Bupati of Bantul States Some Residents Object to GMS Worship Activities

Bupati of Bantul, Abdul Halim Muslih, stated that some residents object to the worship activities of the Gereja Misi Sejahtera (GMS) congregation in Glugo, Panggungharjo, Sewon, Bantul, Yogyakarta Special Region (DIY). This objection contributed to the disruption of GMS’s worship at a building used as a church on Sunday, 24 May, by a local mass organisation.

Halim said the objections were submitted in a letter without stating specific reasons. The Bantul Regency Government is considering the letter as public sentiment, but he emphasised that the constitution and 1945 Constitution guarantee the freedom to worship according to one’s beliefs. ‘The constitution is supreme; this is our national consensus and cannot be overturned by any agreement, even by a village,’ Halim stressed.

He added that persecution and intimidation of worshippers is unacceptable from both religious and constitutional perspectives. Halim noted Islamic teachings recognise diversity among ethnicities, religions, and races as part of divine order, and that allowing non-Muslims to worship is part of Islamic practice.

However, Halim distinguished between the right to worship and the building used for it. Religious buildings must comply with regulations, including the Joint Ministerial Decree (SKB 2 Menteri) and Building Construction Approval (PBG) requirements. The local government, along with regional security agencies, the Ministry of Religious Affairs, and the Interfaith Harmony Forum (FKUB), will process GMS’s application according to established procedures.

While the process continues, the GMS building in Glugo will temporarily not be used for worship. Bantul Police Chief AKBP Bayu Puji Hariyanto stated there is no room for intolerance, though no police report has been filed. ‘We have ensured security arrangements for GMS to temporarily hold worship at Pakuwon Mall while awaiting the permit process,’ he said.