Source: www.persecution.org
Date: March 23, 2023
Indonesia (International Christian Concern) – ICC’s staff member in Indonesia reported that the congregation of the Kemah Daud Christian Church in Bandar Lampung was disbanded during their worship service by local authorities and residents on Sunday, February 19.
The forced closure of the church was contrary to Indonesian President Jokowi’s recent appeal and undermined the Indonesian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of worship and religion for all.
Following the incident, the Bandar Lampung City Government did move to resolve the issue. In response to pushback from church leaders, authorities granted the church a worship permit for the next two years while the building permit the church has submitted is being processed by the local government.
The Bandar Lampung Police Chief Kombes Ino Harianto recently shared that the head of the neighborhood council in Bandar Lampung, Warwan Kurniawan, was their lead suspect in the case. He was arrested on Wednesday, March 15.
As a result of his actions, Wawan was charged with Article 156 of the Indonesian Criminal Code, which prohibits obstructing a public religious meeting with violence or threats. His sentence could be up to a year in jail.
HOW TO PRAY: Pray for Wawan to come to know the love of Christ. Pray for unity and resilience for this congregation. Pray for greater freedom to worship in Indonesia. Praise the Lord for justice for those who perpetuate violence and discrimination against Christians in Indonesia.