Indonesian Catholic Group Wields Blasphemy Law in Land Dispute

In Indonesia, Islamist groups have misused the blasphemy law to target critics of Islam. Now, members of the Catholic community on Flores Island are using the law against opponents of a church-linked palm plantation, evicting villagers and causing injuries. A salon owner criticized the church’s actions and faces blasphemy charges. The disputed land was turned over to the church during Dutch colonial rule, but the Indigenous community is challenging this. The Catholic group involved has not responded to a human rights letter. This highlights the need to repeal the blasphemy law in Indonesia to prevent further abuse.

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