FKUB Urges Bantul Regency to Facilitate Temporary Worship Space for GMS Congregation

The Bantul Regency Interfaith Harmony Forum (FKUB) has commented on the disbanding of a worship service by the Gereja Misa Sejahtera (GMS) congregation in Bantul. The FKUB has proposed that the Bantul Regency Government provide temporary worship facilities for the GMS congregation while they await official permits.

FKUB Bantul Chairman Yasmuri stated that GMS Bantul must meet legal requirements for worship premises. He explained that establishing a place of worship must comply with the Joint Ministerial Decree (SKB) or Joint Regulation (PBM) No. 9 and 8 of 2006 by the Ministers of Religion and Home Affairs, which outlines guidelines for building places of worship and maintaining religious harmony in Indonesia.

‘All requirements must be met. If they are not fulfilled, it is acceptable to continue worshipping, but not in a location deemed an official place of worship,’ he told detikJogja on Tuesday, 26 May 2026.

Therefore, Yasmuri proposed that the Bantul Regency Government provide temporary worship facilities for the GMS congregation while they complete the necessary permits.

‘If the worship premises do not meet the required standards, the government must provide facilities for worship,’ he said.

Yasmuri also suggested that GMS Bantul apply for a temporary worship permit from the Bantul Regency Government, with the requirements outlined in the PBM regarding place of worship construction.

‘Temporary permits have specific conditions in the PBM, including submitting an application and ensuring the building meets PBM standards. Therefore, there are at least two options: the government provides temporary worship facilities and the congregation applies for a temporary permit,’ he added.

Separately, Yasmuri urged all parties to remain calm following the GMS Bantul incident, as any reaction would only exacerbate tensions.

‘The FKUB urges everyone to exercise restraint and patience,’ he said.

It is known that a group of people disbanded a GMS congregation worship service in Bantul on Sunday, 24 June 2026. Acting Head of Bantul’s Regional Unity and Politics Agency (Kesbangpol), Yulius Suharta, said his office had attempted to anticipate the situation, but the incident still occurred.

‘We tried to anticipate it, but the movement at the GMS activity site did occur yesterday,’ he said the previous day.

GMS Central Public Relations Officer Josiah Michael said dozens of FJI militia members arrived and demanded GMS Bantul disband the worship service on Sunday, 24 May at 7:59 am WIB. They claimed the GMS worship could disrupt religious harmony and social cohesion.

‘We deeply regret the incident where the worship service was disbanded, accompanied by alleged intimidation and threats—both physical and verbal—from irresponsible individuals against GMS Bantul members,’ said GMS Central PR Officer Josiah Michael in a statement to journalists on Tuesday, 26 May 2026.

Josiah added that the worship service had to be disbanded following the commotion.

‘This incident has left wounds and trauma among the congregation, especially children,’ he said.

According to Josiah, religious freedom and peaceful worship are fundamental human rights, guaranteed and protected by the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI) through Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution.

‘Restricting worship through intimidation leading to violence undermines the nation’s values of tolerance and harmony,’ he said.