Sultan HB X Addresses GMS Church Service Disruption in Bantul

Sultan HB X stated during an interview at Kompleks Kepatihan, Yogyakarta: ‘Differences among humans are inevitable. However, it is crucial to recognise that God created races, religions, and origins to be diverse. No one is inherently superior.’

Previously, social media was flooded with claims of a church service disruption in Sewon, Bantul. Acting Head of Bantul’s Kesbangpol, Yulius Suharta, confirmed the incident occurred on Sunday (24 May). ‘Kesbangpol does not merely wait for reports; upon receiving information of potential opposition to GMS activities, we had already coordinated,’ he told reporters on Monday (25 May).

Yulius added that Kesbangpol had attempted to anticipate the movement, but the incident still occurred. ‘We tried to anticipate it, but the movement at the GMS activity site did happen yesterday,’ he said.

Meanwhile, the Forum Jihad Islam (FJI) of the Special Region of Yogyakarta attributed the incident to licensing issues. FJI Chairman Abdurrahman stated a meeting had taken place between the pastor, Sewon Police Station, Sewon District Office, and Bantul Kesbangpol regarding the GMS inauguration. ‘The church intended to hold an inauguration event, but was warned by Kesbangpol and local residents had opposed it. Kesbangpol summoned the pastor, who only had a reporting permit from the Ministry of Religious Affairs,’ Abdurrahman told reporters on Monday (25 May).