Church Pressured to Close

Muslims in a neighbourhood in Bandung, Indonesia are pressuring the Baithani Pentecost Movement Church to stop meeting, according to VOMC sources.  On March 18, leaders of the Baithani church met with police officers and were told that local residents were protesting against the presence of the church in their community.  In a follow-up meeting on March 24, representatives of the church, the local neighbourhood, police, military and Muslim clerics met to discuss the issue.  At the conclusion of the meeting, the Christians were told that the church "disturbed" the residents.  They were also told that the store-house where the church met would not be attacked as long as it is not used for church activity.  The church representatives were asked to sign an agreement to close the church but they refused.

Pray for a unified spirit among Indonesia's Christians as they seek the Lord's wisdom in dealing with demands such as the one facing the Baithani church. Pray that they will have the freedom to meet and that the local police will support that freedom. Pray that those who oppose the church will come to Christ.

 

For more information on the challenges facing Indonesia's Christians, go to click here.  Various videos reports are available at no cost at VOMC's multimedia website, https://www.vomcanada.com/, including a 20-minute video entitled "Island Jihad."
  • 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.