Church Service Disruption in Bantul: Key Facts

A church service disruption in Sewon, Bantul has drawn attention. Key facts so far:

The disruption occurred on Sunday, 24 May at the Gereja Misi Sejahtera (GMS). Videos of the incident circulated on social media, showing commotion at the church.

Kesbangpol had attempted to anticipate the situation. Acting Head of Kesbangpol Bantul, Yulius Suharta, stated they had received information about planned disruptions and tried to mediate but failed.

“Kesbangpol is not merely waiting for reports; we coordinated when there were indications of opposition to GMS activities,” he told reporters on Monday, 25 May 2026.

“We tried to anticipate, but the situation at GMS occurred as it did,” he added.

Yulius said the GMS building in Panggungharjo is new, with congregants previously worshipping in a hotel.

“Confirmed to us was a social activity on Thursday, 21 May, followed by the new rental building, a thanksgiving ceremony for the new place of worship held Sunday,” he said.

He stated the disruption was due to permit issues.

“The opposition relates to whether permits have been obtained,” he said.

Yulius confirmed GMS holds a Notification Acknowledgement Letter (SKTL), but authorities are verifying its validity.

“We will follow up on the interpretation of the SKTL issued, whether it can be used as a place of worship or if further administrative steps are needed,” he said.

At GMS, construction work is ongoing. A blue fence surrounds the building, with a structure and a floral arrangement in front bearing the message ‘Selamat atas grand opening GMS Bantul’.

GMS was approached for confirmation regarding the disruption, but administrator Joyo Riyadi declined to comment, stating they were in a meeting and would provide details later.

Abdurrahman, Chairman of FJI DIY, confirmed FJI visited GMS on Sunday at around 8am. He said the service was disrupted due to community objections.

He stated the church had been built over two years without community consent, causing confusion as the area is predominantly Muslim.

“The building has existed for two years. When GMS planned to hold a grand opening, locals were unaware of what GMS meant—some thought it was a warehouse or café,” he said on Monday.

A meeting on Saturday, 23 May involved the pastor, Sewon Police, Sewon District Office, and Kesbangpol to discuss the GMS inauguration.

“The church wanted to hold the ceremony but was warned by Kesbangpol and faced community opposition. The pastor only had a permit notification from the Ministry of Religion,” he said.

Kesbangpol had advised reconsidering the inauguration as GMS lacked full permits and did not involve the Bantul Interfaith Harmony Forum (FKUB).

“Kesbangpol stated it was not valid without permits. If the church proceeded regardless, they would not be held responsible,” he said.

GMS proceeded with the inauguration, causing community unrest and prompting FJI to act on complaints.

“Community opposition led to unrest. FJI received reports and went there,” he said.