Surabaya residents protest church construction over permit error

Muslim residents in the Babat Jerawat urban village of Surabaya, East Java, are protesting the construction of a proposed church in the CitraLand housing complex. The opposition centers on an administrative discrepancy in the building permit (IMB), which lists a location in Neighborhood Unit (RT) 7 rather than the intended site in Neighborhood Unit (RT) 1.

Protesters claim the error invalidates the permit and assert that the local community has not granted approval for the project. During a protest on August 14, residents displayed banners stating they wish to preserve interfaith harmony but demand the matter be resolved before construction continues.

Attorney Hartony Edi stated that an administrative error at the lowest level does not constitute legal grounds to invalidate a state administrative decision issued by the mayor of Surabaya. He noted that the permit was issued based on the genuine needs of the local population in accordance with a 2006 Joint Decree.