Mob ransacks church in Kalasan

KALASAN, Sleman (JP): A group of people ransacked a Biblical Church in Taman Martani village, Kalasan, on Tuesday some 14 kilometers east of Yogyakarta when Sleman regency officials were discussing the church's operation.

There was nobody inside the church when the vandalism took place, and the church established in the last of the 1980s suffered only minor damage.

Witnesses said that the mob arrived at 12:30 p.m. on motorbikes and in cars. "Some of them pelted the church with stones, while others smashed windows. They dispersed and fled toward the Yogyakarta-Solo highway," a local, who wanted to be anonymous, said. The highway is just 100 meters east of the church.

Kalasan Police sub-precinct chief First Insp. Heru Prasetyo confirmed the vandalism, saying that a local Muslim organization called Prambanan Muslim Front (FUI Prambanan) was against establishment of the church.

"FUI Prambanan has been complaining about the church's activities as they believed that the permit for the church had yet to be issued. They don't want the church in their neighborhood."

In the late 1980s, Heru said, Rev. Paul Tabuni, established the 8x20 square meters church with some 50 members.

According to Heru, Paul has been seeking a Sleman regency permit for the church's activities, but the regency authorities have yet to approve the proposal.

"The church was attacked when talks on the church's existence were underway between Sleman officials, the FUI and church representatives," Heru said.

Another emergency meeting sponsored by local police was held following the attack. Rev. Paul Tabuni represented the church and FUI Prambanan was represented by its coordinator Nurhadi Sucipto.

Most of the participants suggested that the church seek another location.

Nurhadi admitted that FUI members could be behind the attack, "Most of my kids were apparently losing control," he said.

Both Nurhadi and Paul agreed to calm down their "followers". "We will try to prevent our men from committing more violence, " Nurhadi said.

Another meeting was scheduled to be held on Jan. 18. (23)