GMS Bantul Refers Worship Disruption Case to Authorities
GMS Bantul’s public relations officer, Eko, said the church leadership has called on all members to pray for the situation and to remain steadfast in their faith. “GMS also urges all parties not to respond to the incident with division. Instead, peace and the rule of law must be upheld, accompanied by prayers for Bantul’s situation to quickly become conducive and for the congregation to resume worship peacefully,” Eko said, according to detikJogja on Tuesday, 26 May 2026.
Eko also praised Bantul Regency Government (Pemkab Bantul) for handling the case, stating the local government suggested resolving the matter through legal channels. “GMS Bantul has handed over the handling of this incident to the competent authorities to be resolved within the legal framework,” he added.
The worship disruption occurred on Sunday, 24 May. A social media post alleging the forced dissolution of a service at a church in Sewon, Bantul, by a social organisation (ormas) went viral. Bantul Regency’s National Unity and Politics Agency (Kesbangpol) said it was taking steps to maintain a conducive environment.
“Again and again, today I received reports of forced worship disruptions experienced by GMS Bantul congregation members by intolerant elements, even using violence. Please address this, @yudhawk157,” read a post from Instagram account @davidherson_official, as seen by detikJogja yesterday.
“Have they forgotten that the state guarantees, under Article 29(1) and (2) of the 1945 Constitution, that every person has the right to worship according to their beliefs? Please pay attention and take firm action against these intolerant elements @kapolri_indonesia @pemkabbantul @kemenag_ri @polresbantuldiy @poldajogja,” the post continued.
Acting Head of Bantul Regency’s Kesbangpol, Yulius Suharta, confirmed the incident. He added that Kesbangpol had attempted to anticipate the situation, but the event still occurred. “We tried to anticipate it, but yesterday’s activities at the GMS venue did take place,” he said.