Local Indonesian Government Bans 4 NGOs, Alleging Proselytizing

The Jakarta Globe reported yesterday that  the Aceh Jaya regency in Indonesia has banned four NGOs-- that have been providing relief since the 2004 tsunami-- from continuing to operate. Residents had complained that the NGOs were attempting to convert Muslims, and the Aceh Jaya government says that an investigation by Ulema Consultative Assembly confirmed that "these foundations were attempting to put down and shove aside the essence of Islamic teachings in Aceh Jaya." The four NGOs involved are the Adventist Development and Relief Agency, the Tangan Peduli Foundation (an organization focused on irrigation projects and furnishing farmers seeds), the Fajar Harapan Foundation, and Cipta Fondasi Komunitas (connected with Baptist World Aid Australia). The organizations that could be reached by the media deny the charges.