01/12/2024 Indonesia (International Christian Concern) – Merbau Village recently tried to ban Christmas celebrations. “The prohibition on Christians from celebrating Christmas” is stated in a letter from the Head of Merbau Village, Kasmiran S.IP, dated December 22, 2023.
In the viral letter, two points prohibit Christmas and New Year celebrations in Merbau Village.
Firstly, it prohibits Christmas and New Year celebrations in the Merbau Village area, which gather large crowds or bring in people outside Merbau Village if there is no official permission.
Second, people who want to hold Christmas and New Year celebrations must report to the Merbau Village Government and have official permission and approval from the community where the event is being held.
The police immediately moved to resolve this problem.
On December 24, a meeting was held to end the dispute, which involved the local Ministry of Religion, the Regent of Pelalawan, the Head of the Pelalawan Police, the Merbau Village, Representatives of the Merbau Village Community, the Christian Community of Merbau Village, as well as several Christian organizations in Palawan.
The meeting resulted in three points of agreement. First, providing the opportunity for Christmas and New Year 2023 – 2024 for people who celebrate it. Second, restrain yourself and maintain conduciveness.
Please pray that prohibitions on worship for Christians will not become more common in Indonesia.
For interviews, please contact: [email protected]
