PADANG, kiprahkita.net - Recent media reports suggesting that Catholic worshippers in Lansano, Sungai Pisang, Kelurahan Teluk Kabung Selatan, Kecamatan Bungus Teluk Kabung, Padang City, held services deep in the forest have been clarified.
The Christmas and New Year services were conducted in a community worship house owned by local Nias residents.
Contrary to reports, the local subdistrict head, Harnoldi, confirmed that the worship site is not located in the forest but rather within a settlement near the provincial road.
"The worship house is only about 200 meters from the provincial road and is situated in a Nias community settlement, not in the middle of a forest," Harnoldi said after a meeting with religious leaders at the Padang Kesbangpol Office on Thursday (January 2, 2025).
Harnoldi further explained that the worship house is well-lit, providing a comfortable environment for worshippers.
"Although the path leading to the site is still a footpath, the community is allowed to worship there freely, and the government fully supports the practice of their religious activities," he added.
Martinus Kiwan, a Catholic representative from the Padang Interfaith Communication Forum (FKUB), explained that the worship house in Lansano serves multiple purposes for the local Catholic community.
It is used not only for worship services but also for faith education for children, weddings, and cultural celebrations.
"The worship house is situated within a residential area," Martinus stated.
He noted that the Lansano station is under the guidance of the Santa Maria Bunda Yesus Parish in Padang, also known as Tirtonadi Parish, which routinely provides pastoral care.
"A pastor from Tirtonadi visits monthly to provide guidance to the Lansano station, ensuring the activities are well-organized," he added.
Martinus also acknowledged that the church had not formally requested the local government to establish a permanent worship facility in Lansano.
"For now, the current arrangement is sufficient for the community's needs. Forcing the construction of a more formal facility could disturb the local harmony, which we aim to preserve," he explained.
With around 100 Nias families residing in Lansano, the community established an 8x15-meter temporary worship house due to its remote location from the city center.
The Chairman of FKUB Padang Prof. Salmadanis, expressed support for the religious activities in Lansano, emphasizing their positive impact.
"These worship activities are a form of devotion to God Almighty, and we fully support them," he stated, highlighting the harmonious relationship between religious communities in the area.
Salmadanis also dismissed allegations of government indifference. "The worship activities are well-known to local officials, including the neighborhood heads and law enforcement. This reflects our commitment to fostering religious harmony," he said.
The status of the land where the worship house stands remains unclear. Padang Religious Affairs Office Head Edy Oktafiandi stated that resolving land ownership issues could pave the way for better facilities.
"For now, the Catholic community there feels happy and secure during worship. Requests for improved facilities are natural, and the government will address these needs within its capabilities," he said following a meeting at the Padang Kesbangpol Office.
The meeting, led by Kesbangpol Head Tarmizi Ismail, was attended by several officials, including South Teluk Kabung Urban Village Head Rusdi, Communications and Information Technology functional officer Charlie Ch Legi, and others.(kominfopdf)
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