“Indonesia, Be sober and put on the hope of salvation as a helmet!”
But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.(1 Thessalonians 5:8,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
| 1 Thessalonians 5:3-10(NIV) 3. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 4. But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5. You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. 7. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. |
》 Prayer Points
1. Indonesia’s history has often seen ethnic and regional conflicts turn into religious conflicts, leading to civil unrest and many loss of life. The country is built on the national philosophy of “Pancasila”, which aims for unity in diversity. The constitution guarantees mutual respect between religions and ethnic groups, however the reality is that conflicts still arise. Though outwardly respectful, deeper issues persist. Let us pray that Indonesians turn away from these dark paths that mislead people from a knowledge of the truth. Let us also pray that they may come to know the Living and One True God, Jesus Christ, finding salvation through the revelation of the Way of His cross.
2. Indonesia has the world’s largest Muslim population, with 83% of the people following Islam. Indonesia possess the biggest Islamic mosque within Asia. While Islam is not the official state religion, its influence is immense. Through the president, Muslims hold most of state power, and Islamic values have deeply shaped various aspects of society such as politics, economy, religion, culture, etc. Islamic fundamentalists can be hostile to other religions, leading to violence against Christians, including the burning of churches and even mass murders. Incidents of violence against Christians have been increasing by 200 to 300 cases each year. In North Sumatra’s Aceh Province, Sharia law has been in place since 2009 with the intention of constructing it into an Islamic state. Let us pray that the persecuted churches in Indonesia may believe the Word when it says, “God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Let us pray that the country of Indonesia may realize that all the Islamic values they rely upon are false and that they may turn from idolatry and return to God.
3. The Indonesian church needs spiritual renewal. Although around 9% of the population identifies as Protestant, many are Christians in name only. This nominal faith has led to the decrease of churches and a decline in church attendance. Even among those who attend church weekly turn to shamans or use talismans when faced with life problems. Secularism, division, and local mysticism have spread within the church. There is also a lack of ministers who are able to teach and lead disciple training for new believers. Because of this the raising of proper disciples is not being carried out. Let us pray that the church will realize that the day of destruction will come like a thief and that they awake from nominalism and secularism in repentance. Let us pray that the church be sober, rising up as a true witness of the gospel and striving to put on the hope of salvation as a helmet.
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