Recent Developments, Causes and Policy Implications for Peace

Abstract

Since the introduction of democracy, political and societal conflicts have become more visible in Indonesia. This article focuses on religious conflicts, highlights the recent developments and patterns, and analyzes the state insufficient performance in protecting all of its citizens. The current Indonesian government tends to react rather passively to religious intolerance, discrimination and violence, and the many Indonesian non-governmental organizations and individuals committed to interrelig ious dialogue are running in place. Three main causes are identified that trigger religious discrimination and violence in Indonesia namely, the legal framework and its implementation, Islamization and Christianization, and the military and police. The thesis of this article is that policy engagement with these three factors is crucial in order to foster religious peace.