The Jakarta Post, 8/30/2005 5:34:19 PM
Police to protect licensed churches from closure: Firman
JAKARTA (Antara): Jakarta Police chief Insp. Gen. Firman Gani said on Tuesday the
police would protect licensed churches from forcible closure by militants.
"We will protect churches operating with licenses while those that have none should
cease from carrying out religious services," Firman said.
He said that the Jakarta Police would not hesitate to take action against those taking
the law into their own hands by closing down churches as it could lead to anarchy.
At least 23 churches in West Java province have been closed since September by
Islamic militants with the backing of local authorities.
Islamic hard-line groups have accused Christians of trying to convert Muslims and
illegally converting buildings into places of worship.
Some Christian groups use houses and shops for religious services because
government regulations make it difficult for Christians, who are a minority in Indonesia,
to build churches.
The regulations require church officials to obtain permission from local people, most of
whom are not Christians. (**)
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