Al-Adyan: Journal of Religious Studies
Vol 6, No 2 (2025)

Violations of Religious Freedom and Belief in West Sumatra: Forms, Actors, and Resolution Patterns

Anjali Sabna (Universitas Islam Negeri Imam Bonjol Padang)
Martalia Martalia (UIN Imam Bonjol Padang)
Ismail Halim (UIN Imam Bonjol Padang)



Article Info

Publish Date
18 Apr 2026

Abstract

This research aims to identify the forms of violations, the actors involved, and the conflict resolution mechanisms related to Freedom of Religion and Belief (FRB) in West Sumatra. This study uses a qualitative method with a documentation approach, sourced from advocacy reports, online media, and interviews with purposively selected informants. Data analysis was conducted thru the stages of reduction, visualization, interpretation, and conclusion drawing. The research results show that FRB violations in West Sumatra are dominated by restrictions on freedom of expression in the form of hate speech, followed by criminal acts against religious activities or places of worship, and pressure to convert to another religion. The most dominant violators come from state institutions, followed by community organizations, religious leaders, and other non-state actors. Minority groups, particularly Christians and Ahmadiyyah followers, are the most vulnerable to violations, although cases also target other social groups more broadly. In terms of conflict resolution, the approach used tends to be dominated by a repressive formal legal pathway, accompanied by community-based mediation mechanisms. However, both approaches have not fully guarantyd substantive justice, especially for minority groups who often find themselves in vulnerable positions. These findings indicate a gap between the normative guaranties of FRB in regulations and their implementation practices at the local level. Therefore, there is a need to strengthen a conflict resolution system that is more inclusive, fair, and based on the protection of human rights.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

aladyan

Publisher

Subject

Religion Humanities Social Sciences

Description

Al-Adyan: Journal of Religious Studies adalah jurnal ilmiah akademis yang diterbitkan oleh Program Studi (Prodi) Studi Agama-Agama Fakultas Ushuluddin dan Studi Agama UIN Imam Bonjol Padang. Jurnal ini terbit dua kali setahun pada bulan Juni dan Desember yang mempublikasikan artikel berbasis hasil ...