ETHICS AND RELIGIOUS PHILOSOPHY

BLASPHEMY CASE OF
MEILIANA IN TANJUNG BALAI
Andry Tiawan/ Hose Winanda/ Samgar Michael Santoso/ Imaji
Lasahido
INTRODUCTION
blasphemy in many aspect have been related to a religious sense upon speaking disdain upon
something holy, in other words, sacrilege. There have been a time in the days of the old as
blasphemy have come with a punishment as denigrate a sacred place is the highest sin that
have been spoken by the divine. one speaks against a dominant premise or position within a
theological context, the theo-cons in control of the tribal messaging use an accusation of
blasphemy to ostracize the offender.

It is as accusing someone of treason in a political discussion because they do not share a

particular perception of a national policy. It is intended to intimidate and punish ‘other’ and
maintain control of a given narrative, which often then controls many aspects of culture and
society.

Looking back at Meiliana’s Blasphemy case. Started from a sound complaint from mosque to a
fight against other religion. The case were ended by sending Meilina 18 months jail time. This
presentation was to analyze the chronology of the case, charges and law that is used to sue her
in the court.
 THE CHRONOLOGY
BEGINNING
on on July 22, 2016, Meiliana’s protested
against the sound level of the adhan from the
neighborhood’s local mosque Al Maksun,
which she felt was too loud.
RIOT
unknown mass ransacked and ruined
Meliana’s house which was followed by a
highly tense night where the unknown group
destroyed or vandalized several temples and
viharas across the Tanjung Balai City.
THE CASE
The case started on Monday, July 29, 2016,
Meiliana’s husband stepped in to be the
mediator and offered his apologies to the
mosque’s members. .
TRIAL
Meiliana was named as a blasphemy suspect
since March 2017 while the eight suspects of
vandalism that were arrested each received
only one to three months behind bars.
 ANALYSIS
1) Article 156a of the Indonesian Criminal Code about
Blasphemy and Religious Defamation → What action can be
considered as blasphemy?

2) On 22 July 2018, Meiliana only complaints about the

noise to one people work from stall named Kasini, prove
from a record.

3) Despite the complaint does not bring any real damage,

the citizens chose to do vandalism on 3 monasteries and 8
pagodas.

4) The difference of punishment between those who

vandalized the monasteries and pagodas with Meiliana’s
punishment (4 months vs 18 months jail sentence)
 WHAT'S THE DIFFERENT

MEILIANA AHOK ASIA BIBI

Jail time 18 months Jail time 2 Years 8 Years Jail Time

Complains about the Quoting Surah Al Accused of mocking
mosque speaker being Maidah Verse 51 the Prophet
too loud
 BLASPHEMY OR
FREEDOM OF EXPRESION
 EXAMPLE 1 EXAMPLE 2 EXAMPLE 3
"We are more popular then jesus" "Will the real likeness of the prophet “Blasphemy is just the fanatic's name
mohammed please stand up?" for criticism"
How to prevent this case from happening again

1. Try to understand other religion

2. Respect others believe
3. Think before talk
4. Avoid talking about other religions at a conference
5. Be wise
 CONCLUSION
This case is one of many cases of religious feud in Indonesia In this case,
the discrepancy between the punishments given to Meiliana and those
who ransacked the temples can be seen. Despite the complaint does not
bring any real damage rather than the citizens that chose to do
vandalism on 3 monasteries and 8 pagodas. The freedom to express her
opinion rights also have been taken by the aggressor. The Article 156a of
the Indonesian Criminal Code about Blasphemy and Religious
Defamation needed to be more clearer and less ambigous.
THANK YOU