Indonesia's Constitutional Court recently faced backlash for denying a petition to recognize atheists on identity cards, igniting fears of discrimination.
The ruling mandates that all citizens must declare a religion on official documents to access vital services like healthcare and education.
Critics, including NGOs and academics, argue that this decision underscores a long-standing misinterpretation of constitutional rights concerning religious freedom.
Concerns have been raised about the ruling contributing to increased religious polarization in the country, which is home to diverse belief systems.
Advocates for reform argue for greater recognition of non-religious identities and the need to prevent religion from being merely an administrative requirement.