3/14/2025 Indonesia (International Christian Concern) — Muslim residents in Wakatobi held a demonstration in front of the Wangi-Wangi sub-district office on Monday, March 10, to reject the construction of a church in the South Wandoka area of Wakatobi, Southeast Sulawesi Province.
Sudiadi Siregar submitted the application for the construction of the church on Feb. 3 requesting recommendations on the suitability of land and building utilization activities for residential homes or prayer houses in the South Wandoka area.
The deliberation regarding the planned construction of the church nearly ended in chaos as many residents rejected the plan to build the house of worship.
“For the application to build this church, I do not agree,” said Udin, a Wakatobi activist. “The first reason is that it does not meet the Ministry of Religion regulations requirements. The second reason is that the Wakatobi Police have facilitated the place of worship.”
The deliberation resulted in a decision to reject the church’s construction.
Last Christmas, Christians in Wakatobi Regency held their 2024 Christmas service in the Wakatobi Police Hall because they did not have a church building. The Wakatobi Police have provided facilities for other Christians in Wakatobi to worship.
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