Freddy SudionoJuly 15, 2026 3:33 PM 0
Faithful residents celebrate Faith Day at the Budi Aji Arts Padepokan, Sawangan, Monday (13/7/2026). Photo: Public Relations of Prokompim Magelang Regency
Magelang (wartamagelang.com) – The designation of July 13 as the Day of Belief in God Almighty is an important moment for people who believe in it, especially in Magelang Regency. This policy opens up new hope after decades of discrimination.
Chairman of the Supreme Council for Belief in One and Only Indonesian God (MLKI) of Magelang Regency, Kikis Wantoro, said that the establishment of this day brings a sense of equality that has been eagerly awaited. So far, even though conditions in Magelang are relatively conducive, discriminatory practices against believers still occur in a number of other areas.
He said that cases of rejection at school, bullying of devout children, and destruction of places of worship were still a bitter reality. In fact, there have been incidents of places of worship being burned and problems with funerals not being accepted in a number of areas.
“This determination makes us feel more recognized, more equal with adherents of other faiths,” he said when confirmed, Monday (13/7/2026).
Kikis said that, administratively, the number of believers in Magelang Regency is recorded at around 500 people. However, in real terms the number is estimated to reach 1,500 people. Because there are still many believers who have not included their religious identity on their KTP.
With official recognition through Faith Day, he hopes that more believers will dare to state their identity openly. However, he considered that the government’s policy towards believers was still not completely comprehensive.
Likewise, the MLKI Representative for Magelang Regency, Suharto, called July 13 a historic moment after a long journey that was not free from discrimination since the 1960s. At that time, many believers lost their identity due to pressure to join a certain religion.
The impact, he continued, is not only on administrative aspects, but also social life. He gave examples of cases of denial of funerals, difficulties in registering marriages, and the destruction of places of worship.
“Even after death, there are some who cannot be buried. These are wounds that are not easily forgotten,” he said.
According to him, the establishment of Trust Day should not stop as a mere symbol. Regional governments are expected to present concrete policies, especially in ensuring equal rights of citizens.
Suharto said that one of the problems that has not yet been resolved is the availability of special burial grounds for devotees. In some areas, burial grounds are still controlled by certain groups, making it difficult for devotees to find a suitable burial place.
“In Semarang there is already special land. We hope Magelang can also provide it,” he said.
Head of the National Unity and Politics Agency (Kesbangpol) for Magelang Regency, Labbaika Nugroho, said that the establishment of Trust Day was an important milestone in the nation’s history.
According to him, this policy is a form of state recognition of believers as a legitimate part of Indonesia’s diversity. As stated in the Decree of the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia Number 135 of 2026.
“This is not only recognition, but also an effort to strengthen tolerance, maintain cultural diversity, and strengthen national unity,” he explained.
Nationally there are 187 faith-based organizations. In Magelang Regency, there are 13 organizations recorded, with 10 of them still active in development activities, cultural preservation and social activities.
The Magelang Regency Government, continued Labbaika, is committed to providing fair services to the entire community without distinguishing between religious backgrounds and beliefs, in the Magelang Regency Prokompim release received by wartamagelang.com. (wq)
