Papuan bishop opposes Indonesian Religious Affairs Minister's project

Msgr Yanuarius You, bishop of Jayapura, at Christ the Light of the World Parish, Waena, January 28, 2024. Photo: Markus Haluk, ULMWP.

At a press conference on March 1, Indonesia's Papuan bishop, Mgr Yanuarius You, stressed that marriage blessings for Catholics in the Jayapura diocese must take place in church.

This is a response to the policy of Indonesia's Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, who intends to make the religious affairs office (KUA) a facility for the marriage of the six recognized religious communities in Indonesia: Muslim, Protestant, Catholic, Hindu, Buddhist and Confucian. 

What is KUA marriage?

In the muslim majority Indonesia, marriage for Muslim citizens are often done at the Office of Religious Affairs (KUA) without the need to report it to the Civil Registry. By opening KUA marriage opportunities to non-Muslims, Mr. Qoumas intends to reinforce the inclusivity of his ministry, as well as show that Islam is the protector of all religions.

Corruption in disguise?

While this sounds good, the initiative has been met with controversy, given that the ministry of religion has a reputation as one of the most corrupt institutions in Indonesia. In addition, it has a monopoly on halal labeling and pilgrimages to Mecca. Its budget is larger than other ministries. In comparison, this is almost double the amount set for the Ministry of Transportation. Although in theory KUA marriage services are free, can this be done in practice? We don't know for sure. The risk of corruption is high.

A one-sided policy?

So far, Mgr Yanuarius You is the only bishop in Indonesia who unabashedly opposes the KUA marriage. For this sexagenerary prelate from Paniai, Catholic marriage is sacred and cannot be reduced to a mere ceremony. Therefore, it can only be celebrated in a church and led by a Catholic official. Christians in Indonesia are used to getting married in church before reporting it to the civil registry. The new marriage procedure proposed by the minister of religion is considered very one-sided and has the potential to cause uproar. Imagine if a Christian wedding was officiated by an imam?

Resisting Islamization?

"There are six interfaith leaders in this country, representing Islam, Christianity, Catholicism, Hinduism, Buddhism and Confucianism. They must be involved in making this policy, not just unilaterally," said Mgr You when interviewed by Papua Jubi tabloid.

Given that the KUA marriage project is the work of the Muslim Minister of Religious Affairs, we can assume that this is an Islamization program under the guise of pluralism. Indeed, so far, in Indonesia, only Islam has been privileged over other religions. As the marginalization of Christians in Papua increasingly visible, Bishop You should take further steps.