GMS Bantul Church After Worship Service Dispersed by Mass Organisation

The GMS Bantul church in Glugo, Panggungharjo, Sewon, Bantul, appeared deserted this morning. A worship service at the church was dispersed by a mass organisation on Sunday (24 May).

On Tuesday (26 May), the black-painted iron gate at the front of GMS Bantul was closed. Workers could be seen entering and exiting the premises, while the front gate remained open on Monday (25 May).

Additionally, construction equipment remained in front of the church, though no workers were visible from the front of the building. The blue gate of the structure was tightly shut.

Previous reports on social media had circulated about the dispersal of a worship service at a Sewon church by a mass organisation. The Bantul Regency National Unity and Politics Agency (Kesbangpol) stated it was taking steps to maintain a conducive atmosphere.

“Once again, I received reports of the GMS Bantul congregation being forcibly dispersed during worship by intolerant individuals, including violence. Please address this @yudhawk157,” said the Instagram account @davidherson_official.

“Do they forget that the Constitution, Article 29(1) and (2), guarantees every citizen the right to worship according to their beliefs? Please take notice and act firmly against these intolerant elements @kapolri_indonesia @pemkabbantul @kemenag_ri @polresbantuldiy @poldajogja,” the account added.

Acting Head of Bantul Kesbangpol, Yulius Suharta, confirmed the incident occurred on Sunday (24 May).

“Kesbangpol did not merely wait for reports; upon receiving information yesterday of potential opposition to GMS activities, we had already coordinated,” he told reporters on Monday (25 May).

“Kesbangpol had attempted to anticipate the movement, but the incident still occurred,” he added.

“We tried to anticipate it, but the movement at the GMS activity site did happen yesterday,” he said.