Andi Arman, the head of the Muslim neighbourhood association, told members of the Christian choir: “It’s important that the choir practice should be reported to the local government. First, I will tell the Muslim neighbours that there will be activities like this. If you ask permission, I can tell them there has been a report to the local government. If it is like this, I will say there is no permission.”

He claimed that he had tried to protect the choir from Muslim violence because they thought the Catholics had gathered for Mass. Allegedly there had been an agreement between the church and the Muslim community that worshipping activities could not take place. Arman insisted, “The residents asked me to come because they thought there was a worship activity. It turned out to be a song practice for Christmas. I came to protect my Catholic friends. By having permission, I can ensure that other parties would not disturb their activities.”

A member of the congregation stated that they had never used the church for worship because the Muslims would not have allowed it: “We have been holding services in a congregation member’s house far from the Muslim community. We do other church activities in this multipurpose building.”

Saint Joseph Station belongs to the Saint Mary of Fatima Parish in Bentaeng Regency, South Celebes, part of the Makasar Archdiocese. The church has around 215 members, representing half of the congregation of Saint Mary of Fatima Parish.

Immanuel Asi, head of the Parish, stated: “The problem has been resolved thanks to cooperation with several parties.” However, several local Christians disagree with the statement as they do not see the conflict resolving itself. 

The Indonesian Movement for All—a moderate interfaith organisation—voiced its disappointment in a podcast: “The ban is incomprehensible. Since when does practising choir for Christmas require permission from the local government? Choir practice needs no permit. People who prohibit this must be handled immediately.”

Local Muslim leader Ustaz Andi Satria condemned the incident and said that Muslims should not have stopped the Christians from choir practice: “Singing practice for Christmas celebrations must be protected, not intimidated. Islam teaches tolerance as a blessing for all humans, not just for the Muslims. We sometimes understand religion too shallowly, so we ask permission even to practice singing. Our job is to protect, not to hinder. Should the practice require permission, the government should be present as a protector, not as a party that stops the activity. It should be followed by a cool dialogue to find the best solution.”

Source: https://morningstarnews.org