Local Governments Impede Church Buildings

A church with water and hills in the background.
A church in Indonesia.

Local officials have denied a group of Indonesian Christians the right to build a place of worship, even though the believers own the land. This situation has been taking place in a small city, which has approximately 10,000 Christians, that's located near the capital of Jakarta.

Even the Indonesian government has argued that the Christians have a constitutional right to construct their own building, but the city's authorities are refusing to back down. Despite efforts from the federal government to establish unity, local officials often have more political power in setting policies.

For a Catholic congregation in Tangerang City, there has been triumphant rejoicing after receiving notice that a building permit was finally issued – a victory that has required more than 30 years of mediation with officials. It is believed that the repeated delays were caused by opposition from local militant Muslims. A ground-breaking ceremony celebrating the building was held in mid-August.

Indonesia, the most populous Muslim nation on earth, is governed by a stable democracy that officially recognizes five different religions, including Christianity. However, preferential treatment for Muslims and hostility from militant Islamic groups have caused ongoing problems for Christians. For more reports on the persecution of our Indonesian brothers and sisters in Christ, go to our country report.

On behalf of the church members seeking to establish a place of worship, please prayerfully ask the Lord to continue providing them patience, encouragement and tenacity as they interact with local officials. May these believers be greatly reassured by the good news recently received by members of the Tangerang congregation, who have at long last been issued a building permit. Pray that local officials will not bend to pressure from militant groups seeking to sway justice, but that they would ensure all citizens are treated equally.

  • 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.