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.

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."

  • 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.