Sealing of POUK Congregation's House of Worship in Teluknaga Triggered by Permitting Issues

TANGERANG, KOMPAS.com - The conflict involving residents and the congregation of the Persekutuan Oikoumene Umat Kristen (POUK) Thesalonika house of worship in Tangerang Regency was caused by issues with the Building Construction Approval (PBG) permit.

Teluknaga sub-district head, Kurnia, explained that the building used by the congregation for Good Friday activities last week was initially intended for foundation activities, but its function later changed.

“In its development, the location was used as a place for worship activities,” said Kurnia when confirmed by Kompas.com on Sunday (5/4/2026).

This was because they deemed the use of the premises not in accordance with its original purpose and had not yet met the requirements for a place of worship permit.

“That condition triggered dynamics in the community which essentially wanted the cessation of worship activities at the location until the permitting process is fulfilled,” he said.

With the conflict, Kurnia assured that his side never intended to prohibit worship activities.

However, he said, all place of worship activities must be adjusted to the applicable regulations, including the provisions in Joint Ministerial Regulation Number 9 and Number 8 of 2006.

Therefore, to resolve the issue, his side conducted mediation involving residents and the POUK congregation.

The result was an agreement that the sub-district would provide temporary facilities for worship activities in the office hall together.

“While waiting for the process of fulfilling administrative requirements by the POUK Thesalonika congregation,” said Kurnia.

Kurnia also urged the community to keep the situation conducive and not to be provoked.

“We urge the community to maintain conduciveness and prioritise deliberation in resolving issues,” he said.

Previously, the house of worship belonging to the POUK congregation was visited by residents after Good Friday worship on Friday (3/4/2026).