REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The Indonesian Council of Ulemas (MUI) has deplored the torching of a church in the village of Sukamakmur in the district of Aceh Singkil, Aceh, on Tuesday.

The Council's head of inter-religious harmony, Yusnar Yusuf, said at a press conference at the MUI office here on Wednesday, "The central executive board of the MUI strongly deplored the burning of the house of prayers by irresponsible persons in the district of Singkil."

He urged the authorities to enforce the law and act against those involved.

The MUI appealed to all parties to remain calm and not be provoked by the incident as people wait for the government to take action in this case. The police should be taking action, it said.

"We also appeal to followers of all religions in Indonesia to abide by all the laws and regulations to maintain inter-religious harmony," he said.

He said all national figures and community elements are also expected to propagate and ensure harmony and mutual respect to create a sense of brotherhood.

A man was killed and four others were wounded in a clash in the village of Sukamakmur, Aceh Singkil, on Tuesday.

National police chief General Badrodin Haiti said the reason behind the violence was an attempt to ensure orderliness when it comes to house of prayers as this was seen as a church that reportedly did not have a permit.

Twenty people have been arrested in connection with the incident.

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