Bantul Church Condemns Forced Disruption of Worship Service by Crowd

The Central Board of Gereja Misi Sejahtera (GMS) expressed regret over the disruption of a worship service at GMS Bantul, which was allegedly accompanied by intimidation and physical and verbal threats.

“We deeply regret the incident involving the disruption of a worship service, accompanied by alleged intimidation and threats from irresponsible individuals against GMS Bantul members,” said GMS Central Spokesperson Josiah Michael in a statement to reporters on Tuesday, 26 May 2026.

According to Josiah, freedom of religion and the peaceful practice of worship are fundamental human rights guaranteed and protected by the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI) through Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution.

“Restricting worship through intimidation that leads to violence undermines the nation’s values of tolerance and harmony,” he added.

GMS Bantul Spokesperson Eko expressed high appreciation to the Bantul Regency Government for handling the case.

“GMS Bantul has entrusted the authorities to resolve the incident in accordance with legal procedures,” he said.

GMS Bantul will also promptly complete administrative requirements for worship permits in Bumi Projotamansari.

“GMS will engage in intensive dialogue to ensure the administrative process for conducting worship services in Bantul is resolved properly under applicable regulations,” Eko stated.

Eko added that church leadership has urged all GMS congregants worldwide to pray for the situation, and for GMS Bantul members to remain steadfast in their faith.

“GMS also calls on all parties not to respond to this incident with division. Instead, peace and the rule of law must be upheld, accompanied by prayers for Bantul to quickly return to a peaceful environment where congregants can worship without disturbance,” he said.

Previously, social media posts narrating the disruption of a worship service at a church in Sewon, Bantul, by a social organisation (ormas) had gone viral. Bantul’s National Unity and Political Affairs Agency (Kesbangpol) stated it was taking steps to maintain stability.

“Again today, I received reports of forced disruption of worship experienced by GMS Bantul congregants by intolerant individuals, even resorting to violence. Please address this, @yudhawk157,” wrote Instagram account @davidherson_official, as seen by detikJogja.

“Have they forgotten that this country guarantees, under Article 29(1) and (2) of the 1945 Constitution, that every citizen has the right to worship according to their beliefs? Please pay attention and take firm action against these intolerant individuals @kapolri_indonesia @pemkabbantul @kemenag_ri @polresbantuldiy @poldajogja,” the account added.

Acting Head of Bantul’s National Unity and Political Affairs Agency (Kesbangpol), Yulius Suharta, confirmed the incident, stating it occurred on Sunday, 24 May 2026.

“Kesbangpol is not merely waiting for reports; upon receiving information yesterday about potential resistance to GMS activities, we had already coordinated,” he told reporters on Monday, 25 May 2026.

Yulius said Kesbangpol had attempted to anticipate the movement, but the incident still occurred.

“We tried to anticipate it, but the fact is that yesterday there was movement at the GMS site,” he added.