indonesians say their country still tolerant

  2012-06-15

  Religious leaders from across different faiths insist the country's tradition of religious harmony remains intact, despite the actions of some militant groups.

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  Indonesia: heated debate over sharia rules

  2012-06-09

  The West Java town of Tasikmalaya plans to enforce head coverings and other sharia rules by setting up a special police force. Critics see a threat to civil liberties.

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  Hardline groups introduce new strain of intolerance

  2012-05-17

  Indonesia's reputation for pluralism and diversity is under threat by militant ideologues and their supporters, civil liberties activists say.

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  Philippines aid programme dims insurgent appeal

  2012-05-16

  Involving local communities in decisions that affect their well-being has helped defuse grievances and may be tied to a reduction in violence by a Muslim rebel group, experts say.

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  In Indonesia, Lady Gaga's show won't go on

  2012-05-15

  Tens of thousands of fans are outraged, but conservative Muslim groups say Lady Gaga does not belong in Indonesia.

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  Indonesia: Buddhists celebrate Vesak, the festival of peace

  2012-05-13

  The focus is on harmony and tolerance as the country's Buddhists – along with visitors from across the globe – gather at the famed Borobudur temple.

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  Brave act leads to rescue of trafficked fishermen

  2012-05-11

  Allegedly forced into slave labour and beaten into compliance, one man flags down the Thai Marine Police and secures freedom for himself and seven companions.

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  Indonesia's Shia Muslims face pressure

  2012-05-10

  Amid increased harassment of Shia Muslims and other religious minorities, the country's moderate Muslim organisations are calling for tolerance.

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  Lawmaker: Police must do more to protect religious minority groups

  2012-04-17

  Indonesian police ask minority groups to "give up" to avoid conflict, rather than protecting their rights, legislator charges.

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  Desperate illegal journeys often end in death, officials say

  2012-04-05

  Smuggled migrants may find themselves enslaved, if they are lucky enough to survive the trip.

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  Maritime chief: human traffickers play with people's dreams

  2012-03-16

  Khabar Southeast Asia spoke with Malaysian maritime enforcement official Captain Ibrahim Mohamed about a recently foiled attempt to smuggle Pakistani migrants.

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  OIC to militant group: who gave you the right to speak for Islam?

  2012-03-08

  The visiting Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation had sharp words for the Islamic Defenders' Front, an Indonesian group that has raised a furor with its strong-arm tactics.

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  Aceh religious leaders see red over Valentine's Day

  2012-02-14

  Male-female interactions are strictly limited under Shariah law, applied in the western province since 2003.

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  Fate of Saudi tweeter sparks social media outcry

  2012-02-13

  Death is at stake as social media users defend and denounce a Saudi journalist who tweeted about the Prophet Muhammad.

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  On Lunar New Year, Malaysians reflect on ethnic harmony

  2012-01-31

  Locals relish the feeling of community that prevailed during the celebrations, while questioning if the 1Malaysia policy is enough to restore the goodwill that once existed.