Yuli Tri Suwarni, Bandung – Dozens of residents of Warung Satangkal kampong in Majalaya, Bandung, rallied in front of a house belonging to a Christian family Sunday in reaction to the use of the house as a venue for religious rituals.

The rally was backed by around 60 people who claimed to be members of the Anti-Apostasy Movement of the Indonesian Ulema Congregation Forum.

No incidents were reported during the rally as church parishioners voluntarily left the house, which was reportedly converted into a church.

Omay Komarudin, head of the Warung Satangkal community unit, said the rally was held because local residents had been disturbed by religious activities held once a week in the house over the last three years. Moreover, their activities were held near a mosque, he said.

Omay said that residents frequently asked the house's owner to stop the religious activities inside. They eventually sent a letter to the management of the Majalaya chapter of the Indonesian Bethel Church.

"But our letter was not heeded. We, as a Muslim majority here, are greatly disturbed. On Saturday night, one of their representatives visited my house under the influence of liquor and criticized our protest letter," Omay said.

Residents' anger rose over the incident as they gathered at 7 a.m. on Sunday in front of the house of Ayun Sobandi, who is the representative of the church. Alner, another church representative decided to stop the church rituals.

"We're aware that this church has no permit so I've taken the initiative to stop it and disperse. It's really difficult to process licenses for the construction of churches, especially permits from nearby figures and other local noted figures (as required by the existing law)," Alner said. Alner signed a statement, and promised not to hold religious activities in the house until a license was issued by the Religious Affairs Ministry.

Alner said around 100 churchgoers in Majalaya routinely took part at the religious rituals at Ayun's house. Three families in the vicinity became members of the church communion, while others came from surrounding areas in Majalaya.

Alner said they converted the house into a place of worship because they did not have a church which was free from disturbances. "We haven't had a license, but we frequently consult with local apparatuses, including the police. Moreover Pak Ayun is an indigenous resident, who has lived here since 1986," Alner said.