People demand closure of another Church in Bogor

Bogor, NU Online
 A group of people in Parung, Bogor, asked the local government on Thursday to close down a church built in a residential area, adding another religious dispute to the area where the embattled GKI Yasmin church is also located.

“The church [Santo Joannes Baptista] has been there for six years,” said Hasis Jalil, the coordinator of the group that rallied in support of the Cibinong government decision to ban the church on Thursday.
“The construction of the church was against the regulation to build a house of worship, because it was built close to private residences,” he was quoted by the Jakarta Globe as saying.

The group, calling themselves the Muslim Community of Parung Bogor, placed a banner near the Catholic church Santo Joannes Baptista on Thursday, three days before Christmas, stating that the group supported the district decision to ban church activities.

Bogor district head, Rahmat Yasin, said he did not ban people from worshiping, but worship should take place in an appropriate location.

“The site is not for a church, but it was a house turned into a house of worship. It is a violation,” Rahmat said. “Moreover, they worship on a regular basis. It is a mistake.”

Rahmat said that while the government respected religious rights, the congregation should respect the regulations.

The Cibinong government had earlier issued a letter banning the church from performing any religious activities.

The pastor of the church, Gaib Simbul Pratolo, was surprised to see the banner.

“We have been worshiping peacefully for six years,” Gaib said. “Even the neighborhood chiefs also secure the services.”

The congregation has 2,000 members.

He said the church was built on an empty lot, and has requested a building permit.

“Until now, we’re still waiting for the building permit that has not been issued,” he said. (dar)