Kupang – A local Interreligious Harmony Forum (FKUB) is questioning the construction of two mosques in Timor Tengah Utara, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) that allegedly lack the required endorsement from the forum.

The endorsement, according to Timor Tengah Utara FKUB chairman Rev. Aloysius Kosat, was needed to avoid friction in the Catholic-majority regency.

"In a FKUB meeting with the administration and the community several days ago, there was a resident who questioned the presence of the two mosque projects, asking if they have met all the requirements," Aloysius said on Thursday.

Aloysius said that establishment of a house of worship had to abide by administrative and technical regulations, including submitting copies of 90 ID cards from users of a proposed building to be endorsed by local officials. "Moreover, it has got to have support from at least 60 local residents and approval from village heads," Aloysius said.

The head of the NTT Ulema Council, Abdul Kadir Makarim, questioned the FKUB's challenge. "Just see how many churches in NTT have been built without any recommendation. When a mosque is built, why is it questioned?" Abdul said.