Update: Decree prohibiting church's activities revoked in Bekasi


Recently injured Luspida Simanjuntak
Photo from Compass Direct
After months of conflict and legal battles, the State Administrative Court in Bandung, Indonesia has revoked the December 31, 2009 decree prohibiting the Christian activities of Batak Christian Protestant Filadelfia Church in Jejalan village, Bekasi. The ruling decreed that the regent of Bekasi should issue a permit for the church to establish a place of worship. The church has faced severe opposition in recent months, including recent violence in which two members were injured (click here for more information).

Since 2008, the church members have sought permission for a place of worship from Bekasi Regent H. Sa'duddin. According to church leaders, Sa'duddin declined their request following pressure from a small group of Islamists called the Forum Islamic Ummah Jejalen Raya Bekasi. The church was temporarily closed for worship shortly afterwards on January 12, 2010. As a result, the church had been holding services on a strip of roadside land in front of the temporary site, using umbrellas to protect them from the intense heat of the sun and from sudden rainstorms. Reverend Palti Panjaitan has shared that he is happy that the church has found at last fair authorities who base their decisions on the rule of law. (Source: Compass Direct)

Thank the Lord that officials acted fairly in this situation. Pray that other such justice will reign in instances of harassment and opposition against Indonesian Christians. Pray that Christ will equip Indonesian believers to follow His example of faithfulness amid persecution (2 Corinthians 1:8-9)

For more on the persecuted Church in Indonesia, go to the Indonesia Country Report.

  • 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.

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Indonesia News

  • Community Clashes Halt Christmas Activities
    Believers are singing in worship together.
    Believers in Indonesia.
    Photo: VOMC

    Much of the harassment encountered by followers of Jesus in Indonesia arises from local community members who are opposed to Christian activities. Two recent incidents of community opposition have affected churches in their preparations for this Christmas season.

    Read more...

  • Church Threatened with Eviction
    A white church with blue trim clearly displays a cross on the front.
    A church in Indonesia.
    Photo: VOMC 

    Local authorities have threatened to evict a church in West Java because of its proximity to the Indonesian International Islamic University, despite the church having met previously in that location for nine years. The HKI Juanda Church in Depok, which consists of more than 150 members, is located on the edge of cultivated land. However, since the university was founded in September 2021, it has taken over the property of the neighbouring land.

    Read more...

  • 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...

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