Churches in Indonesia frequently receive opposition from hostile community members and local leaders, particularly when they are seeking to build or utilize a worship facility. Christians in at least three separate communities are presently facing opposition for these reasons.
In the village of Paccerakkang, South Sulawesi Province, the Toraja Christian Church of Lanraki had been meeting in the home of a congregation member for two years. Due to the growth of this church, the believers applied for an official permit to build a facility that would accommodate their expanding congregation. Initially, the permit process was going well. However, on February 4th, a banner was installed in the community declaring that nearby residents were strongly opposed to the construction – along with all other religious-related activities in the area. Despite the opposition, leaders of the church remain determined to continue meeting with local residents in order to obtain approval for the construction.
In Bandung, West Java, a protest was held against members of a Catholic church on March 5th, opposing the use of a particular building for worship services. When the facility was first built, the congregation did not have a church permit – a process that can take months or years to complete. Therefore, the building was designated as a multi-purpose facility that would be used not only for worship but other community activities as well. However, local protestors are now demanding that the building not be used for worship, even though it is owned by the Catholic church and the official permit application is currently in process.
Another separate incident took place on March 10th, when community leaders were meeting to discuss an application for the construction of a church building in Wakatobi, Southeast Sulawesi Province. During the meeting, a demonstration involving community members who were opposed to the construction plans resulted in near chaos. Ultimately, the application was rejected for allegedly failing to meet Ministry of Religion regulations. Furthermore, the opposing community leaders asserted that, since the Wakatobi police occasionally provided a place for Christians to hold their worship services, the construction of the church building was unnecessary.
The registration process for churches in Indonesia can be onerous. For one church in Bogor, it took more than 15 years to receive approval from the government (read more). For other reports on the challenges facing Christians in Indonesia, go to our country profile.
- Pray that the members of these three churches, and others throughout Indonesia who are likewise experiencing opposition, will officially be permitted to gather together for worship and fellowship.
- In each case, may God touch the hearts of the opposing community leaders so that they would realize their need to support those who are seeking ways to rightfully practise their faith.
- Pray that the Christians residing within these communities would seize every opportunity they receive to share the love and grace of Jesus with those around them, so that many more spiritually needy people will come to faith in Him.
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