GKPI Tangerang Permits Being Processed, Congregation Temporarily Worships Elsewhere
The Banten Regional Police have announced that the disturbance in front of the Indonesian Protestant Christian Church (GKPI) Mauk Sepatan, Rajeg, Tangerang Regency, has ended peacefully. However, the GKPI congregation will temporarily worship at an alternative location while the administrative process for the place of worship’s permit is being handled.
“The local government will assist in providing a temporary venue for worship activities while the administrative process regarding the permit proceeds in accordance with applicable regulations,” said the Head of Public Relations for the Banten Regional Police, Kombes Maruli Hutapea, on Tuesday (22/09/2026).
Maruli noted that mediation between the GKPI party and the opposing group concluded on Sunday night (20/09/2026) with a peaceful agreement. “The parties have agreed to reconcile. We hope all parties can respect the agreement made and work together to keep the situation conducive,” he said.
Maruli also urged the residents of Tangerang Regency, particularly those in the Rajeg District, not to be easily provoked by unverified information, including hoaxes, provocations, or irresponsible incitements.
Man Carrying Machete During Disturbance
Previously, a disturbance involving a man carrying a machete in front of GKPI Mauk Sepatan ended peacefully. The matter was resolved through a family-style settlement after both parties underwent mediation.
The mediation was led by the Regent of Tangerang, Maesyal Rasyorkan, and the Tangerang City Police Chief, Kombes Andi Muhammad Indra Waspada Amirullah, at the Rajeg District office on Sunday night (20/09/2026). Present at the mediation were the Special Staff for the Ministry of Religious Affairs on Religious Harmony, Gugun Gumilar, the Tangerang Regency Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda) alongside the Ministry of Religious Affairs, and the Religious Harmony Forum (FKUB) of Tangerang Regency.
Also in attendance were members of the Rajeg Sub-district Leadership Forum (Muspika), community leaders, religious figures, and relevant parties to seek a peaceful resolution.
According to the Tangerang City Police, during the deliberation, the protesting group and the GKPI party agreed to resolve the issue through a family-style settlement and would not escalate the matter. A representative of the GKPI congregation, Hadi Sucipto, stated that they accept the peaceful resolution and will not pursue the issue further.
During the session, Aji Cahyono, the man who brought a machete and demanded that worship be stopped, also offered an apology to the GKPI congregation for the previous incident. He admitted to his error and stated he would not repeat his actions.
Both parties subsequently drafted and signed a statement of agreement as a form of amicable settlement. Furthermore, it was agreed that the local government would facilitate the search for a temporary place of worship for the congregation while awaiting the permit process.
Tangerang City Police Chief Kombes Andi Muhammad Indra Waspada Amirullah expressed his appreciation for all parties choosing to resolve the issue through deliberation. “The most important thing is to maintain harmony and public security,” said Indra Waspada in his statement on Monday (21/09/2026).