Indonesian Churches Cannot Get Approval for Worship Facilities

(Compass) – More than 30 churches in West Java, Indonesia, are still searching for approved worship facilities after objections from Muslim neighbors forced them to close last year. Recently, two churches were forced to close after applying for permits to hold Christmas services in private homes. Jawadi Hutapea, a parish representative, said many churches in West Java were afraid because of threats received in recent months. “We have tried approaching local authorities and we are looking at other options,” he said. However, the options are limited. Local bylaws require approval from the surrounding community before a permit is granted to build a church or to hold church services in an existing building. Since West Java is a Muslim-majority area, permits for church construction are seldom granted.