PGI Responds To Residents Rejecting Worship Activities Of HKBP Bethany And HKI South Bandung

Photo via PGI

JAKARTA - PGI has responded to incidents of intolerance in various regions regarding the rejection of religious activities and activities that are considered different from the majority religion. The latest incidents were experienced by the Bethany HKBP church in Rancaekek and South Bandung HKI in Bandung Regency.

The refusal to continue worship by a group of residents again occurred on the grounds that there was no IMB. Another reason is to maintain the peace of the surrounding community.

"It is unfortunate that the government and the police have not provided concrete solutions when members of the congregation have often received refusals," said PGI's Head of Public Relations, Jeirry Sumampow in a written statement, Friday, April 1.

After visiting and having dialogue with the affected congregations in the area, PGI expressed concern and condemned the incident.

PGI also hopes that similar incidents will not happen again. And most importantly, PGI hopes that this condition will discourage worship and serve others.

PGI also asks the government to be more serious in handling similar cases considering that these incidents have happened repeatedly but there has been no or no complete solution offered by the government. The government must facilitate the availability of proper houses of worship for these two Christian communities according to the mandate of the law.

"Ask the FKUB and the Regent of Bandung Regency to facilitate dialogue efforts between the Christian community and the surrounding community as well as opposing groups, so that there are no more refusals on behalf of local residents to obtain permits for the construction of the HKBP Bethany Church in Rancaekek and the HKI Church in South Bandung, "Jerry said.

"Encouraging all parties to maintain a conducive situation so as not to be used by irresponsible parties for their own interests or benefits," he said.