Two partially constructed church buildings were burned down by suspected Muslim militants in Sibuhuan village, North Sumatra province, Indonesia on January 22. Hundreds of Muslims from outside the village arrived on motorcycles and burned down the Huria Kristen Batak Protestan Church (HKBP) building and then proceeded to set fire to the nearby Pentecostal Church building. The HKBP church members have worshipped at the site since the 1970s. In 1981 they erected a simple structure and in 2009 they began a construction project on the building. When Muslim leaders demanded the construction stop because a building permit had not been issued, the Christians agreed -- despite the fact that the building permit had been in process for five years. After requests from local Muslims to dismantle the constructed areas, the Christians began to take down the building on January 13. They were unable to complete the dismantling, however, before the mob set fire to the church. At last report, authorities were searching for a location for the churches to rebuild. In the meantime, the congregations are reportedly planning to hold services in believers' homes. (Source: Compass Direct)
Thank the Lord that nobody was injured in these attacks. Pray that these congregations will soon be able to rebuild their churches. Pray that in the face of violence, Indonesian believers will confidently entrust themselves to Christ and preach the gospel without hesitation (2 Timothy 1:7-12).
To find out more about the plight of Indonesian Christians, click here.
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.
A church in Indonesia Wikipedia / Christian Advs Sltg (CC)
Indonesia's blasphemy law has been enforced since 1965, despite multiple unsuccessful attempts to remove the legislation. Although the country is home to the world's largest Muslim-majority population, the national government has long sought to maintain a religiously diverse society. Even so, incidents of religious intolerance and persecution have often occurred on a local level.
Pray that Christians in Indonesia will remain faithful. Photo: VOMC
Construction has been ordered to cease on the building of a Christian complex in Karangturi village, despite the fact that all necessary permits had previously been obtained. The order, which was issued on September 2nd by the Regency of Karanganyar, followed formal complaints from Islamic groups that were opposed to the construction project. The letter from the regency cited concerns that the development could lead to "social conflict," and then stated that construction may resume once tensions within the local community are resolved.
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 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.