Update on Violence in Poso

The Batak Protestant Christian Church has been meeting at its current location in the village of Kulim Jaya since 1995. In addition to receiving official registration with the government, this congregation holds a documented proof of property ownership. Unfortunately, their church building has deteriorated significantly over the years and is now considered unsuitable for regular gatherings. These Christians have been planning renovations – including the construction of a new foundation – since 2010. However, residents of the community have consistently opposed these efforts.

Indonesia's blasphemy law has been enforced since 1965, despite multiple unsuccessful attempts to remove the legislation. Although the country is home to the world's largest Muslim-majority population, the national government has long sought to maintain a religiously diverse society. Even so, incidents of religious intolerance and persecution have often occurred on a local level.