JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS – Amnesty International Indonesia has urged the Ministry of Human Rights to drop its plan to seek the pre-trial release of seven suspects accused of attacking a Christian student retreat in Cidahu, West Java.

The move risks undermining justice and emboldening religious intolerance.

Usman Hamid, Executive Director of Amnesty Indonesia, called the Ministry’s stance “insensitive” and a violation of the state’s duty to protect religious freedom.

He warned that releasing the suspects would signal tolerance for faith-based violence, setting a dangerous precedent.

The attack, which targeted a retreat house allegedly used for worship, reflects Indonesia’s recurring failure to prosecute sectarian violence. Past attacks on minorities like the Ahmadiyah and Shia communities have often gone unpunished, fostering a culture of impunity.

The Ministry’s proposal to resolve the case through restorative justice has drawn sharp criticism. Amnesty argues that serious crimes must be tried in court, warning that bypassing legal processes would deny victims justice and encourage further violence.

Indonesia is legally bound by Article 18 of the ICCPR, which guarantees freedom of religion, and its own Constitution. Amnesty stressed that the Ministry’s plan disregards these obligations, weakening the country’s human rights commitments.

Thomas Harming Suwarta, a Ministry official, defended the release request, calling the attack was just a “miscommunication.”

The suspects face charges under Article 170 of the Criminal Code for property destruction.

Amnesty demanded the Ministry withdraw its proposal and ensure a fair trial.

“Victims deserve justice, not excuses,” Usman Hamid said, urging authorities to uphold the rule of law.