State Intervention in the Establishment of the House of Worship to Realize Religious Harmony

Abstract

Indonesia, with a plural society, is interested in guaranteeing every religious adherent’s independence. Therefore, various regulations are enacted to reduce conflicts that often occur, including matters relating to establishing places of Worship. This caused multiple responses from the community. At the same time, it is essential to take a closer look at how places of Worship are established. This research takes the form of literature, and concerning the data, the author divides it into 2 (two), namely primary and secondary. The analytical framework that will be optimized is Thomas R. Dye’s public policy. This study found that the intervention of the Indonesian State in the establishment of houses of Worship through a joint regulation made by two ministries, namely the Minister of Home Affairs and the Minister of Religion, regarding the establishment of places of worship Number 1 of 1969 and Numbers 8 and 9 of 2006 is essential. However, the government must disseminate the regulations for licensing the construction of houses of Worship to all religious communities in Indonesia and be firm in implementing these laws and regulations to minimize conflicts caused by religion.