GMS Bantul Church Officials Report Intimidation During Worship Service Disruption

GMS Bantul church officials reported intimidation and physical and verbal threats during the disruption of a worship service, stating the incident left congregants traumatised.

Josiah Michael, GMS Central Public Relations, said dozens of FJI militia members arrived on Sunday (24 May) at 7:59 AM WIB, demanding the GMS Bantul congregation disperse their worship service, claiming it threatened religious harmony and social cohesion.

“We deeply regret the incident involving the disruption of the worship service, followed by alleged intimidation and threats, both physical and verbal, from irresponsible individuals targeting GMS Bantul members,” Josiah Michael told reporters on Tuesday (26 May 2026).

“The incident has left wounds and trauma among the congregation, particularly children,” he added.

Josiah stated that religious freedom and peaceful worship are fundamental human rights, guaranteed and protected by the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI) under Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution.

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

Bantul Regency’s National Unity and Politics Agency (Kesbangpol) confirmed it is taking steps to maintain a stable situation.

“Again and again, I received reports today of forced service disruption experienced by GMS Bantul church congregants by intolerant individuals, even resorting to violence. Please address this, @yudhawk157,” said the Instagram account @davidherson_official.

“Have they forgotten that the Constitution, Article 29(1) and (2) of the 1945 Constitution, guarantees every individual the right to worship according to their beliefs? Please take notice and take firm action against these intolerant individuals @kapolri_indonesia @pemkabbantul @kemenag_ri @polresbantuldiy @poldajogja,” the account added.

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

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

Yulius added that Kesbangpol had attempted to anticipate the situation, but the incident still occurred.

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