persecution
Residents Protest Planned Church Construction in Central Java
By commsmanager at International Christian Concern
· June 16, 2026
· 2 min read
Muslims living near the proposed site of the Javanese Christian Church (GKJ) in Banyuanyar Village, Solo City, Central Java, Indonesia, protested its construction on June 11, citing the church’s lack of a building permit. Legiyatno, the head of Banyuanyar Village, said the demonstration occurred on
Key takeaway Legiyatno, the head of Banyuanyar Village, said the demonstration occurred on the vacant land where the church is planned to be built.
Why this matters
The protest against the planned Javanese Christian Church construction in Central Java highlights the ongoing challenges faced by religious minorities in Indonesia. The requirement for approval from nearby residents, as cited by village head Legiyatno, can be a significant hurdle for churches, particularly in areas with a majority Muslim population. The fact that the proposed church site is adjacent to a mosque may exacerbate tensions, despite church development head Suprapto's argument that such proximity is common in Indonesia. The delayed permitting process, which began in 2023, underscores the need for efficient and fair administration of religious freedom laws. Gugun Gumilar's call for the government to resolve the issue in accordance with the law is crucial, as it emphasizes the importance of upholding religious freedom and preventing intolerance. The outcome of this case will be closely watched, as it may set a precedent for future church construction projects in Indonesia.
About this story
Original reporting by International Christian Concern . Jesus Give surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: persecution ·
Published: June 16, 2026 ·
Source: International Christian Concern ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Muslims living near the proposed site of the Javanese Christian Church (GKJ) in Banyuanyar Village, Solo City, Central Java, Indonesia, protested its construction on June 11, citing the church’s lack of a building permit. Legiyatno, the head of Banyuanyar Village, said the demonstration occurred on
When was this published? This article was first published on June 16, 2026 by International Christian Concern and curated for Jesus Give readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by commsmanager at International Christian Concern. To learn more about how Jesus Give selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more persecution coverage from Jesus Give, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .