Islamic extremism and intolerance towards Christians has increased in Indonesia. In May 2018, three churches were bombed in Surabaya. A study conducted in the same month found that 24% of university students interviewed agreed with radical Islamic ideology.

Many churches are still unable to receive building permits despite meeting all the requirements. Local authorities are afraid of seeming to support the growth of Christianity. Part of the current disunity in the church in Indonesia is caused by the fear of openly accepting Christians with a Muslim background. Some fear negative repercussions from the Islamic community. This is more common for rural churches than those in Indonesian cities.

Those who leave Islam to follow Jesus often have to hide their Bibles and Christian books. They risk being attacked by their friends and family. Some are put under house arrest until they return to Islam.

HOW WE HELP

Open Doors works alongside local churches and mission agencies to support persecuted believers in Indonesia through:

• Equipping and training believers with biblical responses to persecution and basic knowledge of Islam
• Facilitating gatherings to foster unity among churches and mission agencies
• Providing Bibles and other Christian literature, particularly for Muslim-background believers
• Providing assistance through socio-economic development projects
• Providing advocacy and immediate relief to victims of persecution.