Indonesia's 'religious misguidance reporting app' raises human rights concerns

Indonesia's national human rights agency on Monday raised concerns about a new mobile phone app that allows members of the public to report "misguided" religious beliefs.

The "Smart Pakem" app, which was launched by the Jakarta Prosecutor's Office, which allows members of the public to report religious beliefs they consider "misguided".

The app has emerged amid a climate that observers say is one of increasing religious intolerance in the world's most populous Muslim-majority country.

Amiruddin Al-Rahab, a commissioner at the National Commission on Human Rights, told Reuters that the app could have a  "dangerous consequence by causing social disintegration".

"When neighbors are reporting each other, that would be problematic," al-Rahab added.

The app features a list of groups deemed as deviant by the country's highest Islamic council, including the minority Ahmadiyyah sect the outlawed Gafatar religious group.

Users are also provided with a link allowing members of the public to report "misguided" religious activity.

"Don't leave the people in confusion, if people are confused they will take matters into their own hands," Rahab said, referring to the app's completed state which has left many in confusion about its purpose.

Rahab added that the app may also be in violation of the Constitutional Court's ruling last year on the rights of adherents of religions not officially recognised by the state.