Christmas Celebration Forbidden

A small group of believers in the village of Bandengan in Cirebon , West Java was refused permission to celebrate Christmas on December 15, despite earlier assurances that they would be allowed to do so.  For the past three years, Christian workers have been holding services in the village.  At present, there are ten believers in this predominantly Muslim community.  The day before the planned Christmas celebration, police informed the pastor that all regular religious services were to cease immediately.

Bintijaya (61) Injured in Bomb Attack in Palu, December 12, 2004
In recent weeks, several churches in West Java have been forced to close.  Last week, the Persecution and Prayer Alert reported on a coordinated attack of two churches in Palu, along with fears of increased violence during the Christmas season.  Photographs of the attacks are now available (click here).

For more information on persecution of Indonesian Christians, 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.

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Indonesia News

  • Christian Graves Vandalized
    Two cross-shapped headstones are surrounded by greenery.
    Photo: PxHere

    In what appears to be a targeted act against the Christian community, at least ten graves were recently vandalized in cemeteries throughout the Yogyakarta region of Java, Indonesia. Each of the graves bore a cross, symbolizing the Christian faith of the individuals interred there. The damages occurred in three different cemeteries between May 16th and 19th.

    Read more...

  • Easter Services Continued Amidst Protests
    A white church with a red roof.
    A church in Indonesia.

    On March 5th, local residents in Bandung City held a protest against members of the Santa Odilia church. The community members opposed the use of a multipurpose facility for worship, even though the building is owned by the Catholic church. (For more details on the incident, see this report.)

    Read more...

  • Churches Encounter Community Opposition
    A white church with a red roof.
    A church in Indonesia.

    Churches in Indonesia frequently receive opposition from hostile community members and local leaders, particularly when they are seeking to build or utilize a worship facility. Christians in at least three separate communities are presently facing opposition for these reasons.

    Read more...

  • 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...

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