Churches Attacked Amidst Christmas Fears

An explosion and the sound of gunfire shattered the quiet evening of December 12 in the Indonesian city of Palu. Two bombs exploded at the Immanuel Church, followed by gunfire at the Anugerah Church.

According to VOM sources in Indonesia, the Sunday evening service at the Immanuel Church was just beginning when a bomb exploded beside the front door. Bintijaya, the church's 61-year-old security guard, was injured. A few seconds later, gunmen began firing through the front door of the Anugerah Church, located one kilometre away. Two members of the congregation, Rada Krisna (38) and Novri (17), were injured. The bullet that was intended for the pastor missed its mark.

As the season approaches where the world remembers the coming of the Prince of Peace, many areas of the world, such as Indonesia, face a time of particular uncertainty and fear. Four years ago, eleven churches in Indonesia had to cope with a barrage bomb attacks. Nineteen believers lost their lives in those attacks. Indonesian President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, has called for increased protection for churches leading up to the Christmas season this year. According to CathNews, Palu's police chief, Nyoman Siswandi, as been dismissed for failure to provide protection needed on December 12.

Pray for a full and quick recovery for those injured in these attacks. Pray that Christmas will be a time when Christians in Indonesia will be able to celebrate in peace.

For more information on the trials facing Christians in Indonesia, click here.

Immanuel Church
Anugerah Church
  • 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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Indonesia News

  • Community Clashes Halt Christmas Activities
    Believers are singing in worship together.
    Believers in Indonesia.
    Photo: VOMC

    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.

    Read more...

  • Church Threatened with Eviction
    A white church with blue trim clearly displays a cross on the front.
    A church in Indonesia.
    Photo: VOMC 

    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.

    Read more...

  • Two Women Injured in Attack on Prayer Meeting
    Trees surround a church building behind an open gate. There are colourful flags on either side of the gate.
    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.

    Read more...

  • Pastor Accused of Blasphemy
    Many people have their hands raised in worship.
      

    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.

    Read more...

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