"We have decided to oppose the idea or plan to scrap the religion column on IDs," Umar Shihab, the chairman of the MUI`s Islamic Solidarity Affairs, said.Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI) has opposed the governments idea to allow citizens to leave the religion column on their identity cards (ID) empty, saying the column is important for the life of the nation and state.
"We have decided to oppose the idea or plan to scrap the religion column on IDs," Umar Shihab, the chairman of the MUIs Islamic Solidarity Affairs, said here on Thursday.
The idea to scrap or add other religions on IDs could harm the interest of the nation and state as it might trigger polemics.
MUI Deputy Chairman Maruf Amin, meanwhile, said the inclusion of religion on IDs constituted a personal identity, which is protected by Law No.24/2013.
Therefore, every citizen, who follows a religion approved by the law, is obliged to mention his or her religion on his or her ID.
"If an Indonesian citizen professes a religion other than the six recognized religions in Indonesia, he or she can leave the religion column on his or her ID blank, but his or her religion must be registered in the population administration data," he added.
According to him, traditional beliefs cannot be considered as religion, so they should not be mentioned in the religion column.
"We will convey our decision to the government," he added.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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