Indonesia

Partner with Local Missionaries in Indonesia

Located in the 10/40 Window

Earning the honor of Southeast Asia’s largest economy, Indonesia is also the world’s largest country comprised only of islands. A vast archipelago between the Indian and Pacific oceans, Indonesia is made up of 13,466 islands—922 of which are permanently inhabited. The majority of the islands are coastal lowlands, though the largest islands—Java, Sumatra, Borneo, New Guinea, and Sulawesi—have some interior mountains. Indonesia is the most heavily forested region on earth after the Amazon.

Indonesia’s incredible diversity comes from its 300 distinct native ethnic groups. Though Indonesian is the country’s official language, most citizens speak other languages. More than 700 languages are used in Indonesia.

With the fourth largest population on earth, the country is the most populous Muslim-majority nation in the world. More than 87 percent of the population is Muslim, with the majority being Sunni Muslim. An aggressive mosque-building program, fueled by petrol dollars, is part of the Islamic vision of an Indonesia free from Christians. Believers face high levels of persecution from radical Muslims, who are pushing Sharia-inspired laws in more and more communities.

Christianity has sustained continued growth throughout the past 50 years, especially among animist people, but nearly 100 million people remain unreached.

Indigenous missionaries face high levels of persecution and need assistance to help cover their living expenses as they persevere to share the gospel with unreached people groups. Bibles are needed for the 13 million believers in the 80-percent Muslim country, along with biblical training for Indonesian pastors. Among Indonesia’s Christian population is a strong need for biblical leadership and teaching. Many indigenous churches have no discipleship program. Biblical illiteracy is an enormous problem, which has allowed syncretism into the Church.

Motorbikes are needed for local translators, who create gospel recordings in native languages, and indigenous missionaries who follow up with villagers after they listen to the recordings. The availability of Scripture and gospel teaching in the heart languages of Indonesia’s tribal population will greatly benefit the growth and maturity of the Church.

Other needs include funding to help local missionaries and pastors start small businesses, which enable them to be self-sustaining and provide them with many opportunities to engage with people in their communities. More than 1,000 people have been reached with the gospel through these small businesses. Assistance is also needed for an indigenous ministry to continue its compassionate food distribution program, which feeds several hundred malnourished children in poor areas.

Sources: Joshua Project, CIA World Factbook, Operation World

269 million

Population

3.18%

Evangelical Population:

789

People Groups:

235

Unreached People Groups:

How to Pray for Indonesia

Pray for the more than 200 people groups in Indonesia that are still unreached with the gospel; ask the Lord for open doors and divine connections, that witnesses for Christ would soon be established in each of these groups.
Pray for wisdom and resources for indigenous missionaries as they share the gospel in strategic and creative ways.
Pray that the Lord would break the stronghold of Islam in Indonesia and open people’s eyes to the truth of Jesus Christ.

More stories from Indonesia

Help Missionaries Shepherd the Faithful in Indonesia

A young man from a broken home was curious about the gospel, and his internet search led him to connect with a worker from a native ministry. The worker began to disciple him, and soon, he gave his life to Christ and was baptized. As he learned about Christ’s forgiveness and delved deeper into Scripture, he was able to forgive his own parents, and when his friends bullied him because of his faith, he remained steadfast. Now, he is considering attending Bible school. Donations support native missionaries in their discipleship work. Pray they will joyfully share Christ’s love with all whom they encounter.

Make Disciples For The Lord in Indonesia

Many believers lack a deep understanding of the Bible and often feel defeated when their Muslim neighbors attack Christian beliefs. Native missionaries have recognized this problem, however, and have begun establishing Bible studies with the intent of equipping believers with sound Biblical doctrine. These groups meet nearly every day for several hours. One man who became a Christian as a child was never allowed to attend church. But through this Bible study program, his faith deepened and he was baptized at 40 years old. Your donations are needed for discipleship such as this. “Please pray for this discipleship ministry,” the ministry leader requests. “May God give us strength and wisdom.”

Assist Missionaries as They Serve Others in Indonesia

Pray for missionaries as they serve their communities during challenging economic times. As part of their outreach to the community, a team of local missionaries goes house to house to distribute resources such as food, rice, sugar, and tea. They also deliver these things to orphans, some of whom have special needs. At each place, the missionaries share the gospel and pray over the people. “May He bless our good efforts in the very precious job of Christ’s gospel mission field,” the ministry leader said. Donations of $60 or $120 are needed to support outreach such as this.

Assist Missionaries With Christ-Centered Counsel in Indonesia

Pray that God will give missionaries wisdom as they disciple new believers. Local missionaries lead small groups almost every day—all day long—to train Christians on basic Biblical doctrine and practical Christian living. The missionaries hope that through this discipleship, believers’ faith will be strengthened, particularly when they suffer persecution from Muslim apologists or when they are tempted to live as the world lives. “The problem occurs because of persecution and bullying from Muslim people who attack their faith through social media channels,” the ministry leader said. “But these believers also struggle with wanting to be rich and wealthy.” Your donations assist missionaries in such evangelism and discipleship.

Gospel Revives a Battered Life in Indonesia

A young man in Indonesia who had suffered setbacks throughout his life found himself trying to make a living by performing on the street. Osbert*, 28, told a Christian worker who engaged him in conversation that his wife had recently left him, and that he had no hope for the future, the ministry leader said. The worker shared how Christ cares for him so much that He died on the Cross to take the punishment for all sinners who accept His salvation. “Since the first time he heard the gospel story, he immediately responded positively and then put his faith in Jesus,” the ministry leader said. “It wasn’t long before he accepted baptism.”