Authorities in West Java are pursuing criminal charges against members of a Muslim mob who stormed a Christian youth retreat on 27 June, despite an earlier agreement discouraging legal action, officials confirmed.
Roughly 200 Muslims attacked a private home in Tangkil village, Sukabumi, during Friday prayers, forcing retreat participants to flee and causing extensive damage to property. Witnesses reported chants of “Destroy that house,” as windows, toilets, a gazebo, and garden were vandalised. The home belonged to Maria Veronica Nina and was managed by her relatives, including Yongki Djien.
The attack took place as local police and soldiers reportedly stood by.
In response, West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi condemned the violence and insisted the perpetrators face prosecution. “It is a serious criminal matter that must be addressed legally,” Mulyadi said in a video message. He pledged to personally monitor the legal process and confirmed that eight suspects had been arrested.
Mulyadi also emphasised the government’s responsibility to protect permanent residents and maintain societal peace. “West Java must be peaceful and calm,” he stated, following a visit to the damaged property with the affected family.
While some Christian leaders had initially agreed to resolve the matter outside of court, Mulyadi insisted that justice required formal proceedings. The provincial government also committed to providing psychological support to the victims, especially children who were traumatised by the incident.
Following the attack, Yongki and his extended family of nine sought shelter in a hotel in Sukabumi City due to safety concerns.
Despite the governor’s firm stance, the Ministry of Law and Human Rights proposed suspending the detention of the suspects. Ministry representative Thomas Harming Suwarta cited the potential for “restorative justice,” calling the incident a result of misunderstanding.
Criminal law experts explained that restorative justice would require mutual agreement between victims and perpetrators. “The police, prosecutors, and judges are only mediators,” said Djisman Samosir of Parahyangan Catholic University. “The agreement must come from the involved parties.”
Police Chief Inspector General Rudy Setiawan reported that at least seven individuals were involved in destruction and looting, including damage to a fence, a cross, vehicles, and a motorbike. Videos circulating online captured disturbing moments from the attack, including individuals using a cross to break windows and retreat participants fleeing in panic.
One witness described the sudden chaos during a game session. “They were banging and shouting. Stones were everywhere. The children were terrified,” she said. “We rushed them into cars, but the cars were also attacked.”
In a gesture of reconciliation, the West Java government provided the family with compensation of approximately $6,250 USD. Yongki said they would donate the money toward public facilities and local mosques.
While some efforts have been made to ease tensions, human rights observers remain concerned about a growing trend of intolerance. Open Doors has warned that Indonesian churches engaging in outreach continue to face risks from Islamic extremist groups.
Adapted from Morning Star News.
