Worship Services Stopped by Mobs

A church in Indonesia
Photo: VOMC

As Christianity spreads in Indonesia, local governments and community members are increasingly creating obstacles to restrict the activities of the country's churches. The process for believers who want to build a church facility is complicated and can take many years. In one case, a church finally received approval in April of this year after waiting for 15 years. (Further details about the situation can be reviewed here.) Despite repeated calls from federal officials for local communities to be more accepting of religious diversity, in accordance with the country's constitution, the message of religious tolerance is not accepted by all.

On May 19th, mobs of opposing local Muslims stopped Christians from worshipping in two cities located on Sumatra Island. In the village of Binjai, at least 40 protesters disrupted a worship service that was being held at a café. The leaders of the mob claim that holding Christian worship services in a predominantly Muslim area is provocative, and thus should not be allowed. In the city of Riau, a service taking place at Bethel Indonesia Church (GBI) was prevented by a militant group believed to be outsiders. On May 28th, yet another GBI church had been forced to stop their worship activities in the village of Cilame, West Java.

More recently, a local official, along with other opposing community members, stopped the worship service of a house church located outside the city of Jakarta on June 18th. While speaking to the protesters, Pastor Elysson Lase assured them that they were not constructing a church building; they were merely worshipping in a private home. The pastor told the protestors: "The important thing has been conveyed to the village office, that we are not building a church. So, what's the problem?"

That same day, access to the Javanese Christian Church building in the Solo area of central Java was blocked by a demonstration. A banner proclaiming "Allahu Akbar" ("God is greater") was placed over the door to the building, along with another banner at the road in front of the building. The next day, the mayor of Solo visited the site and ordered that the banners be removed.

While Indonesian law does not require a permit for worshipping in a home, some insist that such restrictions do exist. The onerous requirements for building a place of worship have resulted in many churches meeting without official permits. And although local governments can issue temporary permits when applications are pending, disapproving local Islamic groups will frequently oppose them. For more information on the difficulties encountered by Christians in Indonesia, go to our country report.

Pray for the ongoing ministry of churches throughout Indonesia. Ask the Lord to grant His direction, wisdom and encouragement to the country's church leaders as they continue seeking ways for their congregations to peacefully gather together for worship and teaching. May the message of the Gospel reach many more community members who are in desperate need of God's salvation, including those who strongly oppose Him, by giving them a revelation of Christ Jesus and His sacrificial love for them.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 2023 Year in Review
    A group of believers is worshipping together.
    Believers worship faithfully amidst much opposition.
    Photo: VOMC

    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.