Key Facts WWL Ranking: 48 Leader: President Yudhoyono Population: 230 million (16% Christian) Majority Religion: Islam Type of Government: Republic

The Church in Indonesia

Based on liberal estimations of Indonesia church leaders, 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 in Muslim-predominant areas faces repercussions, it continues to grow. Some believe that the annual growth among Evangelicals is around four percent (approximately 504,000). Nevertheless, the Church suffers from disunity and rivalry. Denomination-wise, the Church is fragmented into more than 300 denominations in Indonesia.

Indonesia is the country with the largest Muslim population in the world. Indonesian Muslims can reach up to 200 million people, which make up 88% of the whole population. Majority holds a moderate view on the their religion. Less than 2% takes a more fundamental and puritan stance as practiced in the Middle East.

Church closures by fundamental Muslim groups have been an ongoing problem. During the 63 years of the country's life as an independent state, at least 1,100 churches have been revoked, attacked, or shut down. Twenty-five percent of the cases took place in Western Java.

Sources of Oppression and Persecution

1. Radical Muslims continue to bring pressure on Christians and incite violence.

Pray for MBB's to have protection and safety as well as the much-needed support and encouragement. Pray, too, for those involved in outreach to Muslims.

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.

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. The apathy of the present government when it comes to religious atrocities makes it an indirect participator in the persecution of the Christians.

Pray against such apathy and for God to move in the hearts of government officials to do something.