“Mudik” is a Unique Phenomenon in Indonesia
Ramadan is almost over, and the celebration at the end of Ramadan, Idul Fitri is the biggest holiday in Indonesia. Right before this holiday, there is a mass exodus out of big cities in Indonesia as Indonesians go home. Indonesians actually have a special word for this, called “mudik.”… Read more
A House of Prayer Closed
Protestant Christians in Bogor, West Java have seen much persecution recently. Now Catholics are the brunt of persecution. A “house of prayer” was recently closed for a week. The congregation was told that if they try to use building for prayer during this time, authorities would demolish the building. Pray… Read more
Don’t Use Loudspeakers During Ramadan
During Ramadan, mosques broadcast the call to prayer and readings from the Qur’an over loudspeakers more than the regular five times a day. People often complain about this, stating that it is hard for them to rest and go about their daily life with this in the background. Indonesia’s hard-line… Read more
Shia Cleric Sentenced to Jail for Blasphemy
A Shi’ite Muslim cleric was sentenced to two years in jail for blasphemy. Human rights groups are urging the Indonesian government to release the cleric and repeal its blasphemy laws. These laws pose a threat to religious freedom and violate the Indonesian constitution promising religious freedom to Indonesians. Ask for… Read more
Churches Closed in Aceh
A regent in Aceh has ordered the closing of 20 churches. An April 30 order told church members they had to tear down their own buildings. According to the group that gave this order, the churches were violating a community agreement that only one church be allowed in the regency.… Read more
Extremist Group Recruits Students to Target Christians
An emerging Islamic terrorist group recruits followers among university students and, through brainwashing, prepares them for suicide bombings or bomb attacks against sensitive targets, including Christian churches. It has been confirmed by the Indonesian police that the former separatist movement “NII or Negara Islam Indonesia” – the Islamic state Indonesia… Read more
Indonesian Youths Vow to Avenge Bin Laden’s Death
Scores of Indonesian men rallied on Friday to publicly vow their readiness to sacrifice their lives to avenge the death of Osama bin Laden. The group, calling itself Al Kaida Solo, said it would focus attacks on the United States — but there was no indication that it had the… Read more