Reverend Irianto Kongkoli (42), acting head of the Central Sulawesi Christian Church (GKST), was shot at close range and killed while shopping with his wife and five-year-old daughter in Palu on October 16. After the shooting, the unidentified gunman and an accomplice fled on a motorcycle.
Kongkoli had been an outspoken advocate for justice and peace in a region fraught with religious tensions for several years. The tensions increased with the execution of three Catholics on September 22 for their part in religious conflicts in 2000. Christians in the region believed there was unfair treatment in singling out only these three Christians and not prosecuting Muslims involved in the violence. While some officials have tied this killing to Kongkoli's opposition to the executions, Christians in the area suspect this may an attempt by Muslims to stir up violence in the area. Catholic Bishop Joseph Suwatan said, "The killing is linked to years of violence and not just to the execution of the three Christians. It seems to me too simple to limit it only to that."
VOMC sources in Indonesia report that Kongkoli may be buried in Palu rather than the predominantly Christian area of Tentena in order to quell anger and prevent possible reprisals against Muslims. Police are reported to have information on the identities of those responsible.
Pastor Irianto is survived by his wife, Rita Arianti Kopa and his three children, Gita, Ade and Dea.
Pray that Rita and the children will find the Holy Spirit's comfort to be more than sufficient to carry them through their grief (2 Corinthians 1:5). Pray that the challenges faced by Indonesian believers will result in more boldness to share Christ with others (Acts 4:29-31). Ask God to bring a peaceful resolution to the longstanding tensions between Christians and Muslims in the Sulawesi region.
For more information on persecution facing Christians in Indonesia, click here.
Population
