Continuing Attacks in Sulawesi

The Christian community in Sulawesi, Indonesia is in shock after two more attacks this past weekend left one person dead and three others injured.

In Palu, 150 km from Poso, two women and one man were attacked by men with machetes on Friday, November 18.  Three attackers on a motorcycle approached a second motorcycle carrying 20-year-old Supriyanti and her friends Anca (23) and Evi (20).  Supriyanti was slashed in the neck and Evi's arm was almost severed.  Anca escaped serious injuries.  As they sought medical treatment, they were turned away from the first hospital because the wounds were considered too serious.  Supriyanti died from severe blood loss before they reached a second hospital.

A second attack in Palu on the following day has left Novlin Pallinggi (37) in critical condition and her husband Pudji Laksono (45) in stable condition after gunmen shot them at close range shortly after they left a church service that evening.  Doctors at the Undata General Hospital in Palu managed to remove a bullet from Pudji's chest.  At last report, they have been unable to dislodge two bullets from Novlin's chest and ribs.

A city official in Palu has suggested that since the attacks in Poso did not stir up violence between Christians and Muslims as desired, militants may be trying to do so in other communities like Palu.

Ask God to draw the perpetrators of these crimes to Himself. Pray that Indonesian Christians will continue respond to such acts of violence in a Christ-like manner. Pray that Evi's arm will heal and that she will receive excellent medical care. Pray that Supriyanti's family and friends will be comforted in their loss. Also pray for Anca as he comes to terms with the trauma of having watched one of his friends die from her wounds.  Remember Novlin and Pudji in your prayers as they recover from the gunshot wounds. Pray that the Lord will use these incidents to actually further His Kingdom.

For more information on persecution in Indonesia, click here.  The Voice of the Martyrs has released a 20-minute feature on the persecution of Christians in Indonesia, entitled "Island Jihad."  To view the video, go to 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.

Select a Region

Indonesia News

  • 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...

  • 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.

    Read more...

  • 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.

    Read more...

View All

Indonesia Videos

 
Indonesia: Four Christians Beheaded
/component/allvideoshare/category/indonesia.htm
 
Indonesia: Christian Family Killed in Terrorist Attack
/component/allvideoshare/category/indonesia.htm
 
Indonesia: Abandoned for coming to Jesus
/component/allvideoshare/category/indonesia.htm
 
Indonesia: ''I call the prison the school of trust''
/component/allvideoshare/category/indonesia.htm
 
Indonesia: Churches Under Attack!
/component/allvideoshare/category/indonesia.htm