Abstract In the last ten years, Indonesia has witnessed 568 documented cases of persecution against Ahmadiyah followers across 56 districts and cities. This persecution is often justified by reference to local religious laws and regulations designed to curtail religious activity by proponents of Ahmadiyah. The comparative literature suggests that such laws and regulations are a key driver of religious persecution. However, in Indonesia, persecution does not take place in all localities where anti-Ahmadiyah laws and regulations have been instituted. Thus, my primary research question is: What are the conditions that underpin the religious persecution of Ahmadiyah followers? This study aims to uncover the factors behind anti-Ahmadiyah actions and the motivations of those involved. Field research conducted in Depok, Bogor, and Bandung reveals a correlation between political competition during mayoral elections and religious persecution of Ahmadiyah followers. Nearly 80% of these incidents occur just before such elections, suggesting that local politicians exploit Ahmadiyah-related issues to gain support from conservative Muslim voters. Understanding the conditions in which persecution takes place will assist communities and authorities in preparing for and hopefully prevent future incidents of persecution.

Biography Cerdikwan is a PhD candidate at the Crawford School of Public Policy at the Australian National University and a senior planner for the Indonesian government’s Ministry of National Development Planning /National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas). He has been working for the government for 18 years.

He holds a Bachelor of Political Science from the Padjadjaran University Indonesia (2003), a Post-graduate Diploma in Public Administration from Crawford School ANU (2009), and a Master of Public Policy from Crawford School ANU (2010).

Supervisors Associate Professor Ben Hillman (Primary Supervisor and Chair) (ben.hillman@anu.edu.au) Emeritus Professor Greg Fealy (greg.fealy@anu.edu.au) Associate Profesor Bjoern Dressel (bjoern.dressel@anu.edu.au)