'I'm Concerned And Regret', Minister Of Religion Yaqut's Response To Three Incidents At Christmas 2021

JAKARTA - It turns out that the 2021 Christmas celebration is still tinged with citizen disputes. It was recorded that there were three incidents that injure religious harmony in Indonesia.

The first and caused a scene in Tulang Bawang, Lampung. A group of residents came to the church which was opened for Christmas worship. At that time, the permit for the establishment of the place of worship had not yet been completed.

In Jambi, Christians worship Christmas outside a church that was sealed because the permit had not been completed. When it rained, they rushed into the church for shelter. It was then questioned by local residents.

Meanwhile in Lakarsantri Surabaya, residents rejected the construction of the GKI Citraland church, even though the local RT and RW did not object to the construction of the house of worship.

Minister of Religion Yaqut Cholil Qoumas is very concerned and regrets that such incidents are still happening and are repeated during Christmas celebrations.

"I am very concerned and regretful. Such a thing should not happen if the parties respect and understand each other, and obey the rules," said Minister of Religion Yaqut, Wednesday, December 29.

According to the Minister of Religion, the diversity of people in religion is a fact that must be maintained and protected. All components of society are obliged to realize inter-religious harmony and tolerance in society.

"When it comes to the establishment of places of worship, the reference is clear, namely the Joint Ministerial Regulation (PBM) between the Minister of Home Affairs and the Minister of Religion. The public must also have the same awareness to obey the PBM," the Minister of Religion said.

The Minister of Religion hopes that the community is wise and can place harmony, peace and the right to worship above PBM. That is, the establishment of places of worship must indeed follow the rules, but if there are certain situations that force it, of course the use must be understood.

"I ask the Kakankemenag and KUA staff to monitor the situation and conditions and take persuasive steps so that similar incidents do not happen again," he said.