To answer the question:
Some background: We did have this fear about 'hidden dangers of communism' (which people wrongfully associated with atheism), and we did have history where people who were accused of being a communist, were killed off (the accusations might be unsubstantiated, word of mouth is enough). It was almost like witch hunt, where you were tortured into confession to be ultimately executed. Even civilians can do these executions. Government is trying to appear like this part of history nonexistant though. You can see the whole situation here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indonesian...E2%80%9366
But, that was the story from the New Order government that ended in 1998. In Reformation era (1998 - today), people are more informed about what communism actually is, although it still not in a very good light. Educated people tend to see communism as a just a thing that exist, but doesn't need to be fear as much as it was once.
Now, to become an openly atheistic, from what I see, there's no real danger. I don't think we have specific law to regulate what will happen to people who don't believe. Like homosexuality, people here tend to think (subconciously) that Indonesian cannot be homosexual or atheist. It's a 'western influence'. We are religious, and all that bullsh*t. But, so far, I never see people executed for being atheistic. I have a lot of atheistic friends who openly doesn't go to church or mosque or take 5 times prayer and people are OK with it. Maybe as long as you don't say the A word, you're going to be fine.
But that also maybe have something to do with where I live. I live in a big city where people doesn't really care of what you do as long as it doesn't affect their lives. In smaller city or areas, that would be a huge problem, but not fatal. You might be socially outcasted, bullied or even disowned, but no executions.
I hope that answers your question. Feel free to ask more if something's not clear.
Some background: We did have this fear about 'hidden dangers of communism' (which people wrongfully associated with atheism), and we did have history where people who were accused of being a communist, were killed off (the accusations might be unsubstantiated, word of mouth is enough). It was almost like witch hunt, where you were tortured into confession to be ultimately executed. Even civilians can do these executions. Government is trying to appear like this part of history nonexistant though. You can see the whole situation here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indonesian...E2%80%9366
But, that was the story from the New Order government that ended in 1998. In Reformation era (1998 - today), people are more informed about what communism actually is, although it still not in a very good light. Educated people tend to see communism as a just a thing that exist, but doesn't need to be fear as much as it was once.
Now, to become an openly atheistic, from what I see, there's no real danger. I don't think we have specific law to regulate what will happen to people who don't believe. Like homosexuality, people here tend to think (subconciously) that Indonesian cannot be homosexual or atheist. It's a 'western influence'. We are religious, and all that bullsh*t. But, so far, I never see people executed for being atheistic. I have a lot of atheistic friends who openly doesn't go to church or mosque or take 5 times prayer and people are OK with it. Maybe as long as you don't say the A word, you're going to be fine.
But that also maybe have something to do with where I live. I live in a big city where people doesn't really care of what you do as long as it doesn't affect their lives. In smaller city or areas, that would be a huge problem, but not fatal. You might be socially outcasted, bullied or even disowned, but no executions.
I hope that answers your question. Feel free to ask more if something's not clear.
