Updated 5 December 2012

 “O mankind!  Indeed we have created you from a male and a female, and made you nations and tribes that you may identify with one another. Indeed the noblest of you in the sight of Allah is the most Godwary among you. Indeed Allah is all knowing, all-aware.” (Holy Qur’an, 49:13)

“While Indonesia’s Constitution protects freedom of religion, regulations against blasphemy and proselytizing are routinely used to prosecute atheists, Bahais, Christians, Shiites, Sufis and members of the Ahmadiyya faith.” This is an extract taken from a New York Times article written on 21 May 2012 by Andreas Harsono - a researcher for the Asia division at Human Rights Watch.

The rights of religious and ethnic minorities are consistently being trampled on in Indonesia and once again the world is witnessing another wave of aggression – this time on Indonesia’s Shiite minorities. Indonesian authorities have cut off food and water supplies to at least 190 displaced Shia Muslims in East Java - including 69 women and 61 children.

In August 2012, the Shia community, from Karang Gayam village in the Sampang district on Madura island, were displaced when an anti-Shia mob of around 500 people attacked the community with sharp weapons and stones. One person was killed and dozens were injured. The mob also set fire to thirty-five houses belonging to the Shia community. Four people have since been charged for the attack.

Following the attack, the community was moved to temporary shelter at a sports complex in Sampang - with minimal facilities - where they have been living for the last three months. No medicine or facilities specifically for children or women have been provided. On 18 November, the local authorities cut off water supply to the complex and on 22 November they halted food supplies. The displaced community has been forced to use their limited funds to purchase food and water.
 


According to credible sources, some of the Shia followers at the complex have been intimidated and harassed by local government officials who have urged them to convert to Sunni Islam if they want to return to their homes. 

The Holy Qur’an warns against aggression:
“But when He delivers them, behold, they commit violations on the earth unduly! O mankind! Your violations are only to your own detriment. (These are) the wares of the life of this world; then to Us will be your return, whereat We will inform you concerning what you used to do.” (10:23)

“…and He forbids indecency, wrong, and aggression. He advises you so that you may take admonition.”(16:90)

Dr Asgar Moledina, states,“The constant persecution against the religious rights of the ethnic minority in Indonesia is not acceptable.  We have written to the Indonesian Embassy expressing our concerns and to pledge our support for members of not only our community but the community at large.  We are also raising funds to help those affected, to provide them with basic essential, like food, water and blankets.  In addition to this, we have also started an online petition against the oppression by the Indonesian Authorities.  The Shia community there face a multitude of difficulties in this challenging time and we want to let them know that they are not alone and we are doing all that we can to help them.”
 

INDONESIA RELIEF FUND
‘Islam’ means peace. The World Federation condemns any violence perpetrated against any individual or group of people for any motive. The World Federation is calling on the Indonesian authorities to respect and enforce the religious freedom of all minorities in speech and in action, and implement the constitutional protection of freedom of worship. Food and water is a basic human right and we urge the Indonesian authorities to do the right thing and deliver urgently needed aid to its displaced Shiite citizens.

In this great month of Muharram, when Imam Husayn (as) championed the rights of all those living in oppression around the world, The World Federation is launching the INDONESIA RELIEF FUND. Your donation will help us deliver urgently needed aid to the displaced men, women and children in Indonesia. A fund has also been establish to provide basic essentials including food, water, and blankets.

DONATE ONLINE:
Donate in Europe
Donate in Canada/USA
Donate in the rest of the World

Jamaat Treasurer:
Donate directly to your Jamaat Treasurer

For more information, please email relief@world-federation.org