A church reopens after eighteen years of building permit struggles in Indonesia
International Christian Concern reports that a church in Indonesia’s central Java is finally able to gather again at its church after nearly two decades of building permit (IMB) challenges.
According to Times Indonesia, the Provincial Government of Central Java, the Regional Government of Jepara Regency, and the Forum for Religious Harmony (FKUB) have successfully resolved cases related to the establishment of the Evangelical Church in Java Land (ITJ Church) in Dermolo Village, Kembang District, Jepara Regency, Central Java.
This settlement ended eighteen years of tensions between the church and the surrounding community with the issuance of a letter from the Regent of Jepara. On the 27th of January 2021, a letter stated that the building permit for a house of worship in Dermolo Village is still valid.
The reopening of worship activities at the ITJ Church is a manifestation of Jakarta’s commitment to guaranteeing religious freedom rights and strengthening tolerance between religious communities.
It is also the result of the collaboration of all government stakeholders from central to regional with various community groups and interfaith leaders.
Source: persecution.org
