http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/home/unidentified-vandals-damage-advent-church-in-west-java/581598
Unidentified Vandals Damage Advent Church in West Java Jakarta Globe | March 23, 2013 An Advent church in West Java’s city of Tasikmalaya was vandalized by an unknown group early on Friday morning, one day after another church in the same province was demolished by the Bekasi government. Police said that vandals damaged the church walls, gate and construction materials, which were intended to be used during the church’s renovation. While the church in Bekasi had no building permit, the Advent church had obtained the proper permit from the Tasikmalaya government. The permit was issued on September 2012 and the church started construction in January. “It was an old building that being renovated,” Nanang, a church member, told Tempo newspaper. Head of Tasikmalaya’s political affairs agency Nuryadi confirmed that the government had issued a permit to renovate the building. Dozens of Islamic ulema in Tasikmalaya opposed the reconstruction, saying that none of the residents living near the church were Christian. “Almost 50 ulema that I know did not want a church to be built in an area that’s 100 percent populated by Muslims,” Islamic leader Ijad Nurjaman said. Head of the Tasikmalaya branch of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) Achef Noor Mubarok told Tempo newspaper that the opposition was understandable. “There should be members [living around the area] to build a mosque or church,” Achef said. “It’s pointless to build a mosque with two members, same thing applies for church.” Tasikmalaya police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Iwan Imam Susilo said that police have investigated the attack. “Police have coordinated with the government, Integrated Permit Service Agency and MUI to investigate further about the church’s building permit,” Iwan said. “We pray that the problem can be solved peacefully.” Nanang said that construction would resume regardless of the attack and they would conduct Saturday’s services as usual. Metrotvnews.com reported that the congregation members, despite fears of subsequent attacks, still joined the Saturday service. Police officers also secured the area while members worshipped. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
