January 08, 2012


Radical groups added pressure on the congregation of GKI Yasmin church in Bogor as they shouted and chased its members during a Sunday service near the contested religious building.

Members of the Islamic Reform Movement (Garis) shouted at church-goers who were approaching their facility, prompting police officers to come and control the mob.

“We are not afraid of the officers. If the Yasmin congregation is not dismissed, we will deploy a bigger group,” said Garis coordinator Majudien.

Al Khaththath, head of the Bogor branch of the Islamic People’s Forum (FUI), said the absence of a firm stance from the government to settle the issue could set a time bomb for a bigger clash.

“It is over the line now. When the public anger accumulates to boiling point, the public will take action, disregarding the government,” Al Khaththath said.

Yasmin spokesman Bona Sigalingging said the pressure on the congregation was intense every Sunday, when the congregation was forced to hold its service on the sidewalk.

Two weeks ago, the Christmas service was held at a member’s home and last week, the Garis coordinator used a bumper sticker on a church member’s car that read “We need a friendly Islam, not an angry Islam” as an excuse to threaten the congregation.

“Pressure by intolerant groups is becoming increasingly offensive and direct against us. They even chased us when we approached our cars,” Bona said. “I have nothing left to say about what the congregation is feeling now. Our church has been sealed illegally by the Bogor mayor, and recently us just walking close to the church has been banned. Do you call this justice?”

Bona said the members awaited final decision from the president after the Supreme Court ordered the mayor to reopen the church, international organizations condemned the closure and the Ombudsman reported its findings.

“We can only wait the next action by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono,” Bona said.

Police denied taking sides in the dispute involving the congregation, the mayor and the radical groups.

“Our job is to keep the order and anyone who breaks order and security will face actions from us,” said Comr. Sahroni, head of the Bogor Police’s operation desk.


(according to the JG)