GMS Bantul pledges to complete administrative requirements to resume church worship

GMS Bantul has stated it is completing administrative requirements for a permit to resume worship at its church in Glugo, Panggungharjo, Sewon, Bantul, following a forced dispersal by a group that went viral. Currently, congregants are holding services at Pakuwon Mall.

GMS Central Public Relations Officer Josiah Michael said the church is ready to meet all permit requirements. ‘We are continuously coordinating on administrative compliance,’ Michael told media on Wednesday (27/5/2026). ‘GMS Bantul is prepared to provide any additional documents if needed,’ he added.

Meanwhile, Bantul Police Chief AKBP Bayu Puji Hariyanto said a coordination meeting was held with the regency government and GMS, resulting in congregants holding services at Pakuwon Mall. ‘We held a coordination meeting yesterday with relevant parties, including GMS and the regency government. The agreement is for them to temporarily worship at Pakuwon Mall while awaiting permit approval,’ he stated during an interview at Manunggal Grand Mosque in Bantul.

Bantul Regent Abdul Halim Muslih explained that the church building cannot be used temporarily. ‘It was agreed yesterday that the building will not be used for worship for the time being,’ Halim said at the same location.

Regarding whether the regency government will provide a temporary worship space for GMS Bantul congregants, Halim stated this was not part of the agreement, so the regency cannot offer a temporary venue. ‘We are following the previous agreement that GMS Christian congregants should not use the building for now,’ he said.

Halim added that the forced dispersal of worship at GMS Bantul violates religious teachings and the constitution. ‘Persecution and intimidation of worshippers is unacceptable, both from a religious and constitutional perspective,’ he stressed.

According to Halim, Prophet Muhammad handled differences with tolerance, meaning diversity is part of God’s will and tolerance is a prophetic tradition. ‘Therefore, anyone, especially Muslims, must allow non-Muslims to worship freely as part of Islamic teachings,’ he said. ‘No one, especially in the name of religion, can persecute or disband others’ worship – this is completely unfounded,’ Halim added.

In constitutional terms, Article 29 Paragraph 2 of the 1945 Constitution guarantees every resident the right to practise their religion and worship according to their beliefs. ‘Thus, persecution and intimidation of others violate both religious teachings and the constitution – this is clearly unacceptable,’ he said.

Polda DIY Investigates

The Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) Police stated that the General Criminal Investigation Directorate (Ditreskrimum) has begun investigating the widely reported forced dispersal incident on Sunday (24/5). The case is being handled officially under Police Report No. LP/A/6/V/2026/SPKT.DITRESKRIMUM/POLDA D.I YOGYAKARTA dated 25 May 2026. ‘The case is under investigation,’ said Polda DIY’s Public Relations Chief Kombes Ihsan in a written statement. ‘Officers are gathering evidence and taking statements from witnesses to fully establish the sequence of events,’ he added. Ihsan explained that if sufficient initial evidence is found during the case review, the status will be elevated to a formal investigation. Polda DIY is committed to thoroughly and transparently resolving the case, urging the public to remain calm and trust the handling of the matter to law enforcement and local authorities. ‘The situation at the site is currently stable and under control. We urge all citizens to remain calm, not be provoked by divisive narratives on social media, and leave resolution to law enforcement and local government,’ he stressed.

Previously reported, social media posts alleging a forced dispersal of worship at a church in Sewon, Bantul, by a community organisation (ormas) have gone viral. Bantul’s National Unity and Politics Agency (Kesbangpol) said it is taking steps to maintain stability. ‘Once again, I received reports of a forced worship dispersal experienced by GMS Bantul congregants due to intolerant elements, even involving violence. Please address this @yudhawk157,’ said Instagram user @davidherson_official, as seen by detikJogja. ‘Do they forget that the state guarantees, per Article 29:1&2 of the 1945 Constitution, everyone’s right to worship according to their beliefs? Please pay attention and take firm action against intolerant elements @kapolri_indonesia @pemkabbantul @kemenag_ri @polresbantuldiy @poldajogja,’ the account added.