The Government Guarantees Freedom of Worship in West Sumatra to Take Firm Action Against Intolerance
By: Arman Panggabean )*
The incident of intolerance that occurred in Padang Sarai Village, Koto Tangah District, Padang City, West Sumatra Province, on Sunday, July 27, 2025, has disrupted the life of the nation and state which continues to uphold tolerance and diversity.
The incident, which disrupted national life, began when a mob stormed a house used as a place of worship and religious education for the congregation of the Indonesian Faithful Christian Church (GKSI). The incident not only hurt the feelings of religious communities but also violated the values of Pancasila and the constitution, which guarantee religious freedom.
The mob arrived carrying wooden blocks, dispersed the congregation, and destroyed the house’s facilities. Children cried, and the congregation panicked and fled for their lives. This act constituted violence that not only violated the law but was also extremely dangerous to national unity. Any such act must be dealt with firmly, with zero tolerance for perpetrators of intolerance.
The General Chairman of the Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI), Reverend Jacky Manuputty, stated that the act of disbanding the service had caused deep trauma, especially for children who witnessed the violence in their place of worship.
He emphasized that the incident showed that intolerance was still deeply rooted in various regions, including in communities that should be protectors of tolerance and brotherhood between religious communities.
The Indonesian Protestant Church (PGI) firmly labeled the events in Padang as a form of terror against minorities and a clear violation of citizens’ constitutional rights. In a clear narrative, the religious organization rejected the notion that the actions were merely minor incidents or misunderstandings. Instead, it considered intolerance a direct threat to the spirit of nationalism, built on diversity, unity, and respect for differences.
Jacky expressed his full support for the legal steps being taken and appreciated the swift response from the local government, which has sought dialogue between the parties and provided psychological treatment for the victims.
He called on all parties to fight intolerance through education, strengthening interfaith dialogue, and building collective courage to reject any discriminatory actions that violate human values.
The SETARA Institute, through its National Council Chairman, Hendardi, also strongly condemned the events in Padang. The organization views the disbandment of religious services as a violation of freedom of religion and belief (KBB) and a crime against minorities that cannot be justified under any pretext. In its view, this incident cannot be simplified as a conflict triggered by misunderstandings between residents.
SETARA believes that local governments must stop their permissive attitude toward perpetrators of intolerance. State officials must process these legal violations seriously and transparently.
Hendardi emphasized that the main sources of such incidents are religious conservatism, low tolerance literacy, sharp social segregation, and discriminatory policies that are still ongoing in various regions, including West Sumatra.
Legal institutions and security forces are urged to take concrete action that can have a deterrent effect on perpetrators of intolerance. In this context, protecting minority groups is not only a form of fulfilling human rights but also a strategic step in maintaining social stability and national unity.
Responding to the incident, the Deputy Chief of the West Sumatra Regional Police, Brigadier General Pol. Solihin, demonstrated the officers’ swift response to public reports. He personally led the investigation and ensured that the legal process would be firm and fair. Several perpetrators have been apprehended, and investigations are ongoing to identify all parties involved in the violence.
Solihin emphasized that there is no room for intolerance in West Sumatra. Law enforcement will be carried out against any individuals or groups involved in violations of the law related to the incident of breaking up religious services. Police also urged the public not to be easily provoked and to remain calm, while submitting the legal process to the authorities.
Firm action against perpetrators of intolerance is not only the responsibility of legal institutions, but also part of a collective effort to uphold the spirit of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity). Tolerating discriminatory acts will open the door to similar violations in the future, weaken social harmony, and undermine the very foundations of the nation.
Diversity is a strength that should be celebrated, not feared. The state has a constitutional obligation to ensure that every citizen, regardless of religious background or belief, can practice their religion safely and peacefully. Governments, both at the central and regional levels, are required to be actively involved, not only through statements but also through concrete policies and legal actions.
In the face of the Padang incident, the public is waiting for a concrete commitment to end the cycle of identity-based violence. They are waiting for the state to act not as a spectator, but as a protector of the rights and dignity of its citizens. In this context, this incident poses a serious test of the spirit of pluralism and the rule of law in Indonesia.
If not addressed promptly and appropriately, similar intolerant acts could undermine public trust in the state and create lasting horizontal tensions. Therefore, it is time for all elements of the nation to act together to uphold the principles of justice, religious freedom, and respect for humanity. The government must take a firm stance, as allowing intolerance to grow is tantamount to permitting division amidst the nation’s diversity. (*)
Social Policy Observer – Madani Institute Social Institution
