Imprisoned Christians Sentenced to Five Years

31 October 2007

Imprisoned Christian leader kissing his wife In April, more than forty Christian leaders were imprisoned after Islamic organizations discovered a video of them praying for Muslims. The Voice of the Martyrs has learned that all the leaders still imprisoned have been sentenced to five years in prison for "abusing the Quran." The Christians were charged under Article 156 KUPH, which states that anyone who expresses hatred or opposition, or insults one individual or groups of Indonesian citizens in public, will be imprisoned four to five years or fined. Among the imprisoned are parents of young children.

Pray for the release of these Christians. Pray that the Lord will give them opportunities in prison to share the gospel for which they suffer (Colossians 4:2-3). Ask God to fill the families of these imprisoned believers with His assurance and peace.

To view an excerpt of the video which brought about these charges, click here.

For more information on the persecution of Christians in Indonesia, go to the Indonesia Country Report.

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.

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