Indonesia's Congress and Government Officials: Falun Gong is Legal in Indonesia

On August 25, 2002, Falun Gong practitioners in Indonesia participated in a parade consisting of floats decorated with flowers to celebrate the 57th anniversary of Indonesia's independence. However, the Chinese Consulate in Indonesia unreasonably intervened. Under pressure and threats from the Chinese consulate, the organizers had to cancel Falun Gong's entry into the parade. The local government was quite unhappy with the Chinese consulate's unreasonable action.

The Indonesian central government also paid attention to this issue. Because of the Falun Gong practitioners' appeal, the First Committee of the National Congress recently held a meeting, and the Chairman of the First Committee stated in front of the Foreign Minister that "Falun Gong has no political motives" and "it is a physical and spiritual practice that heals illnesses and improves health." He requested the Foreign Minister to explain why Falun Gong's activity was canceled right before the celebration.

The Foreign Minister's answer was, "Falun Gong has not violated any national policies, nor is it a political group." He emphasized that Falun Gong has no political background and its activity can "continue on."

The Chairman of the First Committee also asked whether the Chinese Consulate had intimidated the organizers. The Foreign Minister confirmed the Chinese Consulate's involvement.

This is the second time that a Falun Gong-related issue was discussed at a government meeting held by the First Committee of the National Congress. Earlier, the committee had also questioned the Chief of Police regarding Falun Gong at a similar meeting. The Chief of Police stated unequivocally, "We have investigated Falun Gong and it has no problem. Falun Gong is legal in Indonesia."

What was different about this meeting was that Falun Gong practitioners were invited to sit in and listen. When the meeting ended, the Chairman of the First Committee said, "Right now, the people in the room wearing yellow clothes are Falun Gong practitioners. Falun Gong practitioners, could you please stand up?" When the practitioners stood up, the audience applauded. The applause showed that the Indonesian Congress and government are gradually understanding and supporting Falun Dafa, and it is also an acknowledgement and encouragement of the Dafa practitioners' efforts in truth clarification in Indonesia.