Indonesia: Church choir's Christmas rehearsal disrupted by Muslims citing lack of permit

Image: Jihad Watch

SURABAYA, Indonesia (Morning Star News) – A church choir rehearsal for a Christmas service in an Indonesian village was halted on Sunday evening (Dec. 1) after local Muslims falsely claimed the activity required approval from community leaders, according to sources.

In the predominantly Muslim Matajang neighborhood of Caile village, Ujungbulu District, Bulukumba Regency, South Celebes Province, the head of the local neighborhood association, Andi Arman, also known as Aples, told members of the Catholic St. Yoseph Station church that the choir practice needed to be reported to local authorities. This claim was captured in a video shared on the TikTok account @sellsellss and other social media platforms.

Aples, claiming to mediate between the Catholic choir and Muslim residents, explained in the video, “First, I will inform the [Muslim] neighbors about such activities. If you request permission, I can confirm that there’s been a report to the local government. Without it, I’ll say there’s no permission.”

Speaking to local media outlet radarselatan.jajar.co.id, Aples said, “The residents called me because they thought a worship activity was taking place. It turned out to be a Christmas choir practice.” He added that a prior agreement with Muslim residents prohibited the Catholic church from using the site for worship, and he intervened to prevent potential mob violence.

“I came to protect my Catholic friends,” Aples stated. “With proper permission, I can ensure no disturbances from others.”

A parishioner explained to Morning Star News that the multipurpose building used for the practice was originally intended for worship but had never been utilized as such due to opposition from local Muslims. “We hold services at a congregation member’s house far from the Muslim community,” she said. “Other church activities, like this practice, take place in the multipurpose building.”

The Indonesian Movement for All, a prominent interfaith organization, criticized the ban on the choir practice, calling it “incomprehensible.” The group highlighted that only establishing a house of worship requires a permit under the Joint Decree of the Two Ministers, Chapter 1, Article 3.

“Choir practice needs no permit,” the group asserted. “Authorities must address those who obstruct such activities.”

Local Muslim leader Ustaz Andi Satria condemned the incident, emphasizing the importance of protecting Christmas celebrations. “Islam teaches tolerance as a blessing for all humanity, not just Muslims,” he said. “Misunderstanding Islamic teachings often leads to unnecessary restrictions.”

Andi Satria urged the government to adopt a protective role rather than hinder religious activities. “If permission is truly needed, the government should facilitate dialogue to find a solution,” he said, stressing that Indonesia’s laws safeguard religious freedom.

“Our country is not a theocracy but a nation governed by laws that ensure the right to practice religion,” he added.

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)