Sources report that a mob of angry Muslims blocked the way to a Christmas service in the Cipta Graha Permai housing complex in Cibinong, West Java Province Indonesia. Residents barred the road to pastor Tegar Beriman’s house which kept church members from attending a service there. Berriman is associated with the Pentecostal Church in Indonesia.
The mob claimed the site was not officially approved by the government. However, meeting in a private home does not require permission in Indonesia. Pastor Nicky Jefta Makary said he received permission for Christmas service from the neighborhood association. He was irate with the unfair treatment. “I remind you that this country is a country that upholds human rights,” he explained. “Why are we being hindered, when we want to do something good?”
Tensions ran high, but eventually, Makary decided to move the service to an open field in front of the Cipta Graha Permai Housing marketing office. However, the angry crowd followed the embattled preacher to the second location and continued to cause problems. The mob blocked them from accessing the new site by installing an iron bar at the entrance of the complex.
Kefas Hervin Devananda, a local Christian Journalist, wants the state to intervene. “There should be no …to prevent other people from carrying out their worship according to their religion and beliefs on the grounds of ‘permission,’ and law enforcement officers should act firmly if there are parties who try to carry out persecution.” However, Christians do not seem to be a priority for President Prabowo Subianto, who took office on Oct. 20.
Harassment like this is common in Indonesia. Open Doors, a Christian organization, ranked the island nation in the top 10 nations for Christian persecution. They cite conservative Islam as the culprit. According to this report, Churches are at risk of being targeted by Islamic extremist groups. Those involved in evangelism or public outreach are particularly at risk.
Just a few weeks ago, another Christian community was attacked. While practicing for a Christmas Concert, Muslims entered the Catholic St. Yoseph Church and prevented the choir from practicing. In this case, the mob yet again cited the false idea that the Christians needed permission from community leaders. According to Parishioners, the Church has never used the multipurpose building where they were rehearsing as a place of worship. That was why they built the structure but they never used it because of opposition by the local Muslims.
Explaining the issue, one member said that “We have been holding services in a congregation member’s house far from the Muslim community. We do other church activities in this multipurpose building.” The Indonesian Movement for All, a moderate interfaith organization, was disturbed by what happened “The ban is incomprehensible. Since when does practicing choir for Christmas require permission from the local government?”
Local Muslim leaders condemned the violence. Andi Satria said “Our country is not a country of a particular religion, but a country of law that guarantees freedom of religion.” He added that “the government should be present as a protector, not as a party that stops the activity. It should be followed by a cool dialogue to find the best solution.”