Indonesia (MNN) ― In late 2001, rival party leaders in Poso, Indonesia signed a government-sponsored peace accord, but tensions remain and sectarian violence is still frequent.
A year later, in October 2002, the Laskar Jihad announced that they were disbanding and many of its members left the Maluku area. However, it is believed that the group merely went underground and may be responsible for the attacks that have threatened the peace accord since.
Although the vast majority of Indonesia's 220 million citizens are Muslim, there are large numbers of Christians in regions such as Central Sulawesi. AMG International's Paul Jenks says that trend appears likely to continue.
He explains, "The government of Indonesia is following the longtime bias in Malaysia to have anti-proselytism laws which would in some ways jeopardize any Christian ministries in that country. It's a time of renewed focus for us. We're going into come alongside our co-workers to encourage them and revitalize that work."
The government requires all citizens to carry an identification card which includes their religion. The government promotes a belief called Pancasila - meaning that all may choose to follow Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, or Hinduism - but in reality, Muslims receive preferential treatment. Christian groups continually face the brunt of this special status.
Voice of the Martyrs' Canada reports that two years ago, militant groups in West Java started trying to force the closure of churches in the area. Dozens of churches have been forced to close while the authorities have done little to protect the Christians.
In pockets, there is religious freedom for believers to both practice and share their faith. However, the path may not be clear for long. It is that sense of urgency that has AMG and other groups working to hand over ministry projects to the nationals.
Having just marked 65 years of ministry, Jenks says AMG will be strengthening their work in countries like Indonesia. "We're going to see movements against conversion and we're called to win and seek and save the lost, even as our Savior was. We're going to encourage our co-workers to remain faithful, even in the face of persecution, we're going to stand firm and be faithful."
