International Christian Concern reports that hundreds of residents in Purwakarta, West Java, Indonesia, protested the planned construction of a Simalungun Protestant Christian Church, known as GKPS, in Cikopo Village, Bungursari District. The protesters went to the local government office and to the Ministry of Religious Affairs to voice their opposition.

According to ICC, residents questioned how community support for the church had been checked and what requirements the church had to meet. They asked the government to review the documents and recommendations that had already been issued. ICC notes that protests like this one happen frequently in Indonesia.

Purwakarta Regent Saepul Bahri Binzein said the local government would stay neutral and follow the law, ICC reports. He encouraged everyone to stay calm and settle the matter through dialogue. The Ministry of Human Rights in West Java stated that the church had completed its administrative requirements, and it stressed that freedom of religion is a basic human right protected by Indonesian law.

ICC writes that the case shows some locals still oppose the church, and that the government is expected to handle the situation fairly, protect the congregation's right to worship and keep harmony between religious communities. What happens next depends on whether officials hold to what they have said.

Paul told the Romans to live at peace with everyone, as far as it depends on them (Romans 12:18). That is what this congregation is trying to do. Pray that they can build in peace, that neighbors who object will come to the table, and that the officials who spoke up for the law will keep their word.

Read Romans 12:18