12/21/2018, 15.46
INDONESIA
Send to a friend

Malang mayor bans ‘annoying’ Christmas-themed clothes and accessories

by Mathias Hariyadi

The mayor’s memo sparks controversy. Christian man counters that Christians simply go to Mass: “We are not in the street all night setting off fireworks and playing the drum!" In 2015, saying "Merry Christmas" was banned in Banda Aceh.

Jakarta (AsiaNews) – Malang Mayor Sutiaji (East Java Province) on Monday issued an internal memo to city officials with two orders: businesses (stores, shops, entertainment venues) are asked not to force their employees to wear Christmas-themed clothes and accessories; and public officials must monitor Christmas festivities by Protestants and Catholics to prevent them from annoying others.

The memo, which was quickly made public, sparked criticism from Christians and others. But in his defence, the mayor reiterated his commitment to democracy and respect for pluralism and social harmony among various religious communities.

“My point is clear: I don’t prohibit Christian and Catholic communities from celebrating their Christmas season,” he said.

Instead, he objects to Muslims wearing Christmas paraphernalia for marketing purposes, noting nevertheless that his “exhortation” can “fuel many interpretations about Christian communities.”

For some, the mayor’s explanation doesn’t add up. "I am personally offended,” said Aditya Wisnu. “Since when have we Christians celebrated Christmas noisily bothering others? What we do is attend Mass on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We are not in the street all night setting off fireworks and playing the drum!"

Indonesia, the most populous Islamic country in the world, is not new to local government officials taking an anti-Christian stance. In 2015, Illizza Sa'aduddin Djamal, the first woman mayor of Banda Aceh, decided that Christians could not be greeted with "Merry Christmas" and banned New Year celebrations.

TAGs
Send to a friend
Printable version
CLOSE X
See also
Aceh gives a hero’s welcome to former ‘Enemy Number 1’ Hasan Tiro
13/10/2008
Tsunami: Reconstruction in Aceh and Nias Island blocked by corruption
26/12/2006
For Fr Tom, abducted in Yemen, Holy Thursday prayer and adoration for the martyrs
21/03/2016 14:57
Teenagers flogged in public for cuddling
31/01/2019 17:56
Christian couple sentenced to flogging for gambling in Aceh
28/02/2018 12:57


Newsletter

Subscribe to Asia News updates or change your preferences

Subscribe now
“L’Asia: ecco il nostro comune compito per il terzo millennio!” - Giovanni Paolo II, da “Alzatevi, andiamo”