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.
Conflicts about worship services dominate many of the reports coming from Indonesia. Because of the restrictive nature of the permit process, churches will frequently gather without a permit, which can bring about conflict with opposing neighbours. Even for small groups of believers gathering in a home – something that is officially permitted by the government – there may be demands placed upon them to obtain a permit.
In an incident that took place this February, a local village official violently demanded that a church service stop, claiming that the congregation did not have a permit. Due to the nature of the attack, the official was charged and convicted for his assault, and the church was issued a temporary permit while working through the arduous process of obtaining permanent governmental approval.
For the Yasmin Church in Bogor, the permit process was a long time coming. Initially approved in 2006, the church encountered numerous delays due to opposition from some of the Muslim residents. Although the permit took more than 15 years to obtain, along with a forced relocation, the church finally opened on Easter Sunday with several politicians in attendance.
Various levels of government have tried to change the image of the country. In 2022, when the country's Muslim president attended a Christmas Day service, he called for peace between religions. Additionally, the mayor of Bogor took part in the inauguration of the Yasmin Church, despite years of opposition from locals officials in Bogor. While these political leaders' actions can be viewed as examples of religious tolerance, the ongoing opposition of others at the local level continues to impede any progress towards religious freedom. For more details on these reports, and others relating to Indonesia, go to our country report.
Prayerfully remember Indonesian Christians who continue to gather together for worship, despite the opposition they encounter from disagreeing local officials. Pray that these believers will receive the Lord's wisdom, direction and favour as they determine how to best navigate through the confusing and obstructive regulations in order to obtain permanent permits. In the midst of the political challenges, and opposition from community members, may Christians throughout this Southeast Asian country serve as examples of God's love and saving grace to their neighbours, so many more names may be added to the Lamb's "Book of Life."
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