A Catholic bishop in the province of Maluku in Indonesia denounced alleged moves by local authorities to foment religious intolerance and division.
“The head of the district prevented a peaceful situation from being created,” said Bishop Seno Inno Ngutra of the Diocese of Amboina in a media briefing this week.
The prelate said that in recent days, authorities have even confiscated vehicles that were donated by the local government for the use of representatives of various religions in the district.
“We are not dependent on these cars, but what the previous district head did was to provide the vehicles to help religious leaders to continue what the government desires them to do,” he said.
The religious leader also alleged that Brigadier General Andi Chandra As’aduddin, who governs the district, denied Christians access to a main road leading to Kupang.
Since May, the general has implemented policies that have sparked opposition from religious leaders, including questioning of the Catholic Ecclesiastical Choir Festival or Pesparani.
Bishop Ngutra said the event, which will be participated by other faiths in October, is part of a national program under the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
As’aduddin denied the allegations of the religious leaders, saying that he stands “above all religious groups.”
