Churches Closed in West Java, Indonesia

Since the beginning of August, the Persecution and Prayer Alert has reported on a series of churches closed in West Java.  An August 16 report from Jubilee Campaign recounts a series of closures in communities around the city of Bandung.  On Sunday, August 14, members of the militant Islamic cleric organization, the Indonesian Council of Ulama (MUI), entered eight churches in the village of Cimahi and ordered them to close.  In each case, a sizable number of militants entered the church, marched to the front and forced the pastor to sign a letter agreeing to the closure.  They then forced the members out of the building.  Two days earlier, a church and a Christian kindergarten school were closed in Turwakarta.  During the previous week, eight churches in Cileunyi were also forced to close.  These incidents bring the total number of closed churches to thirty-five since the end of July.  According to Colonel Andy Krisna, a retired police officer from Jakarta who led the raids on August 14, the churches were closed because they lacked permits.  However, such permits require the approval of neighbours and the MUI has prevented the approval through threats of violence.

Pray for these believers now without a place to gather to worship.  Pray for an enduring strength and knowledge of God's presence for believers throughout the region during this time of uncertainty and opposition.

For more information on persecution facing Christians in Indonesia, click here.  A 20-minute video feature on Indonesia, "Island Jihad," is available for viewing in the Video section of 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

  • 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.

  • Hundreds of Protestors Oppose Church Construction
    A street is lined with buildings and trees.
    Bulukumba Regency
    Photo: Wikimedia / Midori (cc)

    As the church in Indonesia continues to grow, opposition to the construction of various worship facilities remains a major challenge. One Catholic church in the Bulukumba Regency of South Sulawesi has been waiting for 45 years to receive a building permit. Although the congregation was initially granted permission in 1980, their permit was revoked following public protests. Since then, members of the church have attempted to secure approval for multiple locations, but each application has been met with rejection.