JAKARTA, Indonesia — Muslim groups are taking advantage of Letter of Decision No. 137, issued by the Indonesian government in 2002, to close several churches and prevent new churches from obtaining buildings in Jakarta. The government document allows for churches in the city to be closed — even if they have the required government permit — should people in the surrounding community object to their existence or location.
Late last year, Muslim fundamentalists urged several communities to protest against churches in Jakarta, resulting in four church closures. Frans Simbolon, leader of Bethel Church in Pahlawan Revolusi, said that Islamic leaders pressured him to sign an agreement for church closure, even though the church had been operating for seven years. A week before the church was to close its doors, militants held a demonstration in front of the building. They carried petrol cans, ready to burn down the church if the congregation did not comply. Churches meeting in hotel conference rooms, restaurants, shops or community halls have also reported intimidation from Islamic groups.
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