Bantul Deputy Regent Addresses Permit Issues Following Church Service Disruption

Deputy Regent of Bantul, Aris Suharyanta, has commented on the disruption of a church service at the Gereja Misi Sejahtera (GMS) in Panggungharjo, Sewon, Bantul. He stated that the Bantul Regency Government is prepared to assist with the church’s permit issues. “The Bantul Regency Government does not, in principle, prohibit religious communities from practising their faith,” Aris told journalists on Monday (25 May 2026). He also stressed that all places of worship must obtain the necessary permits, particularly GMS. Should the church face difficulties in securing its permit, the regency government will provide assistance. “Of course, GMS must obtain the permit promptly, and the government will assist with the process,” he added. detikJogja attempted to seek confirmation from the church regarding the disruption by a group. GMS Bantul administrator Joyo Riyadi was brief when questioned about the incident, stating he was currently in a meeting. “Apologies, we are in a meeting. Please allow us time,” he said. He promised the church would provide a statement once the meeting concluded. “Our communications team may contact you later. Thank you very much,” he added. Previously reported, social media has been flooded with posts alleging that a social organisation (ormas) disrupted a service at a church in Sewon, Bantul. Bantul’s National Unity and Politics Bureau (Kesbangpol) has stated it is taking steps to ensure the situation remains stable. “Again, today I received reports of forced disruption of services by the GMS Bantul congregation by intolerant elements, even involving violence. Please address this @yudhawk157,” read a post from Instagram user @davidherson_official, as seen by detikJogja. “Have they forgotten that the state guarantees, under Article 29(1) and (2) of the 1945 Constitution, that every individual has the right to worship according to their beliefs? Please address and take firm action against these intolerant elements @kapolri_indonesia @pemkabbantul @kemenag_ri @polresbantuldiy @poldajogja,” the post continued. Acting Head of Bantul’s Kesbangpol, Yulius Suharta, confirmed the incident occurred yesterday, Sunday (24 May 2026). “Kesbangpol is not merely waiting for reports; based on information yesterday that there would be opposition to GMS activities, we had already coordinated efforts,” he told journalists on Monday (25 May 2026). Yulius added that Kesbangpol had attempted to anticipate the movement, but the incident still occurred. “We tried to anticipate it, but the movement at the GMS site did occur yesterday,” he said.