Police: Bantul Church Dispute Stems from Permit Issues
Yogyakarta Special Region Police stated that the disturbance during the inaugural worship service of the Misi Sejahtera Church (GMS) in Sewon, Bantul was triggered by permit issues for the establishment and operation of the place of worship.
In a statement, the Yogyakarta Regional Police said the incident occurred on Sunday (24 May) at a building used by GMS members for worship in Glugo, Panggungharjo, Sewon, Bantul Regency, Yogyakarta.
“The issue is believed to have originated from incomplete permit applications for the establishment and operation of the place of worship by GMS, which was protested by FJI (Front Jihad Islam),” stated the Yogyakarta Regional Police on Tuesday (26 May).
In response, Bantul Police District officers, alongside relevant stakeholders, were deployed to the site to ensure security and prevent further escalation of tensions.
Yogyakarta Regional Police Public Relations Chief, Commissioner Ihsan, added that after mediating and restraining FJI’s protest, Bantul Police Chief AKBP Bayu Puji Hariyanto facilitated talks between both parties, with FJI represented by Darohman and GMS by Pastor Yosep Moro Wijaya.
The mediation outcome saw FJI demanding GMS complete its permit applications and communicate them to local residents, while GMS requested to resume the interrupted worship service.
Ihsan stated that both parties agreed to the mediation points to uphold the values of mutual respect and tolerance.
On Monday (25 May), the Yogyakarta Regional Police urged a meeting involving relevant stakeholders, including Bantul Regency Government, Ministry of Religion, military, prosecutors, the Interfaith Harmony Forum (FKUB), Bantul’s National Unity Agency (Kesbangpol), and GMS representatives.
It was decided that GMS must complete the permit process, and temporarily halt religious activities at Glugo until all regulations are met.
The Yogyakarta Regional Police also stressed that freedom of worship is constitutionally guaranteed, and any unilateral intimidation is unlawful.
“The Yogyakarta Regional Police will not tolerate any acts of intolerance, intimidation, or unilateral actions by groups that disrupt public order,” Ihsan stated.
Ihsan claimed the situation was now under control and stable, urging the public to remain calm, avoid social media narratives that incite division, and leave resolution to law enforcement and local authorities.
Previously reported, Christian worshippers of GMS at Glugo, Panggungharjo, Sewon, Bantul Regency, Yogyakarta were dispersed by a group of organisations on Sunday (24 May).
Acting Head of Bantul Regency’s National Unity Agency (Kesbangpol), Yulius Suharta, detailed the incident. He explained that GMS, short for Misi Sejahtera Church, had been holding services in a rented hotel room in Panggungharjo.
Yulius said that on Sunday, GMS held a thanksgiving service at a new rented building on the ring road outskirts of Glugo, but faced opposition from a community organisation questioning the building’s permit status for religious use.
“The opposition relates to whether the necessary permits have been obtained,” Yulius said when contacted on Monday (25 May).
He said the government had been working with local village and district officials to address the issue since the opposition arose, with a meeting held with church representatives on Saturday (23 May). However, he noted that protests still occurred during the worship service.
Yulius added that GMS had obtained a Notification Acknowledgement Letter (SKTL) from the Regional Ministry of Religion office for the building used as a church.
However, Bantul Regency Government is reviewing whether the document is sufficient for legal legitimacy or if additional administrative requirements for using the building as a place of worship are needed.
Meanwhile, a coordination meeting to determine Bantul Regency’s next steps is scheduled for today with Regent Abdul Halim Muslih and the regional security council (Forkopimda).