Indonesian ID cards often the source of trouble

Every citizen in Indonesia must have an ID card. The function is more than just for cashing checks and getting on a plane. The ID cards are essential for a person when they move locations and getting a new card issued in a new location can be expensive. Here is Bali its a racket, with Javanese people having to pay a premium because they are not from here.

One part of the ID card that has caused concern is the inclusion of the person’s religion. Indonesia has a lot of rules that seem wacked to an outsider. The country recognizes 6 religions (Islam, Catholicism, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism and Confucianism), but the Ministry of Religion is Muslim). In theory one’s religion should reflect one’s personal beliefs, which should be private. Not over here, they want to be able to categorize everyone, with no room for traditional animist beliefs.

Sectarian violence which has occurred in various parts of the country over the last several years is often linked to religion. Some high profile people think its time to take religion off of ID cards. Wonder what a cop would make of my ID card if I had one!