Indonesian Church Services Suspended Following Local Government Meeting

The Bethel Full Gospel Church (GBIS) in Jambi, Indonesia, has been ordered to suspend its weekly Sunday worship services held at a private residence. The decision was formalized during an October 6 meeting chaired by the Head of Simpang Sungai Rengas Village, Reni Repianti, and attended by various government, military, police, and religious officials, including representatives from the Indonesian Ulema Council and the Religious Harmony Forum.

Pastor Edward C. Gultom reported that the congregation, which consists of approximately six members, was pressured to halt activities until unspecified administrative requirements are met. Gultom expressed concerns regarding the process, alleging that he faced verbal intimidation and threats during the meeting. He specifically claimed that a local neighborhood leader made violent remarks toward the congregation, prompting him to sign the suspension document out of fear for his family's safety.

The official meeting minutes mandate the cessation of services but do not clarify the specific administrative steps needed to resume worship. Gultom has contested the decision, citing concerns that the administrative requirements are being used to restrict the small congregation's ability to gather.