“The glory of the LORD will be revealed, and Indonesia will see it together!”
And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”(Isaiah4:5,NIV)
》 Country Profile
Continent | Southeast Asia
Population | 279.47 million
Area | 1,904,569㎢ Consists of approximately 17,500 islands (only about 6,000 are inhabited).
Capital City | Jakarta (11 million people)
People Groups | Total 787 Groups (Javanese 40.1%, Sundanese 15.5%, Melayu 3.7%, Batak 3.6%, Madurese 3%, Betawi 2.9%, Banten 2.9%, Minangkabau 2.7%, Bugis 2.7%, Balinese 1.7%)
People Groups Unreached | 240 (70% of the population)
Offical Language(s) | Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia)
Total Languages | 688
Bible Translations | Completed 53 , New Testament 108 , Partial 109
Religion | Christian 11.5% (Protestant 9%, Catholic 2.5%), Muslim 83.3%, Ethnic religions 2.6%, Hinduism 1.8% Evangelical 3.2% 8.67 million people
》 About Indonesia
Islam was spread in Indonesia in the 15th century, leading to the establishment of several Islamic kingdoms in regions such as Sumatra, Java, and Kalimantan. After a long period of colonization starting in 1602, Indonesia gained independence in 1949, forming the United States of Indonesia. However, in 1950, the federation was dissolved, and the centralized parliamentary Republic of Indonesia was established. In 1965, General Suharto led a purge of suspected communists, which resulted in 500,000 to 1 million deaths, and removed President Sukarno from power, beginning Suharto’s 32-year dictatorship.
In 2014, the first direct presidential election was held, and Joko Widodo, from a humble background, was elected president and re-elected in 2019. Indonesia, currently holds the largest Muslim population in the world. The nation also faces separatist movements like the “Free Papua Movement”, which seeks independence for the Papua region.
Indonesia’s economy is based on natural resources like minerals, natural gas, forestry, and agriculture, and its service sector has grown significantly. It was the only G20 nation to grow during the global financial crisis, outperforming neighboring countries. However, the country still struggles with poverty, unemployment, weak infrastructure, corruption, complex regulations, and unequal resource distribution across regions. Indonesia’s GDP per capita is approximately $11,900
》 Scripture Focus
| Isaiah 40:5-11(NIV) 5 And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.” 6 A voice says, “Cry out.” And I said, “What shall I cry?” “All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field. 7 The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the LORD blows on them. Surely the people are grass. 8 The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.” 9 You who bring good news to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good news to Jerusalem,lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, “Here is your God!” 10 See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. 11 He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. |
》 Prayer Points
1. Indonesia, part of the Circum-Pacific Orogenic Belt, also known as the “Ring of Fire,” is prone to frequent tectonic shifts and has over 100 active volcanoes. Statistically, the country experiences at least one earthquake daily, and a volcanic eruption annually. Natural disasters like earthquakes and tsunamis are increasing in intensity, causing significant loss of life and property. Let us pray that the people, who suffer from these disasters, realize the futility of their idols and develop a thirst for the unchanging truth. May they encounter God and be restored as blessed souls, saved through His grace.
2. Indonesia is home to around 70 major ethnic groups, and including smaller ones, it reaches about 790, each with its unique language and culture. Before the formation of Indonesia, these groups lived as independent kingdoms, often clashing with neighboring tribes. This historical tension still lingers today. Let us declare that these divided tribes of Indonesia have already been united in Christ. Let us pray that this nation glorifies God through the unity achieved by the gospel of the cross.
3. There are 128 ethnic groups in Indonesia with populations over 10,000, most of which have only less than 1% of Christians. These groups represent about 60% of the total population. There are also more than 200 smaller unreached groups. Let’s pray for the spread of the Gospel to these groups, especially on the major islands of Java, Sulawesi, Sumatra, Borneo (Kalimantan) and also the many tribes of the island Papua, such as the Javanese, Sundanese, Malay, Batak, Madurese etc. Let us pray for more churches and missionaries to be sent to these groups for a great harvest of souls. May the people of Indonesia receive salvation and worship joyfully as one body in Christ, spreading the beautiful good news.
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