Jakarta – The police have claimed that a misunderstanding was behind the rejection of a new church in Jagakarsa, South Jakarta.
According to South Jakarta Police chief Sr. Comr. Indra Jafar, the dispute was settled on Friday and the seven banners that were placed in front of the church by protestors have been removed.
The incident started when several mass organizations rejected the Wisesa Wicaksana Foundation's request to transform a house in the Jagakarsa area into a church for the Ampera Indonesian Christian Church (GKI) congregation.
"We have gathered local figures, police and military personnel to discuss the issue. The banners have also been removed," Indra said on Wednesday as quoted by wartakota.tribunnews.com.
He said there had been a misunderstanding over the establishment of a church.
He called on the public to refrain from taking any discriminatory actions and to pass on any objects to a related organization.
"They can go to the FKUB [Interfaith Communication Forum] or a religious leader. If the issue is sensitive, it would be better to discuss it together," Indra added.
Last Thursday, several local figures, members of the interfaith community, Indonesian Ulema Council representatives and local residents discussed the requirements for developing a church based on a 2006 joint regulation passed by the Religious Affairs Ministry and the Home Ministry.
The regulation stipulates that such a request must collect at least 60 signatures of support before it can be signed by a village head or subdistrict head for approval.
It must also provide a copy of the identity cards (KTP) of 90 congregants in a document that must be signed by a local leader, as well as a written recommendation from the FKUB at the municipality or regency level.
The Wisesa Wicaksana Foundation reportedly was unable to meet the requirements. (sau)