A worship service at the Misi Sejahtera Church (GMS) in the Glugo area of ​​Panggungharjo Village in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, was interrupted by Islamic extremists on Sunday morning, May 24.

About 15 members of the Islamic Jihad Front FJI (Laskar), led by Abdurahman Abu Zaki, also known as Darohman, arrived at the church at 7:59 a.m. They demanded that the church halt the service, citing the lack of a permit and opposition from some residents.

A joint statement, reportedly issued by several Islamic community organizations and representatives of residents in Panggungharjo Village, raised objections to the religious activities at GMS Bantul. One objection stated that the Glugo hamlet is predominantly populated by Muslims, with virtually no non-Muslim residents. Furthermore, opponents of the worship services said they could disrupt interfaith harmony and social harmony in the local community.

Anticipating an increasingly tense situation, the congregation dispersed at 8:30 a.m. The FJI Laskar left the church grounds at 9:05 a.m.

Like churches elsewhere in Indonesia, those in Yogyakarta have struggled to survive for years. Muslim groups and local governments often challenge the legality of their church building and worship services.

The GMS congregation had previously held regular services at a hotel in Bantul. However, due to operational costs, the church rented the building in Panggungharjo, which it planned to use as a regular venue for church activities.

Yulius Suharta, acting leader of the National Unity and Politics Agency for Bantul Regency, stated that the church had obtained a Report Certificate (SKTL) issued by the Yogyakarta Regional Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

However, the local government is still reviewing whether this document is sufficient for the building’s use as a place of worship or whether additional administrative requirements remain.

Gugun Gumilar, special staff to the Minister of Religious Affairs, emphasized that this action constitutes a serious violation of the law. He stated that he has coordinated with the Yogyakarta Regional Police chief to have the perpetrators arrested.

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