The Muslim Community Development and Empowerment Agency (BP2UI) in Gunung Putri, Bogor Regency, West Java, Indonesia, protested the construction of the St. Vincentius A. Paulo Catholic Parish Church on Saturday, Dec. 6, claiming the church building’s construction is illegal. 

However, the Head of the Bogor Regency Ministry of Religious Affairs Regional Office, H. Ahmad Syukri, emphasized that all legal requirements and permits for the renovation of the building have been in place since 2000. 

The demonstration, attended by about 20 people, took place nearly 220 yards from the church and lasted an hour. 

Ahmad emphasized that the existence of the St. Vincentius A. Paulo Parish Church in Gunung Putri is legally valid.  

“The administrative requirements are complete; it’s legal,” he said. “The existence of this church is administratively valid.” 

Ahmad was present at the protest, along with other government officials, to reassure churchgoers amid the demonstration. 

He urged all parties to maintain a conducive atmosphere ahead of the Christmas celebrations.  

“Please grant our brothers and sisters who will be attending Christmas services peace, love, and a sense of humanity,” he said. 

The church’s legal representative, Dr. Siprianus Edi Hardum, confirmed that the church has held a building permit (IMB) since December 2000 and is legally registered. 

“This church is legal, not an illegal building as they claim,” Edi said. “Our IMB was issued in December 2000.” 

According to Edi, the congregation has been worshipping at the church for more than 25 years and now has nearly 2,000 members. 

The local government, along with the Interfaith Harmony Forum (FKUB), continues to monitor the situation to ensure every citizen’s right to worship is guaranteed. 

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