3/14/2025 Indonesia (International Christian Concern) — The plan to build the Toraja Church in Sungai Keledang, Samarinda, has been delayed a decade despite all requirements being met.
Although the Interfaith Harmony Forum (FKUB) has recommended the Toraja Church, the Ministry of Religious Affairs of Samarinda City has not yet issued a letter of recommendation for the establishment of a house of worship. In fact, according to the rules, after the FKUB issues a recommendation, the Ministry of Religion should issue a permit within a maximum of 30 days.
This has caused disappointment among members of the congregation, who feel that their right to worship is being hampered.
“We only want to build a church for worship,” said Elisabeth, a member of the Toraja Church in Samarinda. “We all have the right to embrace our respective religions and worship in our respective places of worship. Our rights should still be given according to the law.”
In addition to the lack of a firm decision from the city government, the church also highlighted allegations of intimidation against residents who previously supported the church’s establishment. The Toraja Church’s attorney, Hendra Kusuma, said that several residents who had initially given their support have now withdrawn their approval.
“There was indeed a statement from the Head of Sungai Keledang that several residents withdrew their support,” he said. “However, we see indications of intimidation against residents who have changed their attitude.”
However, from a total of 21 residents who withdrew their support, the remaining signatures still met the minimum required limit, which was 80 people.
“Thus, we ask the government to be consistent with existing regulations and not sacrifice churches that have met all the requirements according to the SKB (Joint Decree) and recommendations from the FKUB (Interfaith Harmony Forum),” Kusuma explained. “In addition, we also ask the Head of Sungai Keledang to be more objective and not submit to pressure from intolerant groups who reject houses of worship without clear reasons.”
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