A report released on February 3 by the International Crisis Group (ICG) suggests that, while there has been some progress in the battle against militant Islamic groups in Indonesia, there remains an "under appreciated longer term security risk," particularly with the rise of a new group, "Mujahidin KOMPAK."
Jemaah Islamiyah Operations Chief and al Qaeda operative, Hambali. Arrested August 2003
In the wake of violent attacks in the Central Sulawesi province and the bombing of a night club in Bali, eighteen members of Jemaah Islamiyah have been arrested. ICG reports that Jemaah Islamiyah remains active, though their activities are presently focused primarily on religious indoctrination. Mujahidin KOMPAK comes from members of Jemaah Islamiyah who are looking for more aggressive action. ICG describes Mujahidin KOMPAK as "leaner, meaner, and quicker." It is believed that Mujahidin KOMPAK is responsible for a series of recent attacks against Christians and that they have been trained in militant camps in the Philippines and Afghanistan. In January, security forces discovered more than forty bombs, along with handmade guns and ammunition. It is believed these weapons were to be used in a series of attacks on Christians in Central Sulawesi. The full report from International Crisis Group is available at http://www.crisisweb.org/home/getfile.cfm?id=1086&type=pdf.
Pray that the violence that had dominated the Central Sulawesi region of Indonesia will not flare up again. Pray that God will thwart recruitment efforts by the Mujahidin KOMPAK. Pray for inner peace for Christians in Indonesia in the midst of uncertainty.
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.
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.
In what appears to be a targeted act against the Christian community, at least ten graves were recently vandalized in cemeteries throughout the Yogyakarta region of Java, Indonesia. Each of the graves bore a cross, symbolizing the Christian faith of the individuals interred there. The damages occurred in three different cemeteries between May 16th and 19th.
On March 5th, local residents in Bandung City held a protest against members of the Santa Odilia church. The community members opposed the use of a multipurpose facility for worship, even though the building is owned by the Catholic church. (For more details on the incident, see this report.)
Churches in Indonesia frequently receive opposition from hostile community members and local leaders, particularly when they are seeking to build or utilize a worship facility. Christians in at least three separate communities are presently facing opposition for these reasons.
Population
