Hundreds protested the proposed construction of a church in Indonesia, claiming it is not needed because no Christians live in the area.
The plan to build Huria Kristen Batak Protestant Church in Palembang in Indonesia’s South Sumatra province drew opposition from hundreds of Muslims on Oct. 14, reports Morning Star News. The Muslims claim that the government actually owns the site on which the church would be built and that a Christian church is not needed because all local residents are Muslim.
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The individual spearheading the opposition warned of a larger protest if the government does not heed their wishes, states Morning Star, referring to a PalTV interview.
The leader also alleged that residents who initially gave approval for the church were bribed, states Morning Star, using information from palpres.bacakoran.co.
‘At risk of being targeted’
A political observer told Morning Star that Muslim extremist groups consistently object to and impede church constructions in Indonesia.
“Church construction never proceeds without disruption,” he said.
Morning Star further explained, “Indonesian society in recent years has adopted a more conservative Islamic character, and churches involved in evangelistic outreach are at risk of being targeted by Islamic extremist groups, according to Open Doors.”
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