Islamic groups aim to close church

Muslims are reportedly attempting to stop a church from holding worship services in West Java, Indonesia. Earlier this month, on November 7, more than 50 Muslims gathered outside a multipurpose building in Karask village where members of The King of Glory Church were gathered for a Sunday worship service. The Muslims chanted "Allah akbar" (God is great) and demanded that the meeting be put to an end because the building was not approved for worship services. The protest went on outside the church for more than an hour before the Muslims dispersed.

Church permit applications are often stalled in Indonesian government offices, opening the way for Muslim groups to accuse them of worshipping without official permission. In this case, however, church leaders claim that they were given permission to worship by an official in 2005. One of the leaders reported that neither the building managers nor the church leaders have ever received a written complaint about the worship services. He also said that there was no regulation against using a multipurpose building for worship services.

Pray that these believers will be free to worship in peace and without fear of violence from Islamic groups. Pray the Spirit of the Lord will guide and sustain Christians in West Java as they serve Him amid opposition. Pray that Indonesian authorities will take just and decisive action against those harassing Christians in the country.

Stay informed on the persecution facing Indonesian believers by visiting the Country Report at 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.

Indonesia News

  • Christians Blocked from Worshipping
    A white church building with blue trim in Indonesia.
    A church in Indonesia.
    Photo: VOMC

    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 Injured in Mob Violence
    A group of children are smiling and laughing. One is playing an ukulele.
    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.