Hundreds of residents in Purwakarta, West Java, Indonesia, protested the planned construction of a Simalungun Protestant Christian Church (GKPS) in Cikopo Village, Bungursari District. The protesters visited the local government office and the Ministry of Religious Affairs to express their opposition. 

Residents questioned the process for checking community support and the requirements for building the church. They asked the government to review the documents and recommendations already issued. Similar protests occur frequently in Indonesia.

Purwakarta Regent Saepul Bahri Binzein said that the local government would remain neutral and follow the law. He also encouraged everyone to stay calm and resolve the issue through dialogue. 

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Human Rights in West Java stated that the administrative requirements for the church construction had been completed. The ministry also emphasized that freedom of religion is a basic human right protected by Indonesian law. 

This case shows that some locals still oppose the planned church construction. The government is expected to handle the situation fairly, protect the congregation’s right to worship, and maintain harmony between religious communities. 

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