Amnesty International Condemns Forced Dissolution of Bantul GSM Worship, Cites Violation of Religious Freedom Rights

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Amnesty International Indonesia Executive Director Usman Hamid condemned the forced dissolution of the Gereja Misi Sejahtera (GSM) congregation’s worship in Bantul, Yogyakarta Special Region, on Sunday (24/5/2026).

‘We strongly condemn the forced dissolution of Christian worship in Bantul,’ he stated in a written statement, cited by Kompas.com on Thursday (28/5/2026).

According to Hamid, this act of intolerance serves as a reminder that the state has yet to guarantee religious freedom for all citizens.

He said administrative justifications should not override citizens’ constitutional right to worship.

‘Although the church has obtained a Certificate of Reporting (SKTL) from the DIY Regional Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs for worship, local authorities tend to yield to mob pressure and allow citizens’ basic rights to be trampled,’ he said.

Requirements for a minimum of 60 local supporters and endorsement from the Interfaith Harmony Forum (FKUB) are deemed discriminatory.

‘These bureaucratic rules complicate the licensing process and are often used as a legal pretext to hinder minority groups and legitimise intolerance towards them,’ he added.

‘Freedom of worship is a universal human right, not subject to administrative permits that can be arbitrarily revoked by any group,’ he said.

The incident, which occurred on 24 May 2026, has gained significant attention on social media.