M

embers of Muslim community groups closed off the Damai Kristus Catholic Church in Tambora, West Jakarta, on Saturday evening.

The attack took place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., with dozens of members of the congregation unable to leave, while other congregation members were locked out.

Rev. Matius Widyo said around 20 police officers were guarding the place but did nothing to the people who sealed the church. “They seemed to start to take action only when a fight broke out,” he told The Jakarta Post.

The church received threats last month from the notorious Islam Defenders Front (FPI), who allege that the church lacks a permit.

The congregation was formed in 1963 and operates a school. Its application for a permit to build a church on the site has been pending with officials since 1987.