Church Opponent Sentenced to Three Months in Jail

A man studying the Bible.
An evangelist in Indonesia.
Photo: VOMC

On February 19th, the members of the Tabernacle of David Christian Church were gathered for worship when an angry village leader, Wawan Kurniawan, stormed into the building. Pushing the pastor aside, he demanded that the service end immediately. Ten other villagers joined him, resulting in turmoil, as well as injuries to the pastor. (See this page for more details.)

Because of the violent nature of the confrontation, the matter was referred to police officials. In May, a settlement had been reached in which the church members agreed to leave any prosecution to the authorities in exchange for a public apology from Wawan, along with a temporary permit to continue worshipping (read more).

When the case went to court, the prosecutor asked that the village leader be sentenced to four years in prison. However, the judge reasoned that because Wawan had sought peace with the church, he would instead be sentenced to only three months in jail. Since the perpetrator had already been detained for nearly two months by that point, he was ordered to just serve the remaining 34 days.

The reactions of Christian leaders and those who provide leadership to human rights organizations have been mixed. While some speculate that a Christian would receive a much harsher sentence, others view this verdict as "a wake-up call for intolerant people." This is seen as the first case in Indonesia where perpetrators have not simply walked free. Andreas Harsono from Human Rights Watch calls the decision "a small step," but also praised the judge for "showing courage."

Pray that this situation will lead Wawan and others who oppose Christianity to reconsider their attitudes, bringing about greater religious equality throughout Indonesia. Praise God for the judge's verdict, which appears to demonstrate some progress in recognizing the right for Indonesian followers of Jesus to worship in freedom and safety. While further progress is being made, pray that Christians in this Southeast Asian country will continue to be powerful examples of God's love and grace to all those around 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.