Ahok Wants 2 Ministers` SKB to Be Revoked

Jakarta Governor Basuki 'Ahok' Tjahaja Purnama claimed that he cannot do much regarding the case of Indonesian Protestant Church (GKPI) Jatinegara in Cipinang Muara, East Jakarta, that will be dismantled due to being complained by the locals.

In GKPI case, we have to admit indeed there is a trouble. How could the 2 Ministers` SKB defeat the 1945 Constitution

The reason is, all this time worship place construction is still based on the regulation from the joint ministerial decree (SKB) of Religious and Home Affairs Ministers No 8 and 9/2006. Where, on the regulation stated the construction of worship must gain approval of local citizens.

"In GKPI case, we have to admit indeed there is a trouble. How could the 2 Ministers` SKB defeat the 1945 Constitution. Principally, 2 Ministers` SKB should be revoked. As sometimes it is used by some intolerance people. How could worship place get a permission from majority," said Ahok at City Hall, Friday (7/24).

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Ahok conveyed, basically, the government never prohibit anyone to do worship anywhere, as long as they do not disrupt others' interest.  Moreover religious and worship liberty all this time have been regulated on the 1945 Constitution.

"Principally, we in laws never prohibit people to do worship. Even they do it in Mall or Hotel, just go ahead," he disclosed

The former of East Belitung Regent mentioned, if it refers to license, it is not only Jatinegara GKPI in trouble. Because many mosques and other worship places in Jakarta still does not obtain a license.

"Now the problem is the Jatinegara Church has been unlicensed for 30 years. Likewise other worship places which have no license. Many viharas, temples also do," he asserted.