Machete Incident at GKPI Church in Tangerang Resolved Peacefully Following Mediation
A disturbance involving a man armed with a machete in front of the Indonesian Protestant Christian Church (GKPI) Mauk Sepatan, Rajeg, Tangerang Regency, has ended peacefully. The matter was resolved through a family-style settlement after both parties underwent mediation.
The mediation was held by the Regent of Tangerang, Maesyal Rasyid, and the Tangerang Police Chief, Kombes Andi M Indra Waspada, at the Rajeg District Office on Sunday (20/9) night. Present at the mediation were the Special Staff for the Ministry of Religious Affairs on Harmony, Gugun Gumilar, the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimlar) of Tangerang Regency along with the Ministry of Religious Affairs, and the Religious Harmony Forum (FKUB) of Tangerang Regency.
Also in attendance were members of the Rajeg Sub-district Leadership Council (Muspika), community leaders, religious figures, and relevant parties who gathered to seek a peaceful resolution.
According to statements from the Tangerang Police, during the deliberation, the group that confronted the church and the GKPI representatives agreed to resolve the issue through a family-style settlement and would not escalate the matter further. A representative of the GKPI congregation, Hadi Sucipto, stated that they accepted the peaceful resolution and would not pursue the issue further.
During the session, the man who brought the machete and demanded that services be halted, Aji Cahyono, also offered an apology to the GKPI congregation for the previous incident. He admitted to his lapse in judgement and stated that he would not repeat his actions.
Both parties subsequently drafted and signed a statement of agreement as a form of amicable settlement. Furthermore, it was agreed that the local government would facilitate the search for a temporary place of worship for the congregation while awaiting the formal licensing process.
Tangerang Police Chief Kombes Pol Andi Muhammad Indra Waspada Amirullah expressed his appreciation for all parties who chose to resolve the issue through deliberation.
“The most important thing is to maintain harmony and public security,” said Indra Waspada in his statement on Monday (21/9/2026).
He noted that resolution through dialogue is a vital step to ensure the incident does not escalate into a wider conflict. Indra Waspada also emphasised that the police will continue to prioritise persuasive measures and coordinate with the local government, community leaders, religious figures, FKUB, and all relevant elements to maintain public order and security.
“We urge the entire community to maintain peace, not to be easily provoked by unverified information, and to respect the agreement that has been reached together,” he said.
Regarding the viral disturbance at GKPI Rajeg, footage circulating on Sunday (20/9/2026) showed a group of people at the location, with other images showing congregants inside the building.
In the video of the disturbance, Aji Cahyono was seen carrying a machete. He briefly drew the weapon from its sheath and thrust it into a wall, even stating that he did not fear death and demanding that the premises be closed immediately.
Following the disturbance, the Tangerang Regency Government, alongside the Tangerang Police, convened the mediation meeting at the Rajeg District Office on Sunday (20/9/2026) night.
In a video taken during the mediation, Aji offered his apology alongside the Regent of Tangerang and the Police Chief.
“Due to my personal error during the incident this afternoon, I sincerely regret it. Therefore, I apologise to all related parties if I caused anxiety or fear to our brothers during the events of this afternoon. Please forgive me,” said Aji.
“That is my apology. Thank you. Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,” he concluded.