Easter Services Continued Amidst Protests

Easter Services Continued Amidst Protests

A white church with a red roof.
A church in Indonesia.

On March 5th, local residents in Bandung City held a protest against members of the Santa Odilia church. The community members opposed the use of a multipurpose facility for worship, even though the building is owned by the Catholic church. (For more details on the incident, see this report.)

Despite the opposition, church members were determined to continue with their plans to hold Easter weekend services. However, as worshippers attempted to gather at the facility for "Maundy Thursday" (in commemoration of the Lord's Last Supper), they were forced to find a different route to the location because of a road blockade. Additionally, near the building, protestors set up loudspeakers and broadcasted nationalist songs in an attempt to disrupt the Christian service. Undeterred by these disturbances, the believers continued to pray and worship together.

On Saturday, April 19th, the church members gathered for another time of worship, entering the building through a side door. As the service started, opposing villagers once again began loudly protesting in their efforts to interrupt the worship gathering. Thankfully, local police officers, along with civilian security personnel, surrounded the building to protect the congregants. The authorities were also able to intervene when some demonstrators attempted to break into the building. After the service, the worshippers returned home via a specified route that provided police protection. The church members were deeply thankful for the security measures afforded to them, and the assistance they received was described as a "glimmer of tolerance amidst the wave of protests."

The use of buildings for religious purposes is frequently a source of conflict for those opposed to Christian worship in Indonesia. In addition to strong resistance from local Muslim residents, the registration process for a new worship facility can take many years. For more reports on the various challenges facing Christians in Indonesia, go to our country profile.

  • Praise God that the authorities were able to assist members of the Santa Odilia church and prevent the incident from escalating to violence.
  • Pray that these believers will receive divine wisdom as they seek to share the love of Jesus with opposing residents and establish amiable relationships within their community.
  • Pray that this congregation, along with the many other churches facing similar situations in Indonesia, will be able to peacefully gather for worship without further harassment.
  • 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

  • Protests Forcibly Delay "Holyland" Construction
    A believer is being baptized.
    Pray that Christians in Indonesia will remain faithful.
    Photo: VOMC

    Construction has been ordered to cease on the building of a Christian complex in Karangturi village, despite the fact that all necessary permits had previously been obtained. The order, which was issued on September 2nd by the Regency of Karanganyar, followed formal complaints from Islamic groups that were opposed to the construction project. The letter from the regency cited concerns that the development could lead to "social conflict," and then stated that construction may resume once tensions within the local community are resolved.

  • Christians Blocked from Worshipping
    A white church building with blue trim in Indonesia.
    A church in Indonesia.
    Photo: VOMC

    For two consecutive Sundays, approximately 20 opposing Muslim residents in the village of Gerendeng Pulo have prevented a church congregation from gathering for worship. The opposition stems from concerns that the believers began meeting in a new location without the approval of local Muslim leaders.

  • Children Injured in Mob Violence
    A group of children are smiling and laughing. One is playing an ukulele.
    Children in Indonesia.
    Photo: ILO / Yodhi Prasetyo (cc)

    On July 27th, a violent incident occurred in Padang City, Indonesia, when several men attacked a prayer house, which was established to provide religious education to Christian children. Armed with sticks, the assailants ordered the believers to disperse, and then they proceeded to smash the building's windows. During the attack, two children (ages eight and eleven) sustained injuries after being struck by objects that had been thrown amid the violence.