02/23/2021 Indonesia (International Christian Concern) – A protestant church in Indonesia’s Yogyakarta finally is able to build its own church, after its building permit (IMB) was previously revoked by the regent in 2019.
The Pentecostal Church in Indonesia (GPdI), Immanuel Sedayu, in Yogyakarta’s Bantul, was not welcomed by local residents. In response to the protests, the regent of Bantul H. Suharsono officially revoked and canceled the building permit (IMB) of the church in July 2019.
After months of negotiation and relocation attempts, on February 11, the Regent of Bantul, H. Suharsono laid the groundwork for the Immanuel Sedayu Pentecostal Church.
“Congratulations on our work together. This morning we have witnessed together the struggle of the Immanuel Pentecostal Church with good fruit. Thank you for the help from all parties who have supported the implementation of the plan to build the Emanuel Sedayu Pentecostal Church, “ said Suharsono during the groundbreaking of the church.
Suharsono also asked residents to maintain mutual tolerance and not interfere with other religions. “Don’t disturb other religions for any reason. Let’s pray together that all Bantul residents stay healthy for a long life,” said Suharsono.
Reverend Tigor Yunus Sitorus from the church also expressed his gratitude for the regent and his staff for their assistance along the way.
“We are grateful because this morning what was our struggle has come to an end thanks to the support of all parties. We have received input from various parties for the issuance of the GPDI Pentecostal Emanuel Sedayu IMB with the hope that our congregation can unite in supporting the building of this church,” he said.
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