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.