Source: www.persecution.org
Date: June 18, 2024
Indonesia (International Christian Concern) — Local authorities have threatened Indonesian Christian Huria Church (HKI) Juanda Depok with eviction because of its proximity to the Indonesian International Islamic University (UIII) in Depok City, West Java.
The church has more than 150 members and has worshipped at this location for nine years. It could soon cease to exist.
Plans for UIII, which opened on September 27, 2021, began in 2016. In 2019, the Communion of Indonesian Churches (PGI) met with the then Minister of Religion, Fachrul Razi, to convey the aspirations of the HKI Juanda Church, which had already been threatened with eviction.
However, with no concrete follow-up, the fate of the church building, which now sits on UIII’s land, remains uncertain. The Juanda IPR Advocacy Coalition has conducted hearings with UIII and the director of Islamic Higher Education before Minister of Religion Yaqut Cholil Qoumas. Still, he has not yet made a decision.
“This church, standing on the edge of cultivated land, is a testament to our unwavering spirit,” said Toman Hutasoit, an HKI Juanda elder. “We aspire to remain here despite our lack of power. With the collective prayers of our friends, we hold onto hope.”
HOW TO PRAY: Pray for protection for this congregation’s right to gather and worship. Pray for them to shine the light of Christ in their community. Pray for equal rights for minorities in Indonesia.