A report released on February 3 by the International Crisis Group (ICG) suggests that, while there has been some progress in the battle against militant Islamic groups in Indonesia, there remains an "under appreciated longer term security risk," particularly with the rise of a new group, "Mujahidin KOMPAK."
Jemaah Islamiyah Operations Chief and al Qaeda operative, Hambali. Arrested August 2003
In the wake of violent attacks in the Central Sulawesi province and the bombing of a night club in Bali, eighteen members of Jemaah Islamiyah have been arrested. ICG reports that Jemaah Islamiyah remains active, though their activities are presently focused primarily on religious indoctrination. Mujahidin KOMPAK comes from members of Jemaah Islamiyah who are looking for more aggressive action. ICG describes Mujahidin KOMPAK as "leaner, meaner, and quicker." It is believed that Mujahidin KOMPAK is responsible for a series of recent attacks against Christians and that they have been trained in militant camps in the Philippines and Afghanistan. In January, security forces discovered more than forty bombs, along with handmade guns and ammunition. It is believed these weapons were to be used in a series of attacks on Christians in Central Sulawesi. The full report from International Crisis Group is available at http://www.crisisweb.org/home/getfile.cfm?id=1086&type=pdf.
Pray that the violence that had dominated the Central Sulawesi region of Indonesia will not flare up again. Pray that God will thwart recruitment efforts by the Mujahidin KOMPAK. Pray for inner peace for Christians in Indonesia in the midst of uncertainty.
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.
A church building in Indonesia. Photo: Wikimedia / F-GSPY (cc)
Two young women were slightly wounded when a mob attacked a Catholic prayer meeting on May 5th in the city of Tangerang, Banten Province. The group meeting, which consisted of 15 Catholic students who had gathered in a home for prayer, was disrupted when armed assailants forced their way into the residence, injuring two females during the intrusion. Some concerned local Muslims attempted to defend the students, with one of them sustaining a minor cut from the attack.
During a recent Sunday sermon, Pastor Gilbert Lumoindong made mention of Islamic prayer and compared the practice of almsgiving with Biblical tithing. After being posted online, the sermon quickly gained attention on social media. According to Jumzar Rahman, who serves as the head of the South Sulawesi Arimathea Forum, offence was taken by some Muslim viewers. "The video hurt us," he states. "We Muslims feel offended." Consequently, two complaints were filed with the police, claiming that Pastor Gilbert had blasphemed against Islam.
Believers worship faithfully amidst much opposition. Photo: VOMC
Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world. While freedom of religion is guaranteed in the constitution, Muslims generally receive preferential treatment from the government. In order to establish and operate places of worship, permits are officially required; yet, in practise, only non-Muslims must comply. These permits are very difficult for churches to obtain. To be granted an official permit, each congregation must be comprised of a minimum of 90 members and needs authorization from at least 60 non-Christian residents in the area.
In the early morning of September 16th, a mob consisting of approximately 50 people had gathered at the front gate of the Maranatha Chapel in Depok City. Mob members angrily banged on the gate while shouting and causing a disturbance. Thankfully, at the time, no service was taking place inside the church building and the crowd eventually dispersed.
Population
