The Purwakarta district regent stated that the place of worship does not yet have building permits. According to the opposition and the locals, other solutions could have been adopted while administrative issues are resolved.
Jakarta () – Anne Ratna Mustika is in charge of the Purwakarta regency, in the province of West Java. The official prohibited the use of a place of worship that congregates the faithful for the weekly services of the local Protestant church.
The official communicated her decision through a video message in which she explained that the closure of the provisional church of Cigelam was necessary, since the place generates “dissatisfaction” among the locals, especially in the majority Muslim population.
In her statements, Mustika – at the center of a media storm in recent weeks after divorcing her husband, who preceded her in office – added that “the church, owned by the Purwakarta Protestant Simalungun Christian Church (GKPS), is still has not obtained the legal building permit”, known as Izin Mendirikan Bangunan or IMB. The governor noted that according to the latest government building regulations, the Church does not yet have “the permission documents and community approval”. The decision was acted upon by Purwakarta civil service officials. .
Local Christians claim that the authorities, and Mustika in particular, do not tolerate religious minorities. “We feel that we are not being treated fairly,” said a Christian resident who wished to remain anonymous. “As district head, Mustika should let Christians practice their faith in peace, while moving forward to meet all the requirements administrative costs,” added another local.
Imelda Berwanty Purba, chairperson of the Central Leadership Council of the Indonesian Solidarity Party, stated that “the regent of Purwakarta can grant a temporary permit for a place of worship. If there are requirements that have not yet been met, she should propose dialogue and deliberations. to obtain an IMB, instead of sealing” the church.
