Churches Face Threats and Attacks

Several churches in Indonesia have faced threats or attacks from mobs, forcing some to close. According to VOM sources in Indonesia, a mob forced three churches to close in Bogor City on August 23, claiming that the churches did not have permission to operate.

On the evening of August 29, a mob attacked the Christ Assembly Church's Ministry Post in Bekasi City, West Java. The gate of the church, windows and tiles were destroyed. Twenty people have since been arrested, including a prominent leader in the community.

In Rancaekek Subdistrict, Bandung City, church leaders were gathered together on August 19 and informed that houses used for church meetings must close, effective September 6.

Pray for the leadership of these churches, as they guide their people in facing this opposition. Pray for strength to endure and wisdom in dealing with government and community leaders.

For more information on the challenges facing the Church in Indonesia, click here.

  • 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.

Indonesia News

  • Christians Blocked from Worshipping
    A white church building with blue trim in Indonesia.
    A church in Indonesia.
    Photo: VOMC

    For 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.

  • Children Injured in Mob Violence
    A group of children are smiling and laughing. One is playing an ukulele.
    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.