US State Dept Statement: Religious Violence in Indonesia

By Philip J. Crowley, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Public Affairs

The United States is deeply concerned about the mob violence in Indonesia directed at members of the Ahmadiyah community that resulted in the deaths of three people and the wounding of several others this past weekend. We also note with concern the recent church burnings in Central Java. We join the vast majority of Indonesians in deploring these acts of violence.

President Yudhoyono’s statement, that the Government of Indonesia will take firm action against the perpetrators of the violence, underscores Indonesia’s commitment to rule of law and to the protection of the rights of all communities.