Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta.  The Constitutional Court has dismissed a petition seeking to exclude religion or belief from the national civil registry for citizens who do not identify with any religion.

“Rejecting the petitioners’ request,” Constitutional Chief Justice Suhartoyo announced on Friday (3/1/2025).

The petitioners, Raymond Kamil and Teguh Sugiharto, challenged provisions in Law No. 23/2006 on Civil Administration that require religion or belief to be stated on family, known locally as Kartu Keluarga or KK, and identity cards, or Kartu Tanda Penduduk/ KTP. They argued that non-religious citizens should not be obligated to declare any belief.

The court ruled that Indonesia’s constitutional framework emphasizes belief in a deity, with the Constitution shaping the nation as one that upholds religious or spiritual values.

“Non-religious status does not equate to freedom of religion or belief,” Justice Arief Hidayat said, as quoted by antaranews.com. 

The ruling asserts that the law’s requirement is proportionate and aligns with the nation’s principles.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)