ORGANIZATIONS REJECT IDEA TO SCRAP RELIGIOUS IDENTITY ON ID CARDS

By Andi Abdussalam

Jakarta, Nov 13 (Antara) - The government's idea to leave the religion column blank on identity (ID) cards has been rejected by several people, particularly Muslim organizations, alleging that it contradicts the state philosophy of Pancasila.         The latest objection was voiced by the Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI), which argued that the religion column on ID cards should not be left blank as it holds significance for the nation and state.         "We have decided to reject the idea to scrap the religion column on ID cards," Umar Shihab, the chairman for MUI's Islamic Solidarity Affairs, stated here on Thursday.         The idea to scrap or mention other religions on the ID column has the potential to harm the interests of the nation and state because it could trigger polemics, he affirmed.          Umar proposed that the existing law on the issue should be implemented.          "The law is already relevant, acceptable, and based on aspirations. So, it must be implemented. This is an outlook adopted by Indonesian Muslims with regard to this issue," Umar noted.          MUI Deputy Chairman Ma'ruf Amin emphasized that mentioning a person's religion on his or her ID card constituted a personal identity, which is protected by Law No. 24/2013.          Based on Law No. 24/2013 on Population Administration, the religions recognized by the government in Indonesia are Islam, Christianity, Catholicism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Konghucu (Confucianism).