Ministry of Human Rights Condemns Disruption of GMS Worship in Bantul
The Ministry of Human Rights (HAM) has condemned the forced dissolution of a worship service by the GMS Church congregation in Padukuhan Glugo, Panggungharjo, Sewon, Bantul, on 24 May 2026. The incident, sparked by local residents and community organisations objecting to the place of worship’s operational permit, was deemed illegal and a clear human rights violation.
Deputy Minister Mugiyanto stated that the state must not succumb to unilateral acts of intolerance by certain groups, adding that freedom of religion and worship is a constitutional right that the government must guarantee.
“The Ministry of Human Rights is deeply disappointed that such illegal acts, contradicting the constitution, continue to occur. We urge law enforcement agencies to take firm action against groups that carry out or incite unlawful prohibitions and forced dissolutions of worship activities,” Mugiyanto said when contacted on Wednesday (27 May).
He stressed that forced dissolution of worship cannot be justified under any circumstances. From a human rights perspective, intimidation or prohibition of religious activities violates citizens’ fundamental rights guaranteed by the constitution and international instruments.
“Forced dissolution of worship is a clear human rights violation. Freedom of religion and belief is protected by the constitution and international instruments, making any unilateral intimidation or dissolution of religious activities illegal and undermining tolerance,” he said.
Mugiyanto noted that vigilante actions by community groups or organisations highlight the necessity of state presence. Law enforcement must act decisively against intolerance and ensure safe spaces for all religious communities to practice their beliefs.
The ministry also highlighted the recurring issue of places of worship construction as a source of community conflict. From a human rights standpoint, the right to establish places of worship is part of fundamental religious freedoms. However, administrative and technical regulations remain permissible if they aim to maintain public order and the rights of others.
Current guidelines for establishing places of worship in Indonesia are governed by the Joint Ministerial Regulation No. 9 and 8 of 2006 by the Ministers of Religious Affairs and Home Affairs. In Bantul, this is reinforced by Regent Regulation No. 98 of 2016 on Place of Worship Construction Guidelines.
Mugiyanto said the ministry has deployed a team from the Central Java Regional Office of the Ministry of Human Rights, covering the Yogyakarta Special Region, to coordinate directly with relevant parties. Communications have been held with affected congregants, Bantul Regency Government, Bantul Religious Affairs Office, and Bantul Police.
In the near future, the ministry will strengthen inter-agency coordination to prevent recurrence. This involves Bantul’s National Unity and Political Affairs Office, relevant regional agencies, the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the Interfaith Harmony Forum (FKUB), Panggungharjo Village Government, and civil society representatives.
“The ministry urges community organisations or groups who see acts they believe violate laws to report them and urge law enforcement to act, rather than taking the law into their own hands,” Mugiyanto said.
He stressed that firm law enforcement is key to preserving democracy and upholding the rule of law. Authorities must act impartially against all acts of intolerance involving violence against citizens exercising their fundamental rights.
As a long-term measure, Mugiyanto added, the ministry is preparing to strengthen religious freedom protections through revisions to Law No. 39 of 1999 on Human Rights, which is currently underway. The revisions aim to provide a stronger legal framework to prevent similar incidents in the future. (Mir)