A guard observes through prison bars at a correctional facility. — Reuters/File
– The incident followed an accusation of theft at a beauty salon.
– Under blasphemy laws, offenders can face up to five years in prison.
– Authorities confirm both individuals involved have confessed to their actions.
Indonesian authorities announced on Sunday the arrest of two women on blasphemy charges after a video depicting one of them stomping on a Quran went viral across social media platforms in the predominantly Muslim country.
The identities and ages of the women have not been released. They were detained this week in Banten province and could face a maximum sentence of five years if convicted under Indonesia’s blasphemy statutes.
The law prohibits any statements that insult one of the country’s six recognized religions or attempts to deter others from practicing their faith.
The event took place Wednesday in Lebak, Banten, approximately 87 miles (140 kilometers) from Jakarta, when a salon owner accused a guest of stealing her belongings.
When the woman denied the accusation, the salon owner insisted she swear an oath while stepping on a Quran and recorded the incident.
“The individuals involved, both the one who stepped on the Quran and the one who asked her to swear, have admitted to their actions. Police have summoned them, and they are now suspects,” Banten police spokesperson Maruli Ahiles Hutapea told AFP.
The footage of the incident quickly spread on social media, inciting widespread public outrage.
Activists have long campaigned against blasphemy legislation, arguing that it is often exploited to target religious minorities.
In 2017, former Jakarta governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, also known as Ahok, was sentenced to nearly two years in prison on blasphemy charges.
More recently, in 2024, a stand-up comedian received a six-month jail term after making a joke deemed blasphemous.
Indonesia, home to the world’s largest Muslim population with over 240 million followers, continues to grapple with the impact of these laws.
