Suicide Bomber Family Attacks Three Churches

The aftermath of the Surabaya bombing.
The aftermath of the Surabaya bombing.
Photo: Screenshot from YouTube / Try Kutriw

A series of coordinated church bombings in the city of Surabaya has resulted in as many as 28 fatalities and the wounding of 50 victims; some critically. The attacks were carried out on the morning of May 13th by members of a single family.

Dita Futrianto, a local leader for a militant Islamic group known as Jemaah Ansharut Daulah, dropped off his wife and two daughters, ages 9 and 12, at the Diponegro Indonesian Christian Church. All three female accomplices had bombs strapped to them which exploded in the courtyard outside the church.

The instigator of the initial suicide bombing attack, Dita, then crashed his bomb-laden car into the Surabaya Centre Pentecostal Church where it exploded. At the same time, his two sons, ages 16 and 18, rode motorcycles into the Santa Maria Catholic Church and detonated the explosives they were carrying. The police later disabled three remaining bombs that were still in the family's home.

These suicide bombings are considered the deadliest in Indonesia in more than a decade. It is also the first known instance where children were used in such a horrific way. It has been reported that the family had been living in Syria and was inspired by the ISIS terrorist group.

Please remember the surviving members of these three churches -- and Christians throughout Indonesia -- who are now facing the aftermath of this devastation and the resulting pain. Ask for healing on behalf of those still in hospital, as well as emotional healing for the many others who've been impacted. Pray that the Indonesian authorities will be effective in preventing any further attacks.

  • 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

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    A church in Indonesia.
    Photo: VOMC 

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  • Two Women Injured in Attack on Prayer Meeting
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    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.

  • Pastor Accused of Blasphemy
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    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.

  • 2023 Year in Review
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    Believers worship faithfully amidst much opposition.
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    Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world. While freedom of religion is guaranteed in the constitution, Muslims generally receive preferential treatment from the government. In order to establish and operate places of worship, permits are officially required; yet, in practise, only non-Muslims must comply. These permits are very difficult for churches to obtain. To be granted an official permit, each congregation must be comprised of a minimum of 90 members and needs authorization from at least 60 non-Christian residents in the area.