Key Facts WWL Ranking: 47 Leader: President Yudhovono Population: 232 million (16% Christian) Majority Religion: Islam Type of Government: Republic

The Church in Indonesia

Based on "popular" estimations of Church Leaders in the country, there are approximately 35 million (which includes Catholics) strong across the country. Unofficially, the percentage is believed to be between 15-17% of 235,000,000 people. The Government's figure of the 2000 Census put the percentage at around 10-11%.

Though the Church today is faced with serious challenges, it continues to grow. Some believe that the annual growth among Evangelicals is around four percent (approximately 504,000). Denomination-wise, the Church is believed to have almost 400 denominations in Indonesia.

As other churches around the wrold, Indonesian churches also struggle with unity. This is why we find many denominations in the country; new denominations are usually a split from another denomiation. This happens especially among Pentecostal churches. Rivalry is common. In some cases, the lack of unity reinforces persecution. This condition is reinforced by the lack of cultural sensitivity of some Christians in their ministry, which often put other believers at risk.

In terms of missionary work, the Government has made strict regulations that limit foreign missionaries to work in the country. This is the case unless they have at least a Masters degree and contribute to the further development of Indonesians.

Sources of Oppression and Persecution

1. Radical Muslims who continue to bring pressure on Christians and incite violence. We know of more cases where Muslim background believers become easy targets of bullies and harassments by the family, society and local officials. The society in general, stirred by fundamental Muslims, is showing less and less tolerance to people embracing faith other than Islam.
Pray for MBB's to have 1) protection and safety and 2) support and encouragement.

2. Islamists have used legal means to oppress the church, resulting in the closure of several churches. They cite a government ruling stating that churches can be closed down if the local community objects to them. In 2007 alone, at least 25 churches and worship centers have been revoked, attacked, or demolished.
Pray that the closing of churches will come to a stop and that regardless of not having a building, believers would be able to worship together.

3. Scheduled this year is the revision of the criminal code, into which more articles on religious-issue-based crimes will be inserted. Should the amendments take place, Christians would face a higher possibility of imprisonment.
Pray against such a code being passed as well as perseverance for those facing persecution.

Meet the Persecuted

Aji an Evangelist to the Muslims