Indonesia

Praise Points

Thank You Abba Father for the faithful witness of past missionaries and the growth of the Church in places like North Sulawesi and Papua. May we never forget the seeds of faith You have planted. “So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.” – 1 Corinthians 3:7

Father, thank You for the Christian schools, hospitals, and charities that have blessed millions. Use them to continue being a light in society. “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.“ – Ephesians 2:10

Lord, we praise You for legally recognizing Christianity in Indonesia’s constitution. May this protection remain strong and be honored by all. “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority... For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.” – 1 Peter 2:13,15

Prayer Points

God of justice, protect Your people from forced marriages and pressure to abandon their faith. Please give them the strength to stand firm. “But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. ‘Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.'” – 1 Peter 3:14

Lord, heal divisions between religious communities. Let Your Church be a model of peace and reconciliation. “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” – Romans 12:18

Father, see the injustice Your children are facing in schools and workplaces. Open doors that no one can shut. “I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.“ – Revelation 3:8

A Call to Salvation

God, raise parents who will teach their children to love and fear You above all. Let homes become altars of worship. “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children.” – Deuteronomy 6:6–7

Lord, fill Indonesian Christian teenagers with the Holy Spirit. Let them stand unashamed of the Gospel. “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” – 2 Timothy 1:7

Awaken Your Church in Indonesia, Lord. Let repentance, holiness, and revival flow from leaders to the youth. “Wake up, strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God.” – Revelation 3:2

Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelagic nation, comprises over 17,000 islands and is home to more than 270 million people. Historically influenced by Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and Western colonial powers—particularly the Dutch—Indonesia proclaimed its independence in 1945. Culturally rich and multi-ethnic, Indonesia embraces traditional music, dance, crafts, and diverse languages, yet unites under the national motto: Bhinneka Tunggal Ika—”Unity in Diversity.”

Christianity in Indonesia dates back to the arrival of Portuguese traders and missionaries in the 16th century. Although more commercially than religiously motivated, the Dutch allowed Christian missions during their rule, particularly in the eastern regions. Significant Christian influence came through figures like Francis Xavier, a Jesuit missionary who began outreach in the Maluku Islands, and later Protestant missionaries like Ludwig Ingwer Nommensen, who was instrumental in converting the Batak people of North Sumatra in the 19th century. Christian schools and hospitals soon followed, laying a foundation of service that remains crucial to Indonesian society today.

Despite Christianity being legally recognized, Christian teenagers in Indonesia face increasing challenges. The 2006 Joint Ministerial Decree makes it extremely difficult to build new churches, requiring approval from local Muslim-majority communities and authorities. Persecution of converts, especially from Islam, remains high; young believers are sometimes pressured into renouncing their faith or forced into Muslim marriages. Christian students often encounter discrimination in public schools, limited access to scholarships, and fewer opportunities in employment and civil service. Social tensions and radicalism contribute to a growing sense of fear and exclusion among young Christians, leading many to hide their faith or abandon it altogether for acceptance or safety.

The Indonesian Church is under threat from social pressure, legal constraints, and rising intolerance. Perhaps more deeply, secularization and disinterest among Christian youth—fueled by modern distractions and a lack of solid discipleship—are causing the erosion of faith within Christian families. Parents often struggle to pass on a living, resilient faith, and churches sometimes fail to offer relevant, Spirit-led guidance. Parents must teach their children diligently (Deuteronomy 6:6–7), and churches must equip youth with Scripture and Spirit-filled mentoring. The Church must resist fear and rise with boldness, love, and truth in a hostile world.