There is chaos in this country.
On August 18, authorities in Jombang Regency, Indonesia, with the support of about 50 local residents, forcibly removed Pastor Herri Soesanto from his church and sealed the building. This action was part of a larger government initiative aimed at reclaiming several shops within the Simpang Tiga Shopping Compound in the Weru area of Mojongapit village, East Java Province. The local government claims ownership of this property, which has led to the church’s closure.
Pastor Herri, who leads the Good God Church (Gereja Gembala Baik or GAB), described the event as chaotic and aggressive. He reported being harassed and physically removed from the church by a mob, which included some individuals he considered friends. He criticized the handling of the situation, expressing disappointment over the violence and the involvement of people he knew.
The church’s closure occurred under the administration of Acting Jombang Regent Teguh Narutomo. Pastor Herri claimed that despite attempts to renew their building-use rights, the church faced demands for overdue rent and was denied a renewal. Additionally, he mentioned that the real estate developer had not disclosed the government’s future plans for the property when the church and other shop-house owners acquired their sites.
In response to the closure, the congregation continued to hold services outside the sealed church building. Local officials defended their actions, stating that the property was intended for commercial rather than religious use. They acknowledged that there was a legal process for objections and promised to seek a resolution for the church. The situation highlights the growing challenges faced by churches in Indonesia’s conservative Islamic climate, particularly those engaged in evangelistic activities.