Deadly Market Blast in Indonesia

At least twenty-one people died and many more were injured when two carefully timed bombs exploded in the market of the predominantly Christian village of Tentena on the island of Selawesi, Indonesia.   The first bomb exploded at 8:10 a.m. on May 28 at the south end of the village market.  Twenty minutes later as people rushed to the scene, a second more powerful bomb exploded killing those who came to help.  The most recent reports confirm twenty-one dead and forty-two injured; some critically.  A list of those killed and injured is available here.

While those responsible for this horrific attack have not been identified, it is believed that Islamic militants are responsible.  There is concern that this may have been an attempt to revive tensions between area Christians and Muslims which has settled significantly in recent months.  VOMC sources in Indonesia report that emotions are high in the area, particularly among the youth.  Retaliation is a concern.

Pray that peace will reign in the hearts and minds of Christians in Tentena.  Pray for Christian leaders, as they shepherd their congregations through this disaster. 

For more information on persecution in Indonesia, click here. A twenty-minute video report on Indonesia entitled "Island Jihad" is available online in the Video section of VOMC's multimedia website, https://www.vomcanada.com/.

  • 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

  • 2023 Year in Review
    A group of believers is worshipping together.
    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.

  • Mob Attack Forces Church to Host Services Online
    A woman is standing with her hands lifted and eyes closed. She is with a congregation.
    A worship gathering in Indonesia.
    Photo: VOMC

    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.