Machete-Wielding Assailant Threatens Indonesian Christians Before Local Authorities Close House of Prayer
On September 20, 2026, a 29-year-old Muslim man named Aji Cahyono Putra brandished a machete and threatened bloodshed at the entrance of an Indonesian Protestant Christian Church (GKPI) prayer house in Mekarsari village, Banten Province, Indonesia.
The disruption unfolded when four individuals approached the site as approximately 40 congregants gathered for worship. Video documentation captured Aji shouting at church members and demanding the immediate closure of the facility. “Never again [worship here]. Do not repeat this,” Aji shouted at a congregant, according to video footage. “I don’t care. Close it now and forever.” Aji told church members that he was not afraid to die and warned that bloodshed would occur inside the building if they refused to shut it down. The confrontation forced the 40 congregants to evacuate immediately.
Local Stakeholders Mediate Dispute and Close House of Worship
Following the disruption, local stakeholders convened at the Rajeg District Office in Mekarsari later that same evening to mediate the dispute. The gathering included Tangerang Regent Maesyal Rasyid, Special Staff of the Ministry of Religious Affairs for Harmony Gugun Gumilar, local officials, and religious leaders. During the session, Aji apologized for the disruption. Initially, GKPI representative Hadi Sucipto stated that the congregation accepted the apology and agreed to drop legal action.
Despite the initial local agreement, Tangerang Regent Maesyal Rasyid officially closed the house of prayer just 11 hours later. Church elder Surya Sarjono Lumban Gaol stated that the regent justified the shutdown by claiming the facility was too small and inadequate for the congregation. Consequently, church members were forced to hold their subsequent September 27 service in private member homes. Gugun Gumilar of the Ministry of Religious Affairs expressed regret over the incident on Metro TV.
Criminal Charges Filed Despite Local Settlements
Legal advocates criticized the local mediation for bypassing criminal accountability. Bonar Tigor Naipospos, senior researcher and deputy chair at the Setara Institute for Democracy and Peace, stated that resolving such severe threats through informal mediation creates dangerous impunity. “If that case is not resolved legally, the perpetrators would consider themselves immune to the law because of their claim of representing the majority,” Bonar said.
Responding to these calls, multiple formal criminal complaints were filed with law enforcement. On September 21, attorneys Tulus Pardosi, Edi Sianipar, and Rehan Pangestu filed charges with the Tangerang Resort Police on behalf of the Mekarsari village GKPI congregation. Law enforcement officials have since questioned at least eight witnesses in connection with the threats and disruption.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Mekarsari Church Incident
What specific legal statutes apply to the threats made against the church?
Article 303 of Indonesia’s revised Criminal Code (KUHP) punishes anyone who uses violence or threats of violence to disrupt lawful worship with up to two years in prison, with heavier sanctions up to five years if an attack involves a place of worship or religious hostility. Article 300 penalizes public incitement of hatred or discrimination against another religion with up to three years in imprisonment.
Did the prayer house possess proper administrative documentation?
Rights advocates state that prayer houses, unlike church buildings, do not require a permit.
Who filed the formal criminal charges with law enforcement?
“Authorities must take legal action against those who provoked the act, especially residents carrying machetes, brandishing them and threatening bloodshed there.” — Jacky F. Manuputty, Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI)
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