A Christian retreat held in a private residence in West Java was disrupted when a mob of about 200 Muslims stormed the home on 27 June, driving out participants and damaging property. Local government officials have stepped in to ensure the security of those affected and to pursue justice against the perpetrators, including the suspects who are already in custody.
The Christian retreat was attended by approximately 36 people, including children, teens and parents.
The incident occurred about 1:30pm on 27 June as police and soldiers looked on, when the Muslim mob attacked the home after Friday mosque prayers, carrying banners and shouting, “Destroy that house, destroy that house,” damaging windows, toilets, a gazebo and garden, according to sources.
Besides compensating the homeowner with approximately $9,615 for repairs, West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi has ordered police to investigate and pledged to oversee all proceedings. Additionally, Mulyadi noted that he will “personally oversee the entire legal process”.
“The vandalism incident involving [people] … who have been the permanent residents of the Tangkil village, is a serious criminal matter,” Mulyadi said, referring to a 30 June meeting in his office with the family members of the attacked home. The house is owned by 70-year-old Maria Veronica Nina and managed by Yongki Djien and other relatives.
After inspecting the Christians’ house on 1 July, Mulyadi said Yongki’s family must have experienced psychological trauma due to the attack.
“Therefore, the West Java Provincial Government’s psychology team will go to the location to provide psychological assistance,” he said. “The children must recover and not be psychologically depressed. This family can be harmonious again with their neighbours.”
Yongki and extended family members have taken refuge in a hotel in West Java, because they were worried about their safety.
West Java Police Chief Inspector General Rudy Setiawan said there were seven perpetrators involved in the attack, destruction and vandalism and looting. They damaged a fence, a large cross and a motorbike, he said, according to Detiknews.com.
Videos circulating online show a man climbing a wall and removing a wooden cross attached to it, which he then uses to break a window. In another video, individuals are seen damaging property with chairs and various tools. Other videos depict car damage.
One of the witnesses stated that the attack started during a game session for retreat participants. Trying to remain calm, they escaped to the cars, but once out of the gates, the cars were pelted with stones and other attacks.
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