*ARCHIVED OCTOBER 2007 // CLICK HERE FOR CURRENT DATA

Indonesia (click here to view a satellite map)

Indonesia, Southeast Asia

Population: 241,973,879
Christians: 16%
Dominant Religion: Sunni Islam
Persecution Ranking: 35th
Political Leader: President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono
Religious Freedom in Constitution: Yes

"Perhaps the deadliest tsunami in recorded history," according to an ABC News report, has been one of Indonesia’s most significant challenges this past year. With at least 226,000 deaths and a devastated coastline, including the destruction of entire villages, the task of reconstruction and restoration to those left behind will undoubtedly continue for years to come. Many Christians within Indonesia and from around the world are among those who responded to the crisis, sharing the love of Jesus Christ with help of various kinds.
The 22 million Indonesian Christians are a minority in their nation of 200 million, known to be the world's most populous Islamic state. However, since Indonesia is a secular state, by law Christians are professed to be equal in status. In experience, however, thousands of Christians have been killed in recent years due to conflict often intensified by Muslim jihad solders.
Churches in Indonesia face many problems in trying to get registered, and a number of churches have been forced to close down. In West Java, local bylaws require approval from the surrounding community before a permit is granted to build a church or hold services in an existing building. Since this is a Muslim-majority area, permits for church construction are seldom granted. In Bandung, not only do local officials rarely give permission to erect church buildings, but they also do not allow congregations to meet in private venues. Many of the Christians in that area have complained that this is an abuse of their basic right to religious freedom. The Church of Indonesia has a great concern for its nation and there is much indigenous ministry going on, reaching out to the poor and unevangelized.
Prayer Points

	Pray for thousands, who have been devastated by the December 2004 tsunami, to find Jesus Christ through Christians who are helping them to rebuild and heal.
	Pray for protection upon the Christians of Indonesia in conflict-ridden regions.
	Pray that in Java and throughout Indonesia, churches will obtain registration and the freedom to operate.
	Pray for the spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the nation in spite of persecution.

Father in Heaven, We know that You are "close to the brokenhearted," and that You are the God who "carried our sorrows" in Jesus Christ. We ask that You would bring the people of Indonesia hope and healing in the aftermath of terrible loss brought by the tsunami of 2004. Strengthen Your people to sacrificially help victims, not only in the immediate crisis, but for the long-term. May You grant Your Church much greater freedom to worship and live out their faith in peace among their neighbors. Amen.

ADDITIONAL INFO ON INDONESIA

• View additional info on the Joshua Project site
• Praying Through The Window 6
• Praying Through The Window 7
• 2006 Weekly Prayer Points