Reasons why church congregants in Bantul are still prevented from worshiping

For almost two months, hundreds of congregants from the Gereja Kristen Misi Sejahtera (GMS) in Bantul, Yogyakarta, have been prevented from holding worship services. The delay stems from the Bupati (Regent) Abdul Halim Muslih's failure to issue a temporary permit, with the Bantul regional government citing incomplete administrative procedures.

The congregation was forced to halt its activities after a group, identified as the Front Jihad Islam (FJI), disrupted their worship on May 24, 2026, at the GMS building. The FJI, through its DIY chairman Abdurrahman, claimed public complaints about the church operating without a permit were the reason for their action. The FJI has a history of disrupting minority group activities and religious services over the past decade.

Following the disruption, the Bantul government prohibited the GMS congregation from using their building, ostensibly to maintain public order while the permit application was processed. Although the Bupati had previously met with GMS representatives and promised to expedite the issuance of a two-year temporary permit, church officials express disappointment over the government's slow response.

Josiah Michael, spokesperson for GMS Central, stated that the church has fulfilled various administrative requirements, including a registration letter from the Ministry of Religious Affairs of DIY, a business domicile letter, and a recommendation from the local neighborhood head. However, the process has been complicated by further demands from the spatial planning office, which requested the church to obtain land mapping and placement through the National Land Agency – a requirement not previously communicated by the regional government. GMS hopes the Bantul government will seriously assist in resolving their worship issue.

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We are disappointed because the regional government is slow and not keeping its promise.