Jihad Leader Acquitted

An Indonesian court acquitted a leader of the Laskar Jihad on January 30; a decision which has caused concerns among Christians in the country who have faced persecution, destruction and death at the hands of the militant Islamic group. Jafar Abu Thalib faced charges of inciting violence against Christians after a speech last April in Ambon in which he condemned a small Christian separatist group, calling on Muslims to take up arms. Soon afterwards, armed militants attacked a small village near by, killing 13 Christians.

In his ruling acquitting Jafar, the judge ruled that Jafar was merely exercising his freedom of speech. In referring to the separatist group, the judge also justified Jafar's speech saying, "the government is trying very hard to safeguard the unity of the nation. Awards can be given to those who, without reserve, uphold the unity of our country, Indonesia."

Though the Laskar Jihad has supposedly been dissolved, Christians in Indonesia have raised concerns for their safety. According to CNSNews, Fr. Cornelius Bohm of the Ambon Crisis Center views the trial outcome as further indication of the influence of militant Muslims in Indonesia. "The government is afraid of them and gives them a little pleasure every now and then to keep them calm," he said.

Pray that militant Islamic groups will not see this as justification to renew their attacks against Christians. Pray that the peace in the Molucca region of Indonesia will continue. Pray for peace of mind as well for those facing uncertainty and fear.

  • 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 republic

    Legal system
    Civil law system based on the Roman-Dutch model and influenced by customary law

    Sources: 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.

Indonesia News

  • Children Injured in Mob Violence
    A group of children are smiling and laughing. One is playing an ukulele.
    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
    A street is lined with buildings and trees.
    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.

  • Young Boy Dies Following Tragic Bullying Incident
    A young boy is walking down a path surrounded by dense greenery. He is mostly silhouetted by the sunset shining between the trees.
     

    An eight-year-old boy, referred to as "KB" in Indonesia's local news reports, tragically died following a severe beating he received from a group of older male students at a school in Pangkalan Kasai, a village located within the province of Riau. According to various sources, the incident occurred because the boy was a Christian and belonged to a different ethnic group.