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Zakaria, Pangesti and Bangun upon their release (top photo, holding their release papers) Photos from Compass Direct | |
Three Christian Women Released
Dr. Rebekka Zakaria (49), Eti Pangesti (45) and Ratna Bangun (40), three Christian women who were convicted of attempting to convert Muslim children to Christianity in 2005 (click here for more details), were released from the Indramayu district prison in West Java at 6:00 a.m. on June 8. They served nearly two years of their three-year sentence and were released on parole following several international advocacy campaigns on their behalf. The time of their release was secretly moved up three hours because militants stated that they were intending to gather outside the prison to protest the reduced sentences. All three women are now at home with their families.
- 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.
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Indonesia News
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Blasphemy Legislation to be Updated in January
A church in Indonesia
Wikipedia / Christian Advs Sltg (CC)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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
