Muslims living near the proposed site of the Javanese Christian Church (GKJ) in Banyuanyar Village, Solo City, Central Java, Indonesia, protested its construction on June 11, citing the church’s lack of a building permit.

Legiyatno, the head of Banyuanyar Village, said the demonstration occurred on the vacant land where the church is planned to be built. He explained that one of the key concerns for residents is meeting administrative requirements, namely obtaining approval from residents living near the construction site.

The proposed church construction site is also adjacent to a mosque. Legiyatno, the majority of the population is Muslim, with 70 Muslim families and two non-Muslim families.

The church construction committee stated it is currently focused on completing all administrative documents required by the Solo City Government.

The head of church development, Suprapto, explained that the permitting process for places of worship had been underway since 2023, but was delayed due to the regional and general elections at that time.

He stated that the planned place of worship would stand alone as the GKJ Banyuanyar Church, although its congregation would comprise members from various regions.

He also addressed the issue of churches being located next to mosques and in predominantly Muslim neighborhoods. Suprapto argued that having places of worship near mosques is common in Indonesia, particularly in Java.

Gugun Gumilar, special staff to the Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs, urged the government to resolve the issue of places of worship in accordance with the law. He stated that Indonesia must not give in to groups or people seeking to instill intolerance.

He also urged that the necessary administrative and permitting processes be completed in accordance with regulations and as expeditiously as possible.

To read more news stories, visit the ICC Newsroom. For interviews, please email us. To support ICC’s work around the world, please give to our Where Most Needed Fund.