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Hardliners try to shut down church
In negotiations: Sewon Police subprecinct chief Comr
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span class="caption">In negotiations: Sewon Police subprecinct chief Comr. Heru Setiawan (left) and his colleague from Bantul precinct police, Comr. Qori Handoko, talk to FJI members attempting to shut down the Indonesian Baptist Church in Bantul, Yogyakarta (JP/Bambang Muryanto).
Around 30 members of the Islamic Jihad Front (FJI) have attempted to close down the Indonesian Baptist Church in Bantul, Yogyakarta, on grounds that the church had not secured a building permit from the local government.
'We want the church to close and its signboard to be taken down,' Yogyakarta FJI commander Abdul Rohman said during a protest in front of the church on Tuesday.
FJI members arrived at the church on Tuesday afternoon, some covering their face with turbans, others wearing blue vests emblazoned with Jamaah Hizbullah.
Bantul Police officers formed a human chain to prevent FJI members from entering the church complex. The police also seized some iron pipes from the members.
Negotiations between the police and FJI were fierce, with the group demanding the church's closure that afternoon.
'No matter what, this church has to be closed down now. It cannot be used because it does not have the correct permit,' Rohman said.
Sewon Police subprecinct chief Comr. Heru Setiawan explained that the decision on the church's closure was in the hands of the local government.
'I will convey your demand to the local government. The police can not close this church,' Heru said.
The FJI members then left the area. No one was arrested.
'We have deployed around 200 officers to secure the place today. Subsequently, we will conduct routine patrols,' said Bantul Police precinct operation division head Comr. Qori Handoko. (ika)(++++)
