This Is What Mahfud MD Said In The Inauguration Of The GKI Court, Bogor

Mahfud MD was accompanied by Tito Karnavian (Mendagri) and Bima Arya (Mayor of Bogor) during the inauguration of the GKI Court, Bogor on Sunday 9 April 2023. (Between/Linna Susanti)

JAKARTA - Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Mahfud MD said the inauguration of the Indonesian Christian Church (GKI) for the West Bogor, West Java, known as GKIYasmin is a form of state presence in resolving conflicts in the construction of places of worship and the enforcement of the constitution. "Brother, that my statement, representing the government, it was clear that this country is a state based on the constitution, the state of the nation nation nation, the state of the state of fulfillment," he said during a press conference after the inauguration of the church which coincided with the 2023 Easter commemoration, in Bogor City, as reported by Antara on Sunday, April 9. According to Mahfud, on the basis of constitutional protection, all religions must be protected and guaranteed their right to live, especially their adherents, are not based on the number of followers, but all those who embrace religion must be protected according to the guarantee or constitutional order. Therefore, he said, the state must be present in the most likely ways so that the guarantee of freedom of implementing religious teachings or worship can be given properly by the state. "Well, one way that Mr. Bima (Mayor Bima Mayor Bima Arya) did (with community friends in Bogor City is dialogue, then mapped the problem according to the direction of Mr. Tito(Mendagri Tito Karnavian) and then finished as well. However, everything can be taken so that the state is always present in the freedom of citizens, embracing religion and worship according to their respective religion," he said.

The inauguration of the GKI GKI Bogor Barat Court of worship with a capacity of 300 congregations during this worship has been under construction for two years, after 15 years in conflict with local residents. The issue of this conflict was in the national and even international spotlight, so that the central government helped encourage the resolution of this conflict. The location of the church which is currently inaugurated is an asset land of the Bogor City Government with an area of approximately 1,600 square meters. In the licensing process, the church was assisted by the Bogor City Government to lobby the central government so that the conflict melts with good communication. In addition, the Bogor City Government cooperates with the Religious Harmony Forum, local governments and religious leaders around that location.