Banners calling for a ban on churches and religious services Photo from Compass Direct
On Sunday, August 17, a group of Muslims stormed a church service in Cipayung, East Jakarta, Indonesia, according to an August 19 report from Compass Direct. About 20 church members, including Pastor Chris Ambessa, were gathered in celebration of Indonesia's Independence Day at the Pentecostal Church of Indonesia when an angry mob gathered outside the church building. Despite efforts to keep them outside, the mob forced its way into the church and overturned furniture. The church members were chased into the street and warned not to return for future services. The mob then erected large banners which called for a ban on churches and religious services. Although citizens are required to get permission before erecting banners, the authorities made no effort to intervene or remove them.
Pastor Ambessa, who has hosted a house church in his home for the past 12 years, recently built a second floor addition to accommodate the growing congregation. On July 3, the Cipayung civil engineering department ordered him to dismantle the second floor. On July 13, he was also ordered to cease all religious activity at his home for an indefinite period of time due to neighbourhood protests and the lack of a Religious Building Permit (IMB).
Pray for Pastor Ambessa and the other Christians in Indonesia. Pray that their church services can continue unhindered. Pray that believers in Indonesia will echo Peter's sentiment and remain determined to obey God regardless of what man says (Acts 5:29).
For more information on the persecution facing Indonesian Christians, go to the Indonesia Country Report.
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.
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.
A Christian leader in Indonesia was arrested on February 18th following the online comments he made about Muhammad. According to reports, Dedi Saputra allegedly referenced the Muslim prophet's multiple wives on his TikTok account. Before being removed, Dedi's video was viewed almost two million times and sparked widespread backlash.
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.
Pray that Christians in Indonesia will remain faithful. Photo: VOMC
Construction 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.
Population
