REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- President Joko Widodo has commanded the police to take firm action against the perpetrator of a church attack in Sleman, Yogyakarta. While highlighting that Indonesia's Constitution guarantees religious freedom, the head of state asserted that there was no place for people who practice, encourage, and spread intolerance in the country, particularly those doing it by resorting to violence.

"I have ordered the authorities to act decisively and negate (any negative influences) to ensure continuous and consistent enforcement of the Constitution," the president noted in Jakarta on Monday.

The president confirmed to have not received any report on the motive behind the attack, as the police are still investigating the case. Four people were injured after a man attacked a congregation during a morning mass at the St Lidwina Church in Bedog, Sleman District, on Sunday (Feb 11).

The perpetrator, identified as Suliyono, entered the church through its west door and attacked a member of the congregation named Martinus Parmadi Subiantoro and wounded the victims's back. Suliyono, thereafter, entered the main church building while swinging a machete, thereby triggering panic among members of the congregation who then dispersed.

Suliyono then attacked the priest leading the mass and a congregation member Budi Purnomo who was then still in church. Father Prier suffered an injury on the back of his head, while Purnomo suffered a wound on the back of the head and neck.

After the incident, the police immediately tried to normalize the situation. A police official named Munir attempted to negotiate with the perpetrator to surrender. Refusing to surrender, the perpetrator attacked the police officer, thereby leaving him no option but to fire shots at his stomach and leg in order to take him down.

The perpetrator was then taken to the UGM Hospital, Sleman, for treatment.

The three victims were moved to the Panti Rapih Hospital, Sleman, for intensive treatment.

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