Indonesia is the world's largest Muslim-majority country. There are six recognised religions: Islam, Roman Catholicism, Protestant Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism and Confucianism. Religious practices outside of these are not protected, and nor is the right to atheism.
Christians – the largest religious minority – face several obstacles to practising their faith, including intimidation, violence and being obstructed from building new places of worship. Ask God to protect and draw near to them today, wherever they gather, reminding them of his love and faithfulness.
Learn more at csw.org.uk/indonesia
Sunday 7 April
Registered religious groups must obtain formal approval to build new places of worship. The process involves getting at least 60 signatures from the wider community. This can cause issues for religious minorities in areas that are largely inhabited by those of another faith. Pray for interfaith harmony and the repeal of this regulation.
Monday 8 April
Christians in the city of Cilegon have to drive 45 minutes to reach the nearest church building. The Batak Protestant Christian Church had plans to build a local church, but regional officials halted them in 2022 – even though the church had gathered more than enough signatures to proceed. Pray that the authorities would change their minds and all unjust barriers would be lifted.
Tuesday 9 April
Rohingya refugees, the majority of whom are Muslim, are arriving in Indonesia more frequently, desperately fleeing the war in Myanmar and overcrowded refugee camps in Bangladesh. Three boats carrying nearly 600 people arrived in Aceh Province across three consecutive days in November. According to reports, some collapsed onto the sand after a month at sea. Ask God to supply all their needs today.
Wednesday 10 April
When the third boat arrived in Aceh, locals responded with hostility and tried to push it back out to sea. Where tensions are rising, may compassion and peace increase even more. Pray for practical solutions that enable all refugees to reach a place of safety and welcome.
Thursday 11 April
Indonesia’s oppressive blasphemy laws expanded under Joko Widodo’s presidency. One of the changes means that leaving a religion or belief will become a criminal offence, coming into effect in 2026. Pray that these laws would no longer be used as a weapon against religious or ethnic minorities. Pray a special blessing over new converts to Christianity.
Friday 12 April
Lift up in prayer Muhammed Kece – a Christian YouTuber who is in prison for alleged blasphemy. It was reported that he was beaten and tortured by fellow inmates following his arrest. His ten-year sentence was later reduced to eight years through a successful legal appeal. Pray that further appeals will lead to his early release.
Saturday 13 April
Indonesia has recently held a general election. Pray that the incoming leaders and authorities would uphold human rights for all citizens, including the right to choose or change one’s religion or belief.