The Bethel Full Gospel Church (GBIS) congregation in Jambi, Indonesia, must temporarily halt its worship services, according to a decision by local leaders.

Through its pastor, Edward C. Gultom, S.Th., the congregation reported alleged intimidation, verbal threats, and pressure to sign an official record mandating the suspension of its services. 

Pastor Gultom explained that the congregation — which has been holding weekly Sunday services at Marhehe Gultom’s private residence — consists of only about six individuals. However, these worship activities have now been ordered to temporarily cease, based on a decision reached at a meeting on Oct. 6. 

This suspension is formalized in the “Minutes of the Meeting Regarding the Establishment of a Place of Worship,” dated Oct. 6. The Head of Simpang Sungai Rengas Village, Reni Repianti, S.E., chaired the meeting, which included various government representatives and community leaders. 

The document states that the GBIS congregation’s weekly Sunday worship services held at the private residence must be suspended until all administrative requirements are met under prevailing regulations. 

Representatives from the district government, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), the Religious Harmony Forum (FKUB), the police, the military (TNI), the Office of Religious Affairs (KUA), traditional institutions, and various community and youth leaders reportedly attended the meeting. 

However, the document does not specify which administrative requirements remain unfulfilled, nor does it outline any potential steps that could be taken to allow the congregation to continue its worship. 

During the meeting, Gultom objected to the decision to halt the services. He then left the forum, as he took issue with how the proceedings were conducted. However, officials later picked him up from his home and asked him to return to the sub-district (kelurahan) office to sign an official report intended to calm residents. 

Gultom said concerns for his family’s and home’s safety led him to return to the sub-district office. 

Beyond challenging the decision to halt worship services, Gultom also alleged verbal intimidation during the meeting. 

He claimed that a local neighborhood head (RT leader) struck the table and issued a threat.  

“Arrest them; if they resist, kill them”— a remark that, according to Gultom, instilled fear among the congregation. 

For Gultom and his congregation, this issue goes beyond mere administrative requirements for a place of worship. They are also questioning how their right to practice their faith can be guaranteed while the matter is being resolved. 

The GBIS congregation hopes the Batanghari Regency Government — in coordination with sub-district and local authorities, the Religious Harmony Forum (FKUB), the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), the police, and the military — will clarify the situation. 

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