indonesiabrief.com/ — Tolerance Shaken by Violence in Padang Sarai, Dr. Yuspan Zalukhu: Mediation and Legal Process Must Go Hand in Hand
A tragic act of intolerance has once again torn at the fabric of Indonesia’s unity. This time, it occurred in Padang, West Sumatra.
A disturbing video has surfaced, depicting violence, intolerance, and human rights violations against the Nias community in Padang Sarai, West Sumatra. The footage has triggered urgent calls for justice and legal action.
In the incident, dozens of individuals vandalized a house of worship, attacked congregants, and left children injured and traumatized. The cries of hysterical children in pain underscored the severity of the attack.
Authorities are currently collecting full documentation of the incident to support legal proceedings while simultaneously pursuing conflict resolution efforts. Mediation was promptly held at the Koto Tangah District Office, facilitated by the city government, the Religious Harmony Forum (FKUB), the Deputy Chief of West Sumatra Police, traditional community leaders (Ninik Mamak), and Padang Sarai village representatives.
The mediation produced positive outcomes, with participants acknowledging the violation of worship rights. The Padang city government pledged to support the police report and provide trauma recovery assistance for affected children.
Legal aid lawyer and pastor Bang Fakho visited the site to meet victims and assist with the police complaint process.
PDNI Supports Mediation Alongside Legal Action
Speaking over the phone, Dr. Yuspan Zalukhu, S.H., M.H., Director of the Legal Aid Foundation of the Indonesian Nias Scholars Association (PDNI), praised the swift response from the city government and community stakeholders to pursue mediation alongside legal consequences.
He also conveyed a message from Dr. Alpius Sarumaha, S.H., M.H., Chairman of PDNI, who expressed gratitude and full support for the city government’s balanced approach: prioritizing dialogue and lawful measures to ensure lasting social harmony, including safe and peaceful worship for all faith communities.
“The PDNI fully supports these steps, hoping this issue can be resolved swiftly for the benefit of everyone,” Yuspan said. “We hope the perpetrators realize their mistakes, while victims also engage in self-reflection to identify any potential triggers and lessons from this event. Ultimately, this tragedy should strengthen—not weaken—interfaith and communal ties for the future.”
Worship Activity Disrupted, Two Children Injured
Previously, a mob disrupted worship and religious education activities at a Christian prayer house belonging to the Indonesian Faithful Christian Church (GKSI) Anugerah Padang congregation.
The attack injured two children, aged eight and eleven, who were struck by thrown objects and beaten. The incident occurred on Sunday (July 27, 2025) at around 4:00 p.m. local time in RT 03 RW 09, Padang Sarai Village, Koto Tangah District.
According to Pastor F. Dachi, the prayer house was being used for adult worship and Christian education for approximately 30 children when he was unexpectedly called outside by local neighborhood leaders.
“Suddenly, the crowd started shouting, ‘Disband it, disband it!’ and began throwing objects. Windows shattered, equipment was destroyed, and the electricity was cut off. Children were terrified and crying,” Dachi recounted, as reported by Sumbarkita.
The injured children were immediately taken to Yos Sudarso Hospital for treatment.
Dachi explained that the building was not a church but a rented prayer house used for religious education, as some congregation members have difficulty accessing churches in the city center.
“We are not building a church. This house is only for religious education. These children need faith-based values, and we provide that here,” he said.
The GKSI congregation in Padang Sarai consists of about 21 families, with attendance reaching around 100 people. For three years, religious education had been conducted from house to house without issue until the prayer house began operating three months ago.
