Around the world, our brothers and sisters in Christ are experiencing persecution for their faith. Indonesia is no exception. As believers, it is crucial to understand the reality of what many believers around the world are enduring in order to fervently pray for their endurance and faith.
Indonesia is home to the largest Muslim population in the world, with nearly 242 million Muslims residing within its borders. Despite its constitutional commitment to religious freedom, the nation’s Christian minority faces significant challenges. The Pew Research Center highlights that while Indonesia promotes religious pluralism, it simultaneously imposes restrictions that disproportionately affect religious minorities, often favoring Islam in its policies and practices.
For instance, the construction of new churches is fraught with bureaucratic hurdles. It often requires the consent of local Muslim communities, which can be challenging to obtain. This has led to numerous instances of churches being shuttered or demolished, leaving congregations without a place to worship.
Christian persecution in Indonesia manifests in various forms, from legal restrictions to social ostracism and outright violence. The anti-blasphemy laws are a significant tool of oppression, often used to silence Christians and other religious minorities. These laws have led to the imprisonment of individuals like Apollinaris Darmawan, who was jailed for allegedly violating these stringent regulations.
In regions like Aceh, governed by Sharia law, the pressure on Christians is particularly intense, with converts from Islam facing severe repercussions, including violence and social exclusion. Additionally, converts from Islam endure intense pressure to renounce their new faith.
Christians in Aceh face severe persecution and denial of their right to worship. Despite comprising a tiny minority, their churches have been repeatedly attacked, burned down, and demolished by authorities under the pretext of lacking permits. In 2015 alone, many churches were burned down, while authorities demolished many other churches amid rising religious tensions, leading thousands of Christians to flee to neighboring provinces. Yet, the persecuted Christians persevere, gathering for worship in tents and homes.
Additionally, Christians in Indonesia have faced a number of coordinated suicide bombings carried out by radical Islamist families. On May 13, 2018, a family of six launched devastating attacks on three churches in Surabaya during Sunday services, killing over a dozen worshippers and injuring scores more. Shockingly, the attackers included the mother and her two young daughters, aged 9 and 12, and a father and his two sons, ages 16 and 18.
While those are a few examples of larger-scale attacks, countless stories of individuals enduring persecution never make headlines. Whether disowned by family, locked in a room by family members, or killed by those in the community, some believers in areas more hostile to Christianity have endured incredible suffering as a result of choosing to follow Jesus.
The intensity of persecution varies across different regions in Indonesia. In provinces like Aceh, West Sumatra, and West Java, Christians experience the highest levels of discrimination and violence. These areas are known for their strict adherence to Islamic laws and customs, making life difficult for religious minorities. Those desiring to change their religion from an official standpoint, because their religion is listed on all important documents, face significant challenges.
Conversely, regions like East Nusa Tenggara and Papua, where Christians form a significant portion of the population, see different forms of pressure. Here, aggressive Islamization efforts target Christian communities, particularly among children, aiming to erode their faith and cultural identity.
Despite these challenges, the Christian community in Indonesia remains steadfast in their faith. Their resilience is a testament to the power of the gospel and the strength that comes from a deep, abiding relationship with Christ. The Apostle Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 resonate deeply with their experience: “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”
The reality of Christian persecution in Indonesia is a sobering reminder of the cost of discipleship. Yet, it also highlights the incredible faith and resilience of our brothers and sisters who continue to follow Christ despite immense challenges. As we stand with them in prayer, advocacy, and support, we embody the unity of the body of Christ, demonstrating that when one part suffers, every part suffers with it (1 Corinthians 12:26).
Here are specific ways we can intercede for our brothers and sisters in Indonesia facing persecution:
- Protection and Strength: Pray for the physical safety and spiritual strength of Indonesian Christians, especially those in regions like Aceh and West Java, where persecution is most intense.
- Legal and Social Change: Ask God to move the hearts of Indonesian leaders and lawmakers to create a more just and equitable society where religious freedom is genuinely upheld.
- Unity and Encouragement: Pray for unity among Indonesian Christians and for their encouragement in the face of trials. May they feel the support and love of the global church.
- Revival: Pray for a revival in Indonesia, that many would come to know Christ, including those who currently persecute Christians.
May we, as the global church, be faithful to intercede for our brothers and sisters enduring persecution, and may we be inspired by their faith, boldness, and faithfulness.
