5/29/2025 Indonesia (International Christian Concern) — Residents of Sungai Keledang village, Samarinda Seberang district, East Kalimantan, Indonesia, rejected the plan to establish the Toraja Church in their area. 

Several banners hung at various strategic points on Sunday, May 25, announced the rejection and protested the church’s licensing efforts, which were considered incomplete. 

Hendra Kusuma, chairperson of the National Alliance for Freedom of Religion and Belief (AKKBB) in East Kalimantan and the legal counsel for the Sungai Keledang Toraja Church, stated that this was the third time such banners had appeared. 

“We deeply regret this,” he said. “This is a form of symbolic intimidation that continues to repeat itself. In fact, from a legal and administrative perspective, we have complied with all applicable provisions.” 

According to Kusuma, the church has retained several important documents, including a letter of recommendation from the Interfaith Harmony Forum (FKUB), a letter of recommendation from the Samarinda City Ministry of Religion, and a letter of support from 105 residents and 90 active Toraja Church congregants. 

Although 20 residents later withdrew their support, Hendra emphasized that the remaining 80 residents’ support still met the minimum limit as stipulated in the Joint Decree of the Two Ministers of 2006 concerning the Establishment of Houses of Worship. 

Seeing the recurring conditions, Kusuma requested an open dialogue among church members, residents, and government authorities so the root of the problem could be identified and resolved fairly. 

“I also want to hear from the parties who reject it what are the reasons behind the rejection of the establishment of this church house of worship,” he said. “Because all the requirements have been met, hopefully, the government or the DPRD can facilitate this later.” 

This polemic has also received attention from various groups, including religious figures and human rights activists. They encouraged the resolution to be carried out peacefully, based on the principles of justice and tolerance. It was also emphasized that the right to freedom of religion is a basic right of every citizen guaranteed by the 1945 Constitution. 

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