Christians Blocked From Christmas Worship In Indonesia’s West Java Amid Extremism Concerns

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent

JAKARTA (Worthy News) – Christians in Indonesia’s West Java were weighing their options Sunday after Muslims reportedly formed a human wall to block members of a Protestant church from reaching their Christmas worship service, in an incident that has underscored concerns about religious extremism in the country.

Christian sources said angry Muslim crowds prevented members of the Huria Kristen Batak Protestant Church (HKBP) from accessing a prayer facility near the Green Cikarang housing complex in Bekasi Regency, east of Jakarta, the nation’s capital.

Videos of the December 14 incident shared on social media showed police officers nearby as dozens of men and women linked hands to form a human chain, shouting anti-Christian slogans and chanting “Allahu Akbar” (“Allah is Greatest”).

Witnesses said the congregation, which has worshiped in the area for years, was pushed back as members attempted to reach the site for a Christmas service. “We only want to worship peacefully—we have no intention of disturbing anyone,” a Christian said in one video message.

Believers said Muslims from outside Jayasampurna village in the Serang Baru sub-district were involved in the blockade. Similar blockades were also held in previous weeks.

Church members were ultimately forced to relocate their service to a temporary location, while representatives said they remain committed to peace and dialogue as they continue seeking permits and freedom to worship.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

Local authorities acknowledged the incident and said police were deployed to prevent violence and maintain public order.

Officials in Bekasi Regency confirmed that mediation meetings were held between church representatives, community leaders, and local government officials.

Indonesia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs said it was working toward a “peaceful and lawful solution” to ensure worship could continue while administrative issues are addressed, Worthy News learned.

As of Sunday evening, no injuries were reported, and no arrests were announced. Discussions were continuing over longer-term arrangements for the congregation, though a permanent resolution had not yet been confirmed.

RIGHTS CONCERNS

Human-rights and religious-freedom advocates criticized the handling of the incident, warning that mediation should not replace enforcement of constitutional rights.

The Setara Institute, which monitors freedom of religion, said blocking a worship service violates Indonesia’s constitution, which guarantees freedom of belief.

The group warned that failure to act decisively could encourage further intimidation of religious minorities.

Similarly, advocacy group Amnesty International Indonesia said authorities have a duty to actively protect minority communities, including Christians, rather than merely broker compromises after incidents occur.

The organization has repeatedly urged the government to act against groups that use pressure or intimidation to restrict peaceful worship.

ONGOING CHALLENGES

The incident highlights ongoing challenges for devout Christians and other minorities in Indonesia, according to a Worthy News assessment.

Advocacy group Open Doors ranks Indonesia 42nd on its annual World Watch List of countries where Christians face high levels of pressure or persecution.

Indonesia is home to an estimated 30 million Christians, roughly 10 percent of its population, making it the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation with one of the largest Christian communities in Asia.

Christian leaders have reportedly urged authorities to uphold equal protection under the law and “ensure the freedom to worship without fear.”

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