As the Santa Odilia congregation in Bandung City, West Java, Indonesia, celebrated Holy Week, the Arcamanik Berbhineka Citizens Communication Forum (FKAB) protested the church’s use of a public facility as a place of worship.
The Muslim residents’ rejection continued despite the Arcamanik multipurpose building being on land owned by the church. The protests, however, did not deter the church from observing Holy Week and celebrating Easter. The same group protested the start of Lent.
The recent protests were in full swing by 3:30pm on Easter Saturday, when demonstrators used loudspeakers to shout their opposition to the use of the building for worship services. Banners making similar statements were also posted.
Just as the church service started inside the building, the loudspeakers played nationalistic songs in an attempt to drown out the prayers and worship music.
Tensions rose throughout the afternoon. Some demonstrators attempted to break through the police line guarding the front of the building, demanding to speak with church members. Others tried to enter the building through a side door but were stopped by police.
Following the worship service, which ended around dusk, members of the congregation returned to their homes through a route pre-determined by police. Officers were also present to ensure their safety.
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