Indonesia: Churches Under Attack!
Indonesia: Churches Under Attack!
Indonesia is the home to the world\'s largest Muslim population. For the most part Christians and Muslims live at peace, however there are militant Islamists who are trying to shatter that peace and stir up trouble against followers of Christ. In West Java many churches are harassed, forced to close and in some cases even destroyed.
October 07, 2010
Length: 8:34
From The Voice of the Martyrs Canada
- Country Information
Population
279,476,346 (2023 est.)Ethnicity (%)
Javanese (40.1), Sundanese (15.5), Malay (3.7), Balak (3.6), Madurese (3), Betawi (2.9), Minangkabau (2.7), Buginese (2.7), Bantenese (2), Other (23.8)Religion (%)
Muslim (87.2), Christian (9.9), Hindu (1.7), Other (0.9), Unspecified (0.4)Leader
President Joko Widodo (2014)Government type
Presidential republicLegal system
Civil law system based on the Roman-Dutch model and influenced by customary lawSources: CIA World Factbook.
- Pray for Indonesia
Pray for the continued growth of the church in Indonesia, despite the intense opposition and persecution that has taken place. May the destructive plans of the enemy to eradicate Christianity be frustrated and nullified.
Pray that whatever is intended for evil, God will turn around for good – causing such hatred and violence to not only discredit extremism, but to also compel many to seek salvation in Christ... including the perpetrators of persecution.
Select a Region
Indonesia News
-
Protests Forcibly Delay "Holyland" Construction
Pray that Christians in Indonesia will remain faithful.
Photo: VOMCConstruction has been ordered to cease on the building of a Christian complex in Karangturi village, despite the fact that all necessary permits had previously been obtained. The order, which was issued on September 2nd by the Regency of Karanganyar, followed formal complaints from Islamic groups that were opposed to the construction project. The letter from the regency cited concerns that the development could lead to "social conflict," and then stated that construction may resume once tensions within the local community are resolved.
-
Christians Blocked from Worshipping
A church in Indonesia.
Photo: VOMCFor two consecutive Sundays, approximately 20 opposing Muslim residents in the village of Gerendeng Pulo have prevented a church congregation from gathering for worship. The opposition stems from concerns that the believers began meeting in a new location without the approval of local Muslim leaders.
-
Children Injured in Mob Violence
Children in Indonesia.
Photo: ILO / Yodhi Prasetyo (cc)On July 27th, a violent incident occurred in Padang City, Indonesia, when several men attacked a prayer house, which was established to provide religious education to Christian children. Armed with sticks, the assailants ordered the believers to disperse, and then they proceeded to smash the building's windows. During the attack, two children (ages eight and eleven) sustained injuries after being struck by objects that had been thrown amid the violence.
-
Hundreds of Protestors Oppose Church Construction
Bulukumba Regency
Photo: Wikimedia / Midori (cc)As the church in Indonesia continues to grow, opposition to the construction of various worship facilities remains a major challenge. One Catholic church in the Bulukumba Regency of South Sulawesi has been waiting for 45 years to receive a building permit. Although the congregation was initially granted permission in 1980, their permit was revoked following public protests. Since then, members of the church have attempted to secure approval for multiple locations, but each application has been met with rejection.
