Bantul Regent to Soon Issue Temporary Permit for GMS Church
The Regent of Bantul, Special Region of Yogyakarta, Abdul Halim Muslih, has promised to promptly issue a temporary permit certificate for the GMS Christian Church congregation. The absence of this temporary permit has prevented hundreds of GMS congregants from worshipping following the disruption of services by a group from the Front Jihad Islam (FJI) on Sunday, 24 May 2026. The disruption occurred at the GMS building on Jalan Ring Road Selatan, Glugo Hamlet, Panggungharjo Village, Sewon, Bantul. In the last decade, FJI has been recorded performing similar actions against minority groups on several occasions.
The Chairman of FJI DIY, Abdurrahman, claimed the disruption was based on complaints from local residents who opposed the presence of GMS due to its lack of official permits as a house of worship.
Bantul Regency Government is Awaiting Consideration from FKUB and Ministry of Religious Affairs
Regent Halim explained that the Bantul Regency Government is currently processing a temporary permit certificate with a two-year duration, which is renewable. The local government is merely awaiting written consideration from the Forum for Religious Harmony (FKUB) and the Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs of Bantul Regency.
“I will certainly permit it because worship is a fundamental right of citizens guaranteed by the constitution, specifically Article 29, Paragraph 2 of the 1945 Constitution,” Halim stated firmly at the Bantul Regent’s Official Residence on Friday, 31 July 2026.
This promise was made during a closed meeting with activists from the Islamic and Social Studies Institute Foundation (LKiS). LKiS noted that overly administrative approaches often lead to the discrimination of minority groups, emphasising that licensing should not be used as a pretext to allow intimidation or persecution.
Furthermore, Halim stated that he has coordinated with the Chief of the DIY Regional Police, Inspector General Anggorb Sukartono, to ensure the police’s commitment to investigating the legal handling of the worship disruption.
Chronology of the Opposition
The disruption of the GMS service was triggered by a letter of opposition from residents of Panggungharjo Village appearing a day before the incident. The letter, dated 23 May 2026 and signed by eight local religious and community leaders, served as the basis for FJI’s actions.
In the letter, the opponents claimed that the Muslim majority in the village objected to and feared that the church’s presence would disturb communal harmony. They also suspected an attempt at Christianisation through the distribution of 180 basic food packages three days prior to the inaugural service.
However, Halim refuted the claim that the letter represented all residents. After meeting directly with religious and community leaders in Glugo Hamlet, Halim concluded that the residents generally support the government’s decision.
“They are following the decision of the Bantul Regency Government and will no longer dispute the permit for the house of worship,” said Halim.
Addressing the residents of Glugo, Halim provided education that diversity is a natural law (sunnatullah). He reminded them of the teachings of Prophet Muhammad SAW regarding tolerance and urged the people of Bantul to respect religious rights in accordance with the constitution.
Response from Mass Organisations and Legal Counsel
Meanwhile, the legal counsel for FJI, Hannuji Wibowo, stated that his organisation’s visit aimed to clarify the licensing and carry out their mission following reports from residents. Regarding the Regent’s plan to issue a temporary permit, Hannuji noted that this is entirely within the Regent’s authority and can provide legal certainty. He added that his side had sent two letters (19 June and 9 July 2026) requesting mediation with the GMS.
On the other hand, the Director of LKiS, Tri Noviana, appreciated the Bantul Regent’s commitment. LKiS, along with civil society networks, submitted a 10-page study regarding the disruption of GMS worship, while pushing for licensing transparency and the strengthening of early prevention for socio-religious conflicts.
The Spokesperson for GMS Central, Josiah Michael, expressed hope that the Bantul Regency Government would act seriously in helping fulfil this right to worship. He emphasised that the building currently in use is a temporary rental, not a permanent structure.
Josiah explained that the GMS management has completed several administrative documents, including:
A Report Letter from the Ministry of Religious Affairs DIY (February 2026)
Business Domicile Certificate
Neighbourhood Association (RT) Introduction Letter
Building Approval (PBG)
Currently, the church management is finalising the Regency Planning Certificate (KRK) and the Certificate of Occupancy (SLF) to ensure building safety in accordance with applicable regulations.