Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, has made notable progress in reducing persecution against Christians, no longer appearing in the 2025 World Watch Top 50 rankings. Yet incidents of violence and intimidation still remind believers that risks remain.
Recent attacks have included assaults on churches and believers, such as two female Catholic students who were attacked while praying the rosary in a Jakarta suburb. Local Muslims intervened to stop further harm. Bombings targeting churches have also taken place in past years, leaving Christians aware that extremist groups remain active.
Since the fall of former president Suharto in 1998, Indonesia has transitioned into a multiparty democracy. But with reduced state control, radical Islamic groups have become bolder in targeting Christians. Past decades have seen market bombings, church attacks, and even public executions of believers.
Today, Christians make up about 11 per cent of the population, while Muslims comprise 87 per cent. Government action in recent years has grown stronger, with efforts to shut down extremist groups and promote interfaith dialogue.
The situation, however, varies by region. Provinces such as Aceh, Banten, and West Java remain particularly difficult, with Aceh enforcing sharia law and even carrying out public floggings of Christians. In 2020, extremists killed four believers in Sulawesi and burned down a church and homes.
Elsewhere, Christians worship freely and even describe society as largely moderate. In Jakarta, many report little discrimination, though in nearby Depok, Christian teachers and students have faced pressure, particularly in religious education.
Despite a generally tolerant image, surveys highlight rising concerns. A 2023 study found higher levels of intolerance among high school students, while Pew Research reported strong support among Muslims for sharia law. Adding to uncertainty, a new law set to take effect in 2026 will expand blasphemy provisions and criminalise apostasy. Christian leaders fear extremists could misuse these changes to target believers.
For now, many Indonesian Christians continue their ministries with caution, seeking wisdom in outreach activities. While progress is visible, the possibility of new restrictions and extremist violence leaves the future uncertain.
Adapted from ICC.
