TEMPO.CO, Kendal-Alkautsar Mosque owned by Ahmadiayah followers in Ringinarum has been vandalized by dozens of anonymous people. The mosque located in Purworejo Village, Kendal District, Central Java was vandalized at 10 p.m. “It was raining heavily. I was told that dozens of people had vandalized the building,” said Khumaedi, a resident who lives near the mosque, yesterday, May 24, 2016.
The vandalism has damaged the rear of the mosque often used for studying religion. Religion books, a fan, desks and other furniture were left in disarray. Roof tiles were broken and holes were found on the walls. The mosque is now cordoned off. Kendal Precinct Police is currently investigating the incident.
Khumaedi said the Ahmadiyah mosque’s existence has sparked protest from the local residents because of the continuation of mosque construction despite their rejection.
Takziz, leader of Ahmadiyah followers in Gemuh, Kendal District, has asked for protection from the authorities following the incident. On residents’ rejection, Takziz said Ahmadiyah followers have never disturbed the residents in conducting their prayers. “We are praying according to [our] belief and we do not disturb them,” Takziz said.
He underlinied that the building has had a building permit (IMB) since 2004. After construction, the mosque has been used for studying religion. Takziz said he had aksed a number of residents who rejected the mosque construction to hold discussion and to find out the reason behind their rejections. “But the residents declined to hold a dialogue,” Takziz said.
There are 88 Ahmadiyah followers in Gemuh Sub-district, according to him. They are local residents who pray and study religion.
Kendal Precinct Police Chief Sr. Comr. Maulana Hamdan said he will follow up the vandalism on Ahmadiyah Mosque by offering to mediate the conflict between Ahmadiyah followers and the surrounding residents. “We continue to find ways together with the relevant agencies,” Maulana said.
Maulana has also deployed Kendal Police personnel to stand guard around the location of the mosque, including to protect Ahmadiyah followers. He has called on all parties to refrain themselves. More so that the mosque has a permit. “I call on every party to refrain themselves, both residents and Ahmadiyah followers,” he said.
EDI FAISOL
