Ridwan Kamil Apologizes After Christmas Celebrations Shut Down in Bandung
Jakarta. Bandung Mayor Ridwan Kamil took to social media Tuesday evening (06/12) to apologize after a Christmas celebration was disrupted by a group identifying themselves as the Defenders of Ahlus Sunnah, or PAS.
Ridwan conceded he had failed to safeguard the religious event, which saw members of PAS storm the Sabuga Building in Bandung and force the service to end.
“I apologized, physically I cannot attend all locations. I have instructed by phone officials to secure the event,” Ridwan said via a post to his official Instagram account.
He said the usual 3 to 6 p.m. service would continue as normal as the evening service is the one under target.
“I have coordinated, continue the activities as your religious rights are protected by the state,” the mayor said in the post addressed to constituents.
PAS had carried banners during the rally which read: "West Java Muslim community asks the celebrations be moved to a designated space, not a public space."
A source within the church committee who asked not to be identified told Beritasatu.com that all permit requirements to hold the services have been fulfilled, including submitting notifications to the government and police.
Public facilities can be used for religious activities if organizers acquire permits from authorities, such as the Dec. 2 mass prayer rally in Central Jakarta which saw hundreds of thousands of Muslims participate in Friday prayers at the National Monument complex.
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