Police Await Suspect Designation in GMS Bantul Congregation Worship Dispersal Case

Police are continuing their investigation into the forced dispersal of a worship service at the Gereja Misi Sejahtera (GMS) in Sewon, Bantul, which occurred last month. Authorities are currently gathering sufficient evidence before naming suspects. The incident, which took place on Sunday, 24 May, saw a mass of people break up the congregation, and video footage of the event subsequently circulated on social media. The case is being handled officially under Police Report Number: LP/A/6/V/2026/SPKT.DITRESKRIMUM/POLDA D.I YOGYAKARTA, dated 25 May 2026. Yogyakarta Regional Police Head of Public Relations, Commissioner Ihsan, stated that 31 witnesses have been examined. “Currently, investigators are intensively carrying out the investigation. A total of 31 witnesses have been examined and investigators are continuing to collect and strengthen evidence for the next stage, which will be the determination of suspects,” he explained during a meeting at the Yogyakarta Regional Police headquarters on Tuesday, 30 June. He added, “So, once again, please be patient; we will convey the progress after the suspects are determined.” The 31 witnesses examined include all parties present at the scene during the incident, including representatives from GMS, the Islamic Jihad Forum (FJI), police officers who were at the location, as well as officials from the sub-district and local government. Ihsan stated that investigators are applying Article 303 of the new Criminal Code to ensnare the perpetrators. “Regarding efforts to disrupt, disperse, or intimidate during religious activities, there is a specific article for that, and we will apply it,” he said. He clarified that this refers to Article 303 of Law Number 1 of 2023, which regulates the criminal act of causing a disturbance in a place of worship while a service is ongoing, and it will be paired with Article 55 and 56 concerning participation in the act. Previously, the Islamic Jihad Forum (FJI) of the Special Region of Yogyakarta admitted involvement in the dispersal of the service at GMS in Sewon, Bantul, citing resident rejection and issues with the church’s permit. FJI DIY Chairman Abdurrahman stated that a meeting involving the pastor, Sewon Police, the Sewon sub-district head, and the Bantul Regency National Unity and Politics Agency was held the day before the incident to discuss the church’s inauguration. He claimed the pastor was only relying on a report letter from the Ministry of Religious Affairs.