Hostile
Indonesia
Indonesia has one of the world's largest Muslim populations, with 234 million Muslims or about one-tenth of the world’s Muslim population. While most Indonesian Muslims practice an animistic and superstitious version of Islam known as “folk” Islam, proponents of Islamic extremism have encouraged and engaged in violence against Christians. The wickedness of these attacks has led many Muslims to question Islam and to be more open to the gospel. Bold evangelists are taking advantage of this opportunity to share the gospel and lead many Muslims to faith in Christ.
Major Religion
82 percent of Indonesians are Sunni Muslims. 13 percent are Christians.
Persecutor
The main persecutors in Indonesia are Islamic extremists, who influence moderate Muslims. However, on the island of Bali, the main persecutors are Hindus. While the government does not normally persecute Christians, neither does it consistently defend them.
WHAT IT MEANS TO FOLLOW CHRIST IN INDONESIA
Even though it is illegal to evangelize, it is legal, though difficult, for Muslims and others to convert to Christianity. Christians living in cities can worship openly. In rural areas, Christians who actively share their faith face persecution from Muslims, local governments and the community. In some areas, small house churches of about 12 people are generally tolerated and allowed to meet openly. Muslims pay a price for converting to Christianity, and even in cities, most Christian converts from Islam choose to attend churches outside their community. Those who openly share their faith face pressure from family members because their conversion affects the family’s social standing. Muslim families often disown their children who come to faith in Christ. Foreigners who openly evangelize Muslims are required to leave the country. One Indonesian province, Aceh, has implemented Islamic law.
Access to Bibles
Bibles are available in most cities, but not in many rural locations. Indonesians can legally own a Bible, and the Indonesia Bible Society prints Bibles inside the country. However, many live in hostile and remote areas where Bibles are unavailable, and others cannot afford to purchase one. Give Bibles
VOM Work
VOM trains believers, assists with church-planting efforts in difficult areas and helps relocate front-line workers under threat. VOM also places Bibles in the hands of those living in the areas of greatest persecution, where there are often no other sources for Bibles or other Christian materials. Give to VOM’s Global Ministry
Pray for Indonesia
- Pray that extremist violence against Christians will soften the hearts of Muslims to receive the gospel.
- Pray for a network of “blessing houses” that serve as safe houses and discipleship centers for persecuted Christians.
- Pray that Muslims who are interested in following Christ will face no obstacles in finding him.
- Pray for courageous evangelists like Muhammad Kace and Pak Aman who have gone to prison for sharing the gospel.
- Pray that churches facing intolerance and opposition will stand firm and proclaim Christ's love to their neighbors.
