Sultan HB X Addresses Church Service Disruption in Bantul
Gubernur Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta (DIY), Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, spoke about the reported disruption of a church service in Sewon, Bantul, which occurred on Sunday (24/5).
“The existence of differences among humans is inevitable. However, it is not understood that Allah created differences in race, religion, and origin,” said the Sultan during an interview at the Kepatihan Complex in Jogja on Monday (25/5/2026).
“Differences are inevitable, as part of His creation. No one is inherently right; there is none,” he added.
Previously, social media posts claiming a church service in Sewon, Bantul, was disrupted by a group of intolerant individuals went viral.
“Again today, I received reports of a forced disruption of a GMS Bantul church service by intolerant elements, even involving violence. Please address this, bro @yudhawk157,” wrote Instagram user @davidherson_official, as reported by detikJogja.
“Have they forgotten that this country guarantees, under Article 29:1&2 of the 1945 Constitution, that everyone has the right to worship according to their beliefs? Please pay attention and take decisive action against these intolerant elements @kapolri_indonesia @pemkabbantul @kemenag_ri @polresbantuldiy @poldajogja,” the post continued.
When asked for confirmation, Acting Head of Bantul’s Bureau of National Unity and Politics (Kesbangpol), Yulius Suharta, confirmed the incident occurred on Sunday (24/5).
“Kesbangpol is not merely waiting for reports; upon receiving information yesterday about potential opposition to the GMS event, we had already coordinated,” he told journalists on Monday (25/5/2026).
Yulius added that Kesbangpol had attempted to anticipate the situation, but the incident still occurred.
“We tried to anticipate, but indeed, the movement occurred at the GMS activity site yesterday,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Islamic Jihad Forum (FJI) of DIY attributed the incident to permit issues. FJI DIY Chairman Abdurrahman stated that a meeting had taken place between the pastor, Sewon Police Station, Sewon District Head, and Bantul Kesbangpol to discuss the GMS inauguration.
“The church intended to hold an inauguration event, but was warned by Kesbangpol and faced community objections. Kesbangpol summoned the pastor, who only had a notification permit from Kemenag,” Abdurrahman told journalists on Monday (25/5/2026).
According to Abdurrahman, Kesbangpol had advised the church to reconsider the inauguration since GMS had not obtained full permits and had not involved Bantul’s Forum for Religious Harmony (FKUB) during construction.
“Since there was no permit, Kesbangpol informed them it was not yet valid. But if the church insists on proceeding, they will not be held responsible for any consequences,” he said.