Eko Suwanto Condemns Disruption of GMS Church Worship: Intolerance Violates Constitution
Eko Suwanto, Chairman of Commission A of the Yogyakarta Regional House of Representatives (DPRD DIY) from the PDI-P faction, has criticised the disruption of worship by the Gereja Misi Sejahtera (GMS) congregation in Bantul. He stated that such intolerance violates citizens’ constitutional right to worship.
Eko asserted that the act of intolerance contradicts the values of Pancasila, the 1945 Constitution, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, and the spirit of Yogyakarta’s Special Status.
“We hope everyone complies with legal regulations and respects every citizen’s right to worship according to their beliefs. Acts of intolerance clearly contradict Pancasila values, violate the 1945 Constitution, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, and disregard Yogyakarta’s Special Status,” Eko said.
He explained that freedom of religion and worship is guaranteed under Article 29 of the 1945 Constitution. Paragraph 2 of Article 29 states the state guarantees every resident’s freedom to practise their religion and worship as per their beliefs. He noted that the disruption of worship in Bantul does not align with constitutional mandates.
“The fundamental question is whether the intolerance in Bantul complies with Article 29 of the 1945 Constitution? The answer is it violates,” he stated.
He called on law enforcement authorities to take legal action against the perpetrators in accordance with applicable regulations.
“The public certainly supports the police in taking legal action against those responsible for this intolerant act,” he added.
Furthermore, Eko referenced the Yogyakarta Special Status Law, which also safeguards pluralism and religious harmony. He stated that the Yogyakarta Regional Government, along with all stakeholders, must seriously maintain a harmonious and peaceful community life.
“Let there be no more acts of intolerance; let us preserve harmony and adhere to existing legal provisions to realise a diverse, harmonious, and peaceful society,” he said.
He expressed hope that such incidents would not recur in Yogyakarta, which has long upheld values of tolerance and diversity.
“This intolerance must not happen again in the context of Yogyakarta’s Special Status,” he concluded.