PBNU Chairman: People Can Worship Anywhere, Can't Be Banned By Anyone

Residents crossed the road between the Al-Muqorrobin (left) Mosque which is facing the Indonesian Muria Christian Church (right) in Winong Village, Pati City, Central Java/ANTARA PHOTO/Yusuf Nugroho/rwa)

Chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) Executive Board Yahya Cholil Staquf stated that the worship process can be carried out anywhere and should not be prohibited by anyone.

He made this statement in response to the Circular Letter of the Minister of Religion (Menag) No. 11 of 2023 concerning the use of the Ministry of Religion's office as a temporary house of worship.

"Religious people are allowed anywhere. They must be allowed to worship anywhere," he said when met on the sidelines of the R20 International Summit of Religious Authoritys (ISORA) event in Jakarta as reported by ANTARA, Monday, November 27.

Gus Yahya, as he is familiarly called, emphasized that this is a principle of life that should not be banned.

Previously, the Head of the Center for Religious Harmony (PKUB) of the Ministry of Religion, Wawan Djunaedi, said that the circular was issued as an effort by the government to guarantee religious communities to carry out worship according to their religion and belief in an orderly, comfortable and safe manner.

"As part of the government, the Ministry of Religion seeks to facilitate the provision of temporary houses of worship for religious people in these situations and conditions," said Wawan.

Wawan mentioned the SE Minister of Religion No. 11 of 2023 includes the use of the Ministry of Religion's office as a temporary house of worship for a maximum of two hours per worship activity.

Then, various prayer facilities needed during the implementation of worship are provided independently by the applicant.

The use of the Ministry of Religion's office as a temporary house of worship is valid for three months, and can be extended for one month.

"The Head of the Regional Office of the Ministry of Religion of the province and the Head of the Office of the Regency / City Ministry of Religion coordinate with local security regarding the use of the Ministry of Religion's office as a temporary house of worship," he said.