Tangerang religious dispute resolved through peaceful deliberation

A dispute regarding worship activities for the Gereja Kristen Protestan Indonesia (GKPI) congregation in Mekarsari Village, Rajeg District, Tangerang, has been resolved peacefully through deliberation. Both parties involved have signed a family-based agreement to settle the matter without further escalation.

To facilitate ongoing religious activities while administrative permits are processed according to regulations, the local government will provide a temporary place of worship. The Banten Regional Police confirmed that the security and public order situation in the Rajeg district remains safe and conducive following the coordination between the police, the Religious Harmony Forum (FKUB), and local community leaders.

The Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs emphasized that violence, intimidation, or physical threats are never acceptable solutions for conflicts regarding places of worship. Ministry spokesperson Thobib Al Ashar noted that such frictions often stem from misunderstandings of regulations and a lack of communication between different religious groups. The Ministry commended the parties in Tangerang for choosing dialogue and deliberation to resolve the conflict.