The construction process for the Indonesian Pentecostal Church (GPI) in Tanjung Senang Village, Bandar Lampung, Indonesia, has once again reached a deadlock.  

The conflict, which has been ongoing since 2004, has become even more complicated after the emergence of a letter of rejection from residents allegedly involving officials. 

The letter, allegedly signed by 91 residents on Nov. 3, 2025, was only submitted by the village office to the church construction committee on March 27. This delay raised questions from the committee. Amid the controversy, information circulated about an official, identified as “AA,” allegedly involved in collecting the signatures. This allegation heightens the sensitivity of a case that has long fueled tensions within the community. 

Plans to build the church began in 2004 and received support from 44 residents and local community leaders. Construction began in June 2004 with a groundbreaking ceremony attended by community leaders and representatives from various faiths. 

However, in November 2004, the church building under construction was vandalized and burned. Despite being reported to the authorities, no suspects have been named. 

Following the issuance of a joint ministerial regulation in 2006 regarding the establishment of houses of worship, the committee again processed permits and claimed to have secured the support of 66 residents. However, the process was hampered because the neighborhood unit and village head refused to sign the support documents. 

Rejection recurred in 2014, with even residents protesting and closing access to the church site. 

Mediation facilitated by the sub-district government at the time resulted in a temporary agreement under which the congregation moved its worship services to another location. 

In 2025, the committee again proposed building the church, claiming it had met the requirements for community support. However, the letter of rejection, delivered in March 2026, sparked further controversy.  

Currently, local authorities and the government are reportedly verifying the community support data. If the requirements are found to meet the applicable regulations, there is no legal basis to reject the construction of the house of worship. 

This case has drawn public attention, and it is hoped that a just solution can be found soon and that it will maintain interfaith harmony in the region. 

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