In Indonesia, your religion is listed on your identity card. From an official standpoint, you are not “allowed” to not have a religion. To be an atheist is not an option to be listed on your identity card. Join us in looking at a breakdown of the main religions in Indonesia and praying for those represented.

Islam is the predominant religion in Indonesia, with 87.02% of the population identifying as Muslim.  This makes Indonesia the country with the largest Muslim population in the world. The majority adhere to Sunni Islam, while a small minority follows Shia Islam. Indonesian Muslims believe in the oneness of God (Allah) and the prophethood of Muhammad. They follow the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah (traditions of the Prophet Muhammad).

Muslims are spread throughout the archipelago, with significant populations in Java, Sumatra, and the western regions of the country. Their practices are influenced by the rich cultural tapestry of Indonesia, blending Islamic traditions with local customs and beliefs.

“God desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:4-5). May the love of Christ break through the barriers and reveal the way to eternal life. May they know the true path to salvation through a personal relationship with Jesus.

While Christians make up 7.43% of the population, they are predominantly concentrated in North Sumatra, West Kalimantan, Papua, and North Sulawesi. That said, huge pockets of Indonesia remain unreached (0-2% Christian).

“There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all” (Ephesians 4:4-6). May they continue to grow in their understanding of the truth and be united in the love of Christ.

Catholicism, recognized as a separate religion from Christianity/Protestantism, accounts for 3.06% of the Indonesian population. Catholics are predominantly found in East Nusa Tenggara, West Kalimantan, and Papua. They follow the teachings of the Catholic Church and adhere to the authority of the Pope.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). May they know the true path to salvation, by faith in Christ alone.

Hinduism, with its roots in ancient Indian traditions, has a presence in Indonesia, comprising 1.69% of the population. Hindus in Indonesia are predominantly found in Bali, where the religion has a strong cultural influence. They believe in a multitude of deities and follow the teachings of the Vedas and other sacred texts.

“For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you” (Acts 17:23). May the true knowledge of the one true God be revealed to them, and may they find salvation in Jesus Christ.

Buddhism, originating from the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, has a presence in Indonesia, with 0.73% of the population identifying as Buddhist. Buddhists in Indonesia are predominantly found in Java, Sumatra, and the Chinese Indonesian communities. They follow the teachings of the Buddha and strive for enlightenment and liberation from suffering.

“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life’” (John 8:12). May the light of Christ shine upon them, revealing the true path to eternal life and peace.

Confucianism, a philosophical and ethical system rooted in the teachings of Confucius, has a small following in Indonesia, comprising 0.03% of the population. Confucians in Indonesia are predominantly found in the Chinese Indonesian communities. They emphasize moral cultivation, filial piety, and social harmony.

“See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ” (Colossians 2:8). May they find the true wisdom and fulfillment in the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Indonesia is also home to various indigenous religions, comprising 0.04% of the population. These ancestral animistic and polytheistic beliefs are deeply rooted in the cultural traditions of various ethnic groups, such as the Batak, Dayak, Javanese, and Papuan peoples.

“For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse” (Romans 1:20). May the truth of the one true God be revealed to them, and may they find salvation in Jesus Christ.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” -John 14:6, ESV

May the love of Christ shine upon the people of Indonesia, and may they come to know the true path to eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.