Anies Gives IMB To The Peaceful Catholic Church Of Christ, Which Was Demolished By FPI

JAKARTA - DKI Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan has issued a building permit (IMB) for the Damai Christ Catholic Church. It is known, this church was demonstrated by the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) in 2013.

In the process of laying the groundwork for the construction of the church located in Duri Selatan, Tambora, West Jakarta, Anies revealed that the IMB he handed over was a mandate and responsibility to the Parish Leader of the Damai Christ Catholic Church, Matheus Widyolestari.

"There is a responsibility behind the permit to build a place of worship, and I believe this responsibility will be carried out well. So, its presence is felt as happiness for all in this area. Hopefully the construction will run smoothly, on time, and can provide benefits for all," said Anies at the location, Monday, December 20.

Anies hopes that the construction of the Catholic Church of Peace of Christ can bring a message that unity in the capital city can grow. Because, he views Jakarta as a home for everyone.

"In the future, Jakarta must be better, more comfortable and more prosperous. Therefore, let's continue to maintain friendship, because with friendship, a sense of kinship, togetherness, unity and integrity of the citizens of Jakarta will be maintained," Governor Anies added.

The groundbreaking activity at the Damai Christ Catholic Church was also attended by the Mayor of West Jakarta Administration, Yani Purwoko and his staff, Assistant to the Regional Secretariat of DKI Jakarta, Sigit Wijatmoko, Bishop of the Archdiocese of Jakarta (KAJ), Ignatius Cardinal Suharyo, West Jakarta FKUB.

Also present were the Parish Leader of the Peace of Christ Catholic Church, Matheus Widyolestari, the Leaders of the Congregation of the Catholic Church of Peace of Christ, as well as representatives of members of the DKI Jakarta Provincial DPRD.

It is known that eight years ago, the Catholic Church of Peace of Christ was protested by a group of residents, one of which was the FPI group.

Participants in the demonstration opposed the Mother of the Sacred Heart Foundation, which manages the Damai Kindergarten-SD-SMP-SMA school using the school's multipurpose hall as a place of worship for the Catholic Church of the Peace of Christ.

Currently, the situation of the people and society is much better and more conducive. Thus, worship in this place is also much quieter than in previous years. Until December 2021, the church received an IMB from the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government.