Ministry of Religious Affairs Facilitates Resolution for GMS Bantul; Special Staff Asserts State Presence to Guarantee Freedom of Worship

The Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag) has confirmed its role as a facilitator in resolving the issues surrounding the Mawar Sharon Church (GMS) in Bantul, asserting that the state guarantees the freedom of worship for all citizens. This commitment was conveyed by the Special Staff to the Minister of Religious Affairs, Gugun Gumilar, following discussions with GMS leadership in Surabaya.

Gugilar stated that he has been in communication with various stakeholders, including the UKP Gus Miftah, the Regional Police Chief of DIY, and the Regent of Bantul, to encourage a swift, peaceful, and constructive resolution. The Ministry of Religious Affairs is working to bridge the gap between GBS Bantul and the Bantul Regency Government to ensure that all pending administrative matters are finalised by the local authorities.

“The state is obliged to protect and guarantee the freedom of every citizen to worship according to their beliefs,” Gumilar emphasised. Both the Ministry and the GMS leadership have agreed to await a follow-up meeting invitation from the Bantul Regency Government to discuss the technical details of the resolution. The primary objective remains maintaining harmony and peace among religious communities through dialogue and deliberation rather than confrontation.

The GMS leadership has expressed full trust in the government’s resolution process and supports the efforts being made by all relevant parties. The Ministry of Religious Affairs hopes the mediation process will proceed smoothly, resulting in the best solution for all parties and strengthening national unity.