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.
Much of the harassment encountered by followers of Jesus in Indonesia arises from local community members who are opposed to Christian activities. Two recent incidents of community opposition have affected churches in their preparations for this Christmas season.
Local authorities have threatened to evict a church in West Java because of its proximity to the Indonesian International Islamic University, despite the church having met previously in that location for nine years. The HKI Juanda Church in Depok, which consists of more than 150 members, is located on the edge of cultivated land. However, since the university was founded in September 2021, it has taken over the property of the neighbouring land.
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.
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