Indonesian President Issues Decree to Stop Evangelism [1] in Aceh

Thursday, 28-July-2005, 13:56:46

Banda Aceh, Waspada -- The Indonesian president has released a decree (Kepres) that forbids evangelism [1] in Aceh and asked [mission organizations] to stop their evangelism [1] activities in Aceh.

"The evangelism [1] has been a national issue. The problem have been discussed [on the] national level and the president has issue a decree to forbid evangelism [1] in Aceh,' " [Muslim leader] Muslim Ibrahin told "Waspada Daily" on Wednesday.

Muslim said the government will cease [mission operations] in Aceh if they are involved in evangelism [1] in Aceh and their workers visas will be ended and they have to leave Aceh.

Following the decree, [a Muslim group] has asked police and local government to run an investigation and find evidence on any reports on evangelism [1] submitted by people in Aceh. ‘’The police have to become more pro-active in managing this issues," said Muslim.

Among them is World Vision. In the meeting, they promised not to run evangelism [1] activities and will help report any evangelism [1] cases.

Last week, hundreds of students from SyiahKualaUniversity marched and staged protest in front of Aceh Governor office in Banda Aceh. They asked the government to expel [missions] that provide humanitarian help to cover evangelism [1] activities.

[TBC: The same religion which is spread by the sword can tolerate no threats to its domination.]