‘I have already forgiven the bombers. I don’t want to cry anymore.’ These words were spoken by the mother of two young boys who died from their injuries after their church was bombed in May 2018. Two other churches were hit in the same attack, which claimed 13 lives.

Indonesia was founded on a tradition of pluralism, but recent years have seen increasing violence and discrimination against religious minorities; the attack on the churches in Surabaya is just one example. In such a climate, the words of forgiveness spoken by the mother who lost her sons are truly revolutionary. Find out more at csw.org.uk/indonesia

Sunday 17 January

Reverend Yeremia Zanambani was shot dead outside his home last September – part of clashes between the military and separatists in the Papua region. Pray for comfort for his family and his congregation.

Monday 18 January

Thank God for the courage and untiring dedication of those who speak up for human rights, including freedom of religion, in Indonesia.

Tuesday 19 January

Last March 15 Indonesians filed a lawsuit with the Supreme Court arguing that the closure of thousands of places of worship was being done under a discriminatory law, the 2006 Religious Harmony regulation. Pray that the places of worship would be reopened.

Wednesday 20 January

‘But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream.’ (Amos 5:24) Pray this verse over Indonesia.

Thursday 21 January

In 2019 proposals were made to expand the country’s blasphemy laws, which have already caused much injustice and division. At the time of writing these proposals were on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Pray that legislators would recognise that the blasphemy laws must be amended or repealed, not expanded.

Friday 22 January

‘Our message: it’s about equality, solidarity and unity. Keep doing good, don’t discriminate, and work for equality, solidarity and unity. Respect for God means respect for other persons.’ Thank God for the faithfulness and courage of Father Aloysius Widayawan, the priest of one of the churches which was bombed in 2018.

Saturday 23 January

Heavenly Father, we lift Indonesia to you today – a country of over 250 million people, all of whom you love because they are your beloved children. We ask that we will soon see a return to the foundational principles of tolerance and inclusivity on which the nation was built, so that everyone will be free to practise their beliefs in peace. In your Son’s precious name, Amen.

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