Indonesia

Capital: Jakarta

Major Language: Indonesian

Area: 1.9 million km2

Population: 277 million

HDI Rank: 107 of 189

Major Religion:

Islam: 240 million (87%)

Other Religions:

Catholic: 8 million (3%)

Protestant: 19.5 million (7%)

Other: 8 million (3%)

General Information:

Indonesia is made up of about 17,500 islands, out of which 6000 are inhabited. It is the fourth most populous country in the world, and is known for its mountainous islands, active volcanoes, and earthquakes. The Portuguese, Dutch, British, and Japanese all took turns to rule the country, until its independence in 1945. A communist coup in 1965 brought a dictator in power. The first legislative elections were held in 1999. Indonesia is the home to the largest lizard in the world, called the “Komodo Dragon”, and also the biggest Buddhist temple. Most popular sports are soccer and badminton.

Religious Background:

There are five recognized religions: Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism and Confucianism. Hinduism is the oldest of all. Buddhism arrived in the 1st century, and Confucianism came from China in the 3rd century. Islam entered in the 7th century via Arab traders, and by the 14th century had spread rapidly, making Indonesia the largest Muslim populated country in the world. Protestantism arrived with the establishment of the Dutch East India Company in 1603. Indonesia does not recognize agnosticism or atheism, and blasphemy is illegal.

Catholic background:

Catholicism in Indonesia began with the arrival of the Portuguese in search of the Spice Islands in the 16th century. In the 14th century, the first Catholic mission that reached Indonesia was led by Italian Franciscan friar. They came for the spice but Catholic missionaries soon arrived in the region, most notably Francis Xavier. Dominican missionaries also converted many to Catholicism. After Indonesian independence, Catholicism grew steadily. The Church is composed of 10 archdioceses, 27 dioceses and 1,320 parishes. Patron saint: Thomas the Apostle.

Prayer Points

1. Indonesians to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior

Pray that everyone will get an opportunity to hear the gospel and come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

2. Catholics to know Christ

Pray for the salvation of 8 million Catholics in Indonesia.
Most Catholics are devout and generally follow the traditions and rituals of the Catholic Church. Pray that God would draw them to Jesus Christ.
Pray that by the power of the Holy Spirit, the gospel will spread rapidly among the Catholics across the nation.
Pray that Catholics will not rely on meriting saving grace in order to attain salvation and eternal life.
Pray for all the Catholics attending the 1,320 parishes to come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Pray for the cardinals, archbishops, bishops, 3,038 priests, 4,146 brothers and 7,372 sisters.
Pray that the seed of the word of God may fall on fertile soil and many Catholics will turn to Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

3. Evangelicals to grow and multiply

The Evangelical churches are united and there is a rapid spread of the gospel, despite persecution and opposition. Pray that the gospel will be effectively communicated throughout the country and the churches would grow and expand. Pray that God will raise up more laborers to reach people across the nation.

4. Social evils and issues in the country

Natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and floods have caused thousands to lose their lives, and millions have become homeless or displaced. Pray that those suffering and going through hardships and trauma will find relief.

5. Other Religions

Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Confucianism and more than 200 indigenous religions are found in Indonesia. Pray that the gospel will spread across the entire country, and every person of every religious faith will get an opportunity to trust Christ.