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strong>Sept. 8, Online

Despite a court ruling allowing the Taman Yasmin Indonesian Christian Church (GKI) in Bogor to stay at its current location, the saga surrounding it is apparently far from over.

Following a meeting held at Hotel Salak, Bogor, on Friday a statement was issued by GKI Yasmin and NGOs on Saturday, which revealed that Home Minister Gamawan Fauzi and other ministry officials hinted that the government sided with the town administration’s suggestion to relocate the church.

Others present at the meeting included Bogor Mayor Diani Budiarto and representatives of the Muslim Communications Forum (Forkami) — a hard-line religious group known for its stance against GKI Yasmin.

GKI Yasmin spokesman Bona Sigalingging said the discussion did not lead to a commitment to comply with the law.

“The government, along with the Bogor administration, restated at the meeting that GKI Yasmin should move from its current location. Such a statement is in breach of the court ruling,” Bona said.

Your comments:

Indonesia today is an inconsistent country.

May all cowardly state rulers receive karma for their unjust actions. I am sure nature will not remain silent about these repeated injustices.

This really is a disgusting administration. May an act of God happen to the unjust rulers.

Achmad Baihaqi

It does seem that Indonesia has declined into a state of anarchy. The country is run by bigots. And what is worse, they hide behind a veil of religion, but in fact are the personification of pure evil. It is time to change Indonesia — by any means — before it is too late.

Mark Johnson

I agree with the mayor’s actions. The government has done the best it can. Those who feel inconvenienced by the law and conditions in Indonesia could leave Indonesia. Overall, I support the mayor’s policy.

Adhie

Who exactly is running the country? It seems like the radical groups more than anyone else. Why bother having a Supreme Court if their rulings are ignored by minor government employees? Bogor Mayor Diani Budiarto should be immediately fired but, as there is zero leadership, nothing will happen.

Sheldon

This article shows that Indonesia is not a country that honors law and order. Actually, it is a country that caves in to intimidation, bribery, lies and threats. It is a country where its President is powerless against a crooked small town mayor.

Anto

Those who don’t comply with the highest rule regarding religious affairs will be considered resistant to our 1945 Constitution.

Adhie has unwisely said that those who feel inconvenienced by the laws and conditions in Indonesia could leave Indonesia.

Which law do you mean? Which law in our country has the congregation of GKI Yasmin transgressed? The state guarantees all persons the freedom of worship according to his or her own religion or beliefs. (Constitution of Indonesia Chapter XI, Article 29). The mayor of Bogor needs to re-read article 29.

I think he is just afraid of losing support from the majority for accommodating minority rights.

Deyo