Viral Controversy Over Sealing of House of Worship in Tangerang, Regent Speaks Out
The sealing of a house of worship owned by the Persatuan Oikumene Umat Kristiani (POUK) Tesalonika congregation in Teluknaga sub-district, Tangerang, went viral on social media. This drew condemnation, including from the Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI). The Tangerang Regent then provided an explanation.
The sealing of the POUK Tesalonika house of worship occurred on Friday (3/4) following the Good Friday service and became viral on social media. In the viral video, a group of people along with Satpol PP members arrived at the location and placed a sealing sign on the building.
Representatives from the local community also requested that no further activities take place at the POUK Tesalonika house of worship. They urged the congregation’s representatives to issue a statement agreeing to halt operations at the house of worship.
Condemnation from PGI
The sealing action drew sharp public scrutiny. The Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI) expressed concern and condemnation over the sealing of the POUK Tesalonika house of worship in Tangerang.
“We condemn the sealing action carried out without fairly considering the constitutional rights of the faithful to worship, especially during the sacred moment of Good Friday and leading up to Easter,” said PGI’s Executive Secretary for Justice and Peace, Rev. Etika Saragih, as seen on the official PGI website on Monday (6/4/2026).
Etika stated that PGI understands the importance of compliance with laws and regulations, including those related to building permits. However, PGI assesses that law enforcement should not sacrifice citizens’ basic rights, particularly in situations involving social pressure and potential discrimination against minority groups.
PGI urged the government to guarantee the rights and sense of security in worship for all religious and belief adherents in Indonesia. PGI also called on state apparatus not to bow to pressure from certain groups but to stand firm as protectors of all citizens without discrimination.
“We encourage inclusive and just dialogue to find long-term and permanent solutions that respect the rights of all parties,” said Etika.
PGI also promoted strengthening tolerance and urged the public to exercise restraint so that the issue could quickly reach a resolution.
“We invite all elements of society to exercise restraint, prioritise the spirit of tolerance, and nurture diversity as a gift and strength of the Indonesian nation,” said Etika.
Tangerang Regent Speaks Out
Tangerang Regent Mochamad Maesyal Rasyid then spoke out regarding the controversy over the closure of the POUK Tesalonika congregation’s house of worship in Teluknaga sub-district, Tangerang. He stated that the POUK Tesalonika Tangerang congregation could conduct worship at the hall of the former Teluknaga sub-district office, which has been prepared by the government.
“The Tangerang Regency Government does not discriminate based on religion. We ensure that all communities can practise their worship according to their beliefs in safety, comfort, and peace. Tangerang Regency has long been known as an area that upholds tolerance,” said Maesyal, as seen on the official Tangerang Regency Government website on Monday (6/4/2026).
Maesyal emphasised that the local government is present to guarantee the security and comfort of all religious communities in practising worship. As a short-term solution, Tangerang Regency has prepared the hall of the former Teluknaga Sub-district Office as a temporary worship location, as done previously, complete with additional supporting facilities such as toilets, air conditioning, chairs, and other amenities.
“We guarantee its security. There will be no disturbances from any party. The congregation can worship in peace,” he asserted.
For a long-term solution, Maesyal said the local government will seek a permanent worship location in accordance with applicable laws and regulations and with community approval.
“We will strive for a permanent solution, either through social facilities and public facilities land or other alternatives such as shophouses in the Teluknaga area, in line with prevailing rules,” he explained.
Maesyal also directly inspected the Easter worship service of the POUK Tesalonika Tangerang congregation at the hall of the former Teluknaga Sub-district Office on Sunday (5/4). During the visit, he reaffirmed that Tangerang Regency Government has no intention of differentiating treatment towards the community, including in matters of worship.
“We are here to ensure that all communities, including the POUK Tesalonika congregation, can worship safely and comfortably. There is no intention whatsoever to prohibit or restrict. On the contrary, we are facilitating,” he asserted.
According to Maesyal, the diversity of beliefs, ethnicities, cultures, and religions in Tangerang Regency is a strength that must be maintained with a spirit of tolerance and mutual respect.
“Tangerang Regency upholds the values of tolerance. Whoever and wherever they are, as long as they are in Tangerang Regency territory, we will provide protection without differentiating groups or backgrounds,” Maesyal concluded.