GMS Awaits Bantul Regency Permit to Use Church: Requirements Submitted

Gereja Misi Sejahtera (GMS) Bantul has stated that it has submitted additional requirements to the Bantul Regency Government for permission to use its church. The church is still waiting for the permit to be issued. “All additional requirements were submitted to the Bantul Regency Government at the end of May and we are currently waiting for a response from the Bantul Regency Government,” said GMS Central Public Relations officer Josiah Michael when contacted on Wednesday (24/6/2026). Josiah expressed hope that the Bantul Regency Government could expedite the issuance of the permit so that the congregation can hold services at GMS. Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Bantul Interfaith Harmony Forum (FKUB), Yasmuri, stated that the FKUB has not yet provided a written opinion regarding the temporary permit for the place of worship. He said they are still waiting for permits from the building owner and the local village head. “This means that GMS itself has not yet completed its applications,” he told detikJogja. Yasmuri explained that the requirements for a temporary building use permit must include a certificate of building fitness for function from the relevant parties. Furthermore, there must be a permit from the building owner and a recommendation from the local village head. “Only then can there be a written opinion from the FKUB and the Bantul Ministry of Religious Affairs Office. We have to wait for the other processes; if the others are not yet complete, we cannot provide a written opinion. In addition, we must conduct a field check regarding the social situation and conditions around the location (of the church),” he said. Regarding the field check, Yasmuri mentioned that the FKUB has divided tasks among its members to coordinate with parties on the ground. Yasmuri thus confirmed that GMS has not yet completed the requirements related to the permit. “So neither the permanent nor the temporary (permit for the place of worship) has been granted, because the requirements are not yet complete,” he stated.