HKBP ponders withdrawing charges against assaulters

The leader of the HKBP church, Rev. Bonar Napitupulu, says the charges against 13 people suspected of assaulting a church member in September can be dropped in the public's interest.

“If need be, we might do that to create a favorable condition,” said Bonar who lead a congregation of Protestants of Batak background.

A member of HKBP, Hasian Lumbantoruan Sihombing, was stabbed prior to attending a Sunday service in Ciketing, Bekasi, West Java. Rev. Luspida Simanjuntak, who was with him, was hit on the head with a plank. The police have arrested a number of people suspected of being involved in the attack.

The incident followed a long-running conflict between church members and some Muslim residents who disapproved of those members holding services there.   

According to Bonar, the HKBP considered the conflict was over. He said that the church merely wanted to know who the culprits were, so that they could be given mercy.

Bonar said that the church wanted the conflict with Muslim residents to stop.

Salih Mangara Sitompul, the lawyer for the suspected assaulters, said that the HKBP should state their will to make peace in court. “Please do say this in court, not just in front of reporters,” he said.