Bomb Attack on Church

05 July 2006

As the people of the village of Gebang Rejo in Poso, Indonesia were waiting for the World Cup soccer match to begin on July 1, the quiet of the night sky was pierced by an explosion heard two miles away as a homemade bomb exploded next to the Eklesia Church. Authorities described the explosive as "an empty bomb that only caused a loud blast" since it did not contain a metal casing or other metal materials which could have caused significant damage. No one was injured in the explosion and there was no significant damage to the building. A spokesman for the provincial police suggested the attack may have been an attempt to revive old tensions between the Muslim and Christian communities in the area.

Ask God to rule the hearts and lives of His people with peace, knowing that He holds the power of ultimate justice (Romans 12:17-21). Pray that all attempts to stir up violence will be thwarted. Thank God with us that there were no injuries or serious damage. Pray that the leaders in the church will have God's wisdom in dealing with the difficulties the Body of Christ is facing (James 1:5).

For more information on challenges facing Indonesia's Christians, click here.

Indonesia

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

Christians Blocked from Worshipping

A church in Indonesia.
Photo: VOMC

For 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.

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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.

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Hundreds of Protestors Oppose Church Construction

Bulukumba Regency
Photo: Wikimedia / Midori (cc)

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Young Boy Dies Following Tragic Bullying Incident

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