I’m an Indonesian now studying in Germany. I’ve been an atheist since about 3 years ago, openly atheist since last year. But just today I change my religion in the official data here in Germany, from ‘evangelisch’ (Christian) to ‘none’. Let me tell you the story, why this is so important for me.

Indonesia is the world most populous Muslim-majority country, with more than 200 million Muslim from about 240 million Indonesians. It is a religious country, although not a mono-religious country. It is more of a ’six-religious’ country, with the government acknowledging every citizen’s right to choose one religion out of six provided, without any option of opting out. Religion column is in almost every official form, from marriage (both the man and the woman must have the same religion), job application, even on citizens ID card. We Indonesians, whatever we believe or not believe, are forced to put a mask out of six. And the saddest part is, it has been that way since a long time ago, so long that many Indonesians stop realizing how wrong that is, and most of us eventually just cope with the condition and forget the ideal.

So today, although this is just a symbol, even though they make me pay 25€ before I can officially leave the church (Kirchenaustritt fee), I can finally tear up the mask other people forced me to wear in my whole life.

Religion: -

At last, first time in my life, I’m an atheist, officially, and I’m very thankful and proud about it.

Karl.