Samin Community; Forced to Embrace the One of National Religion

Four (4) days following the lesson, Mr. Budi Santoso forbid his children to go to school again. He admits that his son had been forced to follow the lessons of one of religion in SMP Negeri (Junior High School) 2 Undaan, Kudus.

Mr Budi Santoso, is indigenous peoples from Samin Community. He live in Larekrejo Village, Undaan Sub-District, Kudus District, Central Java Province. Indonesia.

When contacted by phone, 23 December 2011, Mr. Budi Santoso said that his son should follow the lessons of religion (Islam). Because the lesson is one that will be tested on the National Exam (Ujian Nasional). So, if he not follow, he will not pass.

It is also experienced by other Samin’s Child. In 2011, the commite of registration, refused the children from community to be student at this School. But, luckily the principal, head of School, allowing them.

However, the problems arise when they are required to practice the religion of islam in the school. Not just as meresubjects. For those who dare, like Mr. Budi Santoso, the fight against this system and forbade his son to follow the lessons.

According to him, Samin Peoples already have a doctrine (religion) itself, namely Saminisme Not having to follow the teachings of other religions.

Budi Santoso’s resistance is not only due to the above case only. Furthermore,because he did not want to indigenous communities (Sedulur Sikep / Samin) continuously get this kind of discrimination. Those who maintain the traditions and teachings of his ancestors or even ostracized. "Just like New Order era," he said.(@ radinsyarif / AMAN)

Sources; Mr. Budi Santoso

Address; Larekrejo Rw 1 Rt 2, District Undaan, Kudus District. East Java

Contact Number: 085641733797