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Basic Facts


Population in 2001 estimated to be 228,437,870 with a growth rate of 1.60 %. By 2025
the population is expected to reach 301, 461,551 and by 2050 347,807, 011.
Population density is 120 per Sq. Km or 311 per sp. mi. Population density varies
greatly with Sumatra having only 85 persons per sq km., Sulawesi 78 per sq km,
Maluku 40 per sq km, Kalimantan 21 per sq. km Irian Jaya only 5 per sq km while Bali
reports 561 per sq km and Java 948 per sq km


National government
The Indonesian government is based on a set of beliefs known as Pancasila. Pancasila
consists of five principles: (1) belief in one God, (2) humanitarianism, (3) the unity of
Indonesia, (4) democracy based on deliberation and consensus among representatives,
and (5) social justice for all people. Sukarno, Indonesia's first president, set forth the
principles of Pancasila in 1945 and made it an official state doctrine. Indonesian law
requires all religious, professional, and cultural organizations to adopt Pancasila. Some
Islamic organizations, however, object to the government's policy of making religious
traditions secondary to Pancasila.
The Constitution of Indonesia, written in 1945, establishes a body called the People's
Consultative Assembly as the highest government authority. Laws passed in 1999 call
for the Assembly to have 700 members including the 500 members of the House of
People's Representatives, Indonesia's legislature. The provincial legislatures choose
135 members of the Assembly. The General Elections Commission, which also reviews
election results, appoints 65 members to represent various social and occupational
groups. The Assembly normally meets only once every five years.
The House of People's Representatives meets yearly. The 500 lawmakers in the House
serve five-year terms. The voters elect 462 of the members while the other 38 are
appointed from the nation's armed forces.
The People's Consultative Assembly establishes the general direction of government
policies, and the House of People's Representatives enacts laws to carry them out. The
president is chief of state and head of the government. The Assembly elects the
president to a five-year term. The president is limited to two terms.
Local government
Indonesia has 26 provinces. The provinces are divided into districts and municipalities.
These units are further divided into subdistricts and villages. The central government
appoints the officials of all local governments except the rural villages from lists of
people nominated by regional legislatures. Rural villagers elect their own village
Until 1998, Indonesia's most important political organization was Golkar. Golkar was a
federation of a number of groups, including labor and the military. It was technically not
a political party, but it sponsored most of the candidates in elections. Indonesia's laws
ensured that Golkar candidates won a majority of seats in the legislature.
In 1998, President Suharto, who had dominated the country and its politics since the
1960's, resigned. Following Suharto's resignation, a number of new political parties
emerged. The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle, which had existed as a party
under Suharto, became the main opponent of Golkar, which remained highly influential.
Other major parties include the National Awakening Party and the National Mandate
Indonesia has district courts, high courts, military courts, and special religious courts
that handle personal matters among Muslims, such as divorces and inheritances. The
highest court is the Supreme Court. It reviews cases appealed from the high courts and
settles disputes between courts in different regions or between the religious courts and
other courts. The Supreme Court has no authority, however, to overturn laws it finds
unconstitutional. The central government appoints judges. There are no juries.
Armed Forces
Armed forces of Indonesia have great influence on both civilian and military affairs. The
armed forces consist of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and police force. The president is
the supreme commander. By law, Indonesian men may be drafted for two years. But in
practice, so many people volunteer that no one is drafted.
International organizations
Indonesia belongs to many international organizations, including the United Nations and
its specialized agencies. Indonesia is a founding member of the Association of
Southeast Asian Nations. Indonesia is a member of the World Bank, which provides
loans to poorer nations for economic development, and the International Monetary
Fund, which works to improve payment arrangements and other financial dealings
between countries. Indonesia also belongs to several other international finance and
development agencies, including the Asian Development Bank, the Islamic
Development Bank, and the International Finance Corporation.

The Archipelago
The Indonesian Archipelago represents one of the most unusual areas of the world.
This region encompasses a major juncture of the earth’s tectonic plates, the dividing
line between two faunal realms, and the meeting point for the peoples and cultures of
mainline Asia and Oceania. People live on more than 6,000 of the 13,500 islands of
Indonesia. Many geographers divide the islands into three groups: (1) the Greater
Sunda Islands, (2) the Lesser Sunda Islands, and (3) the Molucca Islands. Indonesia
also includes Irian Jaya, which is the western part of the island of New Guinea.
The Greater Sunda Islands include Borneo (Kalimantan), Sulawesi (formerly called
Celebes), Java (also spelled Jawa), and Sumatra (also spelled Sumatera). Most of the
Indonesian people live on the Greater Sundas, and most of the nation's economic
activity is centered there.
Borneo, the third largest island in the world, after Greenland and New Guinea, is divided
between northern Borneo (Subah, Brunei, Sarawak) and the southern three-fourths of
the island which is Indonesian Kalimantan. The Indonesian part of Borneo is about the
same size as France. The Kapuas River, the longest river in Indonesia, flows about 700
miles (1,100 kilometers) from the mountains to the sea. The low coastal plains are
largely swampy. Most of the people on thinly-populated Kalimantan live along the coast.
Banjarmasin, on the eastern coast, is the largest city but Pontianak on the western
coast is an important city.
Sulawesi, one island composed of four long peninsulas, is the most mountainous island
of Indonesia. Mountains in the central region average about 10,000 feet (3,000 meters)
above sea level. Many volcanoes, some of them active, rise on the northern peninsula.
Forests cover most of the mountain slopes. Some inland valleys and plateaus have
fertile farmlands and rich grazing lands. Many of the coastal peoples fish for a living.
Ujung Pandang is the largest city of Sulawesi and a major seaport.
Java, Indonesia's most densely populated and most industrialized island, makes up
around 7 percent of Indonesia's total area but houses about 60 percent of the people.
Java’s population is estimated at over 125,400,000. An east-west chain of mountains,
including many old volcanoes, extends across the island. Wide, fertile plains lie north of
the mountains, with limestone ridges to the south. A large highland plateau covers
western Java.
Java's rich volcanic soil supports intensive agriculture. Thousands of small farm
villages dot the island. Most of Indonesia's large cities are also on Java, including
Jakarta, the capital and largest city, Surabaya, Bandung, Semarang, Yogajakart, and
Surakarta (Solo). Because Java is so densely populated, the government began a
resettlement program in the 1960's to encourage Java residents to move to less
crowded islands. Nevertheless, Java's population continues to grow, but more slowly.
Java has 112 volcanoes, some of which are active. The remnants of the island of
Krakatau lie off the coast of Java, in the Sunda Strait. In 1883, Krakatau erupted. Much
of the island disappeared, and huge, destructive waves called tsunamis washed over
Java and nearby islands, killing about 36,000 people.
Sumatra is the sixth largest island in the world. The Barisan Mountains, a range of
volcanic peaks along the southwestern coast, rise about 12,000 feet (3,660 meters).
The mountains slope eastward to a broad plain covered mostly by tree plantations,
tropical rain forests, and some farms. Much of the eastern coast of the island is
swampy. To the west, the mountains drop sharply to the sea. Sumatra has rich
deposits of oil and natural gas. Medan is Sumatra's largest city.
The Lesser Sunda Islands, which Indonesians call Nusa Tenggara, consist of two
strings of islands extending between Bali on the west and Timor on the east. Bali has
the most people and the largest city, Denpasar. Most other towns in the Lesser Sundas
are small, coastal trading centers. The islands have many mountains, and many short
rivers flow from the mountains to the sea.
Timor and other islands in the east have fewer tropical rain forests and more dry
grasslands than the islands in the west. Corn is the main crop in the eastern islands,
but rice is the principal crop in the Western Islands.
The Molucca Islands, which Indonesians call the Maluku Islands, lie in the northeastern
section of Indonesia. Halmahera, the largest island of this group, covers 6,870 square
miles (17,790 square kilometers). Halmahera, Ceram, and Buru are mountainous and
thickly forested. The Aru and Tanimbar Islands are flat and swampy. The Moluccas
also include hundreds of ring-shaped coral reefs called atolls and other small coral
islands that are uninhabited.
Most of the Moluccan people live in coastal trading settlements. Ambon, an important
port on an island of the same name, is the largest city in the Moluccas.
The Moluccas were formerly called the Spice Islands, and they have long been famous
for growing cloves, nutmeg, and mace. Through the centuries, the spice trade attracted
people from many lands. These traders, including Arabs, Dutch, and Malays,
intermarried with the Moluccans and greatly influenced their way of life. On some
isolated islands, however, the people have kept many old customs
Irian Jaya covers the western half of the island of New Guinea and some small islands
to the north and west. It was called Irian Barat (West Irian) until 1972, when its name
was changed to Irian Jaya (Victorious Irian). The eastern half of New Guinea is part of
Papua New Guinea, an independent nation.
Irian Jaya is the least developed and most thinly populated region of Indonesia. Most of
the population consists of Pacific Islanders called Papuans. The Papuans belong to a
number of ethnic groups, several of whom live in isolated areas and follow traditional
ways of life. The Asmat people, for example, are hunter-gatherers who live by hunting
wild pigs and crocodiles and gathering the pulp of the sago palm.
To ease crowding on other islands, the Indonesian government sponsors a voluntary
resettlement program that helps families move to Irian Jaya, Sumatra, and other
islands. Since the late 1960's, more than 1 ½ million people have moved from Java
and Bali to Irian Jaya and other islands under this program.
Tropical rain forests cover about 85 percent of Irian Jaya. Towering mountains extend
from east to west through most of the region. These mountains include 16,503-foot
(5,030-meter) Puncak Jaya, the highest mountain in Indonesia. Rich deposits of copper
and gold lie deep in the mountains. Most of the coastal areas are low and swampy, and
some hold pockets of oil. Jayapura, Irian Jaya's largest city, and other towns sit along
the coasts. Most of the farmland also lies along the coasts.

The over 3000 inhabited islands that make up the Republic of Indonesia have seen
prehistoric human habitation, local kingdoms, foreign domination, and finally self-rule
since 1945.
The location and productivity of these islands have allowed the Indonesian archipelago
to exert an influence on world history far in excess of the limited land area of the
islands. Names such as Srivijaya, Gadjah Mada, Marco Polo, Kubai Khan, Magellan,
Francis Xavier, Thomas Stamford Raffles, Soekarno, Suharto, B. J. Habibie, and
Megawatgi Sukarnoputri (daughter of Sukarno) contribute to the on-going saga of
Indonesian history. The story of Indonesia remains one of the most interesting and
compelling of any nation.
Prehistoric Indonesia
Indonesians who live today comprise a mixture of peoples who migrated to the islands
probably in four waves. The earliest of these waves was composed of people named
the Australoid, the traits of whom can be seen in many of the early peoples in Australia.
Other Negroid peoples branched to become some of the interior peoples of Indoneisa
(especially Irian Jaya) and others to the islands of the Solomons, Fiji, and New
Caledonia. Remnants of groups of dwarf Negro people now live in mountain areas of
Sumatra, Timor, Alor, and Irian Jaya.
Another archaic stratum of Indonesian population, the Veddoid, can now be seen in
purer form among the Vedds of Ceylon. These people, while not apparent in most of
Indonesian peoples, at one time, before the Malay invasions, were widely represented
across the islands. The earliest of the Malay peoples (The Proto-Malays) forced their
ways into Indonesia and pushed the earlier arrivals into the mountains. These people
originated in Indo-China and Thailand and then moved into the archipelago and thence
on to the eastern Pacific. These Proto-Malay peoples have connections with the
peoples of Madagascar.
The Deutro-Malay peoples, showing a more Mongoloid nature, entered the islands
around 300 years before Christ. These peoples pushed the earlier inhabitants into the
mountains and jungles and may have brought the iron culture to the islands. These
early peoples have mixed until now it is difficult to distinguish between the strains. The
situation is made even more difficult in that the linguistic differences do not always
follow the racial division. From these various early migrations, the diversity of the
peoples of Indonesia has progressed toward the nation’s motto, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika
(Diversity Becoming Unity).
Indianization and the Early Empires AD 500-AD. 1000
Indian chroniclers wrote of Java as early as 600 BC and the Hindu epic, the Ramayana,
also mentions the islands of Indonesia. Indian traders began to actively travel through
the islands. These commercial contacts acquainted Indonesian leaders with Indian
social and political concepts which embodied a centralized, hierarchical political
organization under a sacred king. These concepts provided a cultural vehicle to
legitimize and extend the growing power of Indonesians who were gathering local
communities into larger, more stable political entities.
Most authorities agree that the Indian influence came to Indonesia peacefully and non-
politically. Some writers conceive this Indianization as resulting from the traders and
Indian settlers who brought Brahman priests to oversee the magical rituals. Over time,
these settlers intermarried with local and merged Hindu religion and political concepts
with the Indonesian culture. Indonesians were thus seen as the passive recipients of
Indian culture.
A more likely view of the process of Indianization follows the idea that Indonesian
princes summoned Brahman priests and other court persons for the purpose of
providing confirmation of their unique positions in Indonesian society. The Javanese
rulers used the Indian religious and political concepts to authenticate their governing
positions. By whatever means, the uncontestable fact is that the early culture of
Indonesia (especially Java and Bali, but also Sumatra, Borneo (Kalimantan), and the
Celebes to lesser extents) came primarily from India rather than from China [see G.
Coedes, The Indianized States of Southeast Asia (East West Center).]
Buddhist influences reached Indonesia by means of pilgrims who entered the islands as
missionaries. These Buddhists would appear at Indonesian courts, preach their views,
convert the ruler and his family, and found an order of monks. Often Indonesian
devotees were taken to India where a Buddhist monastery had been established for
Indonesians by AD 860. These trained Buddhists would return to Indonesia to promote
Buddhist teachings and philosophies.
Indianization, both Hindu and Buddhist, was basically added to the existing Indonesian
culture which became infused with Indian philosophy. Indonesian adat (customary law)
remained unimpaired in authority and influence. For example, the Buddhist monument,
Borobudur (built around AD 800) reflects Hindu architecture but many items in the stone
carvings are Javanese in both origin and execution. Sanskrit words in the Indonesian
language today testify to contribution of Indian influences in the islands, an influence
that lasted for some 1400 years, from AD 200 to AD 1600. Many of the early kingdoms
in Indonesia were built on Indian philosophy and metaphysics.
The Early Empires in Indonesia
The first great Indonesian empire, Srivijaya, arose in the area of modern Palembang
(Sumatra), and was well established by AD 670. A center of Buddhist learning, the
Srivijaya Empire extended its rule over much of Sumatra, the western part of Java, parts
of Boreno, and sections of the Malay Peninsula. This empire persisted for six centuries
even though it paid little attention to agricultural matters. This empire lacked the
essential economic base, the disciplined labor supply, and the cultural solidarity
required for creative achievement in literature, art, and architecture.
The second Indonesian Empire, the Sailendra, centered in central Java where its first
ruler, Sanjaya, came to power around AD 732. The language of the early Sailendra
Empire was Sanskrit and the religion was Shivaism, a type of Brahmanism. The
temples built during this Empire were dedicated to Shiva, indicating an origin in
southern India (Bengal).
Sanjaya’s successor belonged to a Buddhist creed and used a different script. The
Buddhist Sailendras drove the followers of Sanjaya from central Java and introduced
the Saivite religion. Between AD 760 and 860 the Buddhist Sailendras created many
religious monuments (including Borobudur). Many of these monuments were, however,
dedicated to the Hindu goddess Shiva, indicating an origin of the religious tradition in
southern India (Bengal).
At the decline of the Buddhist Sailendra Empire, King Sindok, around AD 930
established the Kingdom of Matram near the Brantas River in East Java. This kingdom
lasted in some form until AD 1222. During the period of the Mataram Kingdom the area
witnessed a weakening of Hinduism in that the culture became progressively more
Javanese and less Hindu.
The eventual defeat of Mataram led to a period without central authority in Java.
Around AD 1045, a Balinese King, Airlangga established rule over much of East Java.
One of Arlangga’s sons established the Kingdom of Kadiri that was succeed by the
Kingdom of Singhasari. The last king of Singhasari, Kertanegara, completed the
assimilation of Sivaism and Buddhism, bringing into existence the worship of Siva-
Buddha. So complete was this syncretism of Hindu and Buddhist religious traditions
that the two religions were brought into the same building—the lower floor dedicated to
Shiva and the upper to Buddha. The rise of Singhasari is recounted in the Indonesian
book, Pararaton (Book of Kings) and the leadership of Ken Arok.
The Singhasari Kingdom earned the ire of the Mongol leader, Kublai Khan, who in AD
1292, sent a thousand ships and 20,000 men on a punishing mission to Java. Before
Khan’s mission arrived in Java, Jayakatawang, prince of Kadiri, murdered King
Kertanegara and forced the crown prince Vajaya (Wijaya) to flee to Madura. Vijaya
joined Khan’s army and with this help defeated Jayakatawang. Vijaya then ambushed
and defeated Khan’s force and on the strength of this victory returned to power. The
only real result of the Khan’s expedition was to return to power the son of the man he
had intended to punish.
Vijaya founded the Majapahit Kingdom around AD 1293. Madjapahit became the first
Indonesian kingdom to base its power on both agriculture and commerce. Vijaya
married four of Kertanagara’s daughters and established his kingdom between modern
Kediri and the sea. The area was known for its pahit (bitter) maya fruits and thus the
kingdom got the name Majapahit. This kingdom began a drastic decline with the death
of Vijaya’s grandson, Hayam Wuruk in mid 14th century.
This decline brought on the scene one of Indonesia’s greatest statesmen, Gadjah
Mada, who rose to power never before held by a minister. Until his death in AD 1364,
Gadjah Mada was the real ruler of Majapahit and sought his dream of Nusantara (all of
Indonesia). During this period, Indonesian sculpture and architecture veered away from
Indian types and a revitalized Indonesian folk art emerged. While Indian elements such
as the gamelan orchestra and the five-note scale continued, a genuine movement back
to Indonesian motifs is seen. The death of Gadjah Mada brought to an end the dream
of Nusantara. Islam was already reaching the shores of northern Sumatra and the visit
of Marco Polo foretold the entrance of European powers. The period of Indianization
and the great empires was coming to an end.
The Coming of Islam and Christianity
The next period of Indonesian history, extremely important from the viewpoint of religion
in the islands, witnessed the coming of both Islam and Christianity. Arabs began
arriving in Indonesia, principally in northern Sumatra, as early as the 4th century. While
trade was a major, it was not the exclusive factor for the unequal struggle of the two
religions in the archipelago. By an irony of history, the needs of a prosperous Europe,
the Crusades, and the Mongol invasions, combined to implement the spread of Islam
over the Far East, including Indonesia. At a time when Constantinople had fallen and
the Turks were threatening Europe, their co-religionists were pressuring the Javanese
Empire of Madjapahit.
The earliest reliable report of Islam in Indonesia comes from Marco Polo’s journal that
reported that “Saracene” (Saracen) merchants had won the city of Perlak on Sumatra.
The nearby kingdom of Samudra converted to Islam around AD 1270. Islam gained
strength when Muslim merchants from Guerat, India came to Indonesia from the newly
conquered city of Malacca on the coast of Malaya. The Sailendra Prince, Parameswara,
who fleeing the war with Javanese Majapahit, settled in Malacca and accepted Islam
around AD 1414, aided this Islamic expansion. This conversion advanced the Muslim
cause in Indonesia.
By the latter part of the 15th century, Javanese converts to Islam had risen to positions
of political leadership in cities along the northern coast. Several factors stimulated the
Muslim advance. First, Islam penetrated Indonesia along family lines and by peaceful
means. Muslim traders married Javanese women, converted them and their children.
Secondly, Islam reached Indonesia at a time when Hindu religion was in decline and
indigenous cultural and religious concepts on the rise. Some Indonesian rulers
welcomed the Islam concepts to help them oppose the Javanese, Hindu rulers. Thirdly,
Indonesian society welcomed the Islamic teachings on the equality of men—the Ummat
Islam and followed this teaching to seek freedom from control. Fourthly, Islam’s
advance was enhanced by its concession to some older Javanese customs. Many, if
not most, of the wajang plays were inseparably connected with Hindu epics and
remained little changed. Finally, the arrival of the Portuguese around AD 1497 helped
Islam. The Portuguese came both for trade and to try to stop Muslim expansion. The
result was that contact with India was curtailed and a more orthodox Islam developed.
The Portuguese and later the Dutch actually stimulated Islamic advance as following
Islam was seen as resisting the Europeans. At the coming of the Europeans, the
Crescent was already ahead of the Cross and it has never relinquished its lead in
The Portuguese failed to dominate Indonesia due to inefficient administration, faulty and
often-foolhardy relations with the locals, and a purely commercial outlook. Their abuse
of power, disregard for the people, and cruel ways doomed the Portuguese efforts to
gain real power in Indonesia. Under the guide of Francis Xavier, some church advance
was realized in eastern Indonesia. Eventually, the resources of the Portuguese proved
too limited and the Portuguese influence in Indonesia passed to the Muslims, to the
Dutch, and to the British. After AD 1610, Portuguese influence essentially disappeared
from Indonesia.
The Dutch East India Company Period 1610-1811
During the 17th century, three powers competed for control in Indonesia. The Mataram
Kingdom, founded by the legendary, Senapati, had been consolidated by Sultan Agung
and had control over much of East Java, Boreno, and parts of West Java. The merchant
center of Bantam controlled much of the spice trade. The Dutch East India Company
(Vereenigde Oostidische Compagnie or VOC) eventually became the dominant power
in the struggle.
European developments furthered the Dutch intrusion into Indonesia. The defeat of the
Spanish Armada in 1588 and the policies of King Philip of Spain denying the Dutch
access to the spice trade out of Lisbon, stimulated Dutch efforts to control the Indies.
The Dutch East India Company was established to halt competition between Dutch
interests in Indonesian trade. The Dutch governor, Jan Pieterzoon Coen, consolidated
the Dutch influence partly by sabotaging British interests. Coen centered Dutch
commercial interests in the city of Jacatra (modern Jakarta) and renamed the city,
By 1780, the Company was bankrupt and the Dutch government took full control of
Indonesia. The policies of the Dutch always centered on what was most profitable for
the Dutch and never on what were best for Indonesia. A new governor, H. W.
Daendels, introduced the policy of imposing Dutch ideas of government and
administration on the Indonesians. These policies were interrupted when British control
was in effect from 1811-1819.
The British Control 1811-1819
During the latter days of Dutch rule, the policies of Daendels antagonized almost
everyone—the Dutch because these policies failed to produce a profit and the
Indonesians because they robbed the Javanese rulers of self-respect. The British
seized control in 1811 (during the Napoleonic Wars) primarily to defend their position in
India. The thirty-two year old Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles became governor. Raffles
became an authority on Indonesian life, history, and archaeology (he discovered the
buried Borobudur). Mostly, Raffles instituted a land tax that the Dutch continued after
1816 when they returned to power. Also, Raffles’ invasion of the palace in Yogyakarta
in 1812 ultimately led to the Java War of 1825-30.
Because England desired to prepare Holland against attack by France and Prussia,
they turned the Indies back to the Dutch in 1816. The fact that the Dutch continued
many repressive policies led to Indonesian rebellion under great hero and guerrilla
leader, Pangeran Dipanagara (sometimes spelled Diponogoro). As a result of the
ensuing war, 200,000 Indonesians and 8000 Europeans were killed and Dipanagara
was exiled to Sulawesi. Dipanagara’s capture came as a result of Dutch trickery that
lured him to negotiate.
The Dutch, under the leadership of Govenor Johannes van den Bosch introduced the
tragic Cultivation System (Cultuurstelsel). As a result of this system, almost all of Java
was converted to a vast state-owned labor camp, run much like antebellum slave
plantations in the United States. While terribly destructive and oppressive to Indonesian
life and welfare, the system produced huge profits to the Dutch—some 900 million
Guilders. This income allowed the Dutch to pay off their national debt, build new
waterways, dikes, roads, and their national railway system. The pernicious effects of
the Cultivation (or Culture) System were obvious. Douwes Dekker under the pen name
Multatuli (meaning “Much Have I Suffered) wrote the novel, Max Havelaar (1860) which
showed the hardships and injustices imposed by the Dutch on the Javanese. An
attempt to right some of these wrongs brought about the Ethical Policy in 1870.
The Ethical Policy called for needed changes (such as limiting foreign land-holding
rights) but its implementation was leisurely. Between 1900 and 1940, various reform
movements arose and several rebellions broke out. A movement, Budi Utomo (High
Endeavor) sought reform by peaceful means. This movement gave way to a more
radical Indische Partij (Indies Party) that was led by E. F. E. Eouwes Dekker, a
grandnephew of “Multatuli.” Around 1900 the Sarekat Islam party was formed. This
group was later infiltrted by Marxists and the earliest Communist Party in Asia was
formed, The Partai Kommunis Indonesia (PKI). Another deviation from the Sarekat
Islam, the Muhammadijah Party, founded in 1912 gained strength as a reformist Islamic
The weakening of the Sarekat Islam and the socialist movement as a whole, paved the
way for the founding of the Nationalist Party (Partai Nasional Indonesia) by Ir.
(engineer) Sukarno and other leaders—Mohammed Hatta, Tjipto Mangukusmo, and
Sultan Sjahrir. The Dutch interned these leaders because of their political and
revolutionary activities.
The Japanese Occupation 1940-1945
Due to dissatisfaction with the Dutch rule, many Indonesians welcomed the Japanese
invasion in 1942. A Javanese King, Jayabaya, in the 12th century had prophesied that
the white people would rule for a time. After the coming of yellow men from the north,
who would remain only so long as it takes the maize to ripen, Java would be free
forever from foreign oppressors and would enter a golden age. Many Indonesians
interpreted the coming of the Japanese as liberation from Dutch rule.
The Indonesians welcomed the Japanese invasion and easy victory over the Dutch.
The harshness of the Japanese rule soon shattered the high expectations. The
Japanese sought to win support from Moslem leaders but were only partially successful.
As the war turned against the Japanese, they were forced to give more freedom to the
Indonesians and through these opportunities, leaders like Sukarno and Hatta increased
their followings. This period also witnessed the increasing use of the Malay based,
Bahasa Indonesia that furthered the development of the Republic as well.
The Japanese actually aided the nationalistic movements. The Indonesian national
anthem (Indonesia Raya) was allowed and the Red and White Flag (Bendera Merah
Putih) flew beside the Japanese Flag. Over 200,000 Indonesian youth were molded
into para-military groups. On August 9, 1945 (the day the second atomic bomb was
dropped) three Indonesian leaders were flown to Saigon to meet Marshal Terauchi, the
marshal Commander for Southeast Asia. Marshal Terauchi promised the Indonesians
freedom for all Dutch possession in Asia and appointed Sukarno chairman of the
preparatory committee and Hatta the vice-chairman.
The Indonesian envoys arrived back in Jakarta August 14, 1945, the day before Japan
surrendered. On August 17, 1945, after some indecision, Sukarno and Hatta declared
independence (merdeka).
The Revolutionary Struggle 1945-1949
The Dutch returned but their strength was limited by the events of the war in Europe.
Some years of struggle—both in negotiation and on the battlefield followed. Indonesian
forces struggled and eventually adopted a policy of burning all access of an area from
which they were forced to retreat. In 1948 an ultraconservative came into power in
Holland and suspended any negotiations with Indonesians. The city of Yogakarta was
bombed and occupied by Dutch paratroopers. Sukarno and the revolutionary council
were taken into “protective custody.” The Indonesians were almost without in their
struggle for freedom with only the independent Asian states, The Soviet Union, Poland,
and the Arab nations giving help. In January 1949, however, the United States halted
the transfer of Marshall Plan funds to the Netherlands and the UN Security Council
ordered the Dutch to withdraw their forces and negotiate a settlement. On August 17,
1950, five years after the declaration, the previous Dutch governments were swept
away and the new regime of The Republic of Indonesia arose.
From Republic to Guided Democracy 1950-1965
The period of parliamentary democracy lasted from 1950 to 1959 with President
Sukarno and Vice President Hatta in control. Although several cabinets failed, the
government experienced a high degree of continuity. All were not in agreement with the
direction of the Indonesian government. In West Java, the Darul Islam (House of Islam
or Islamic State) sought a theocracy along the lines of Shafite Islam. They urged a
Jihad against all the Kafir (non-Muslims) and resorted to terrorism. The movement was
finally defeated in 1962.
Rebellions in Sumatra and Northern Celebes were both based largely on dissatisfaction
within the military. The Sumatra rebellion was short-lived but the Permesta revolution in
the northern Celebes continued for some years. The rebellion was finally pacified
without any decisive military settlement. The Celebes military returned to the fold
without any severe punishment.
In 1955, the first election for parliament saw Sukarno’s National Party (Partai Nationalis
Indonesia PNI) win narrowly over the rapidly gaining Communist Party (PKI). The
Communist group lived under the leadership of D. N. Aidit who had been trained in
North Vietnam and China.
Continuing difficulties led to the formation of “Guided Democracy” in July 1959.
Sukarno established this political philosophy based on the Constitution of 1945,
Indonesian Socialism, Guided Democracy, Guided Economy, and Indonesian
Personality. These five principles led to an acronym, USDEK that was joined with a
Political Manifesto to Manipol. The new creed was stated Manipol-Usdek.
President Sukarno was the primary power during the years 1959-1965. He pushed
Indonesia toward a closer alignment with Communist China, regained West New
Guinea from the Dutch (1963), opposed successfully the formation of Malaysia. The
President eschewed genuine nation-building for assaults on foreign windmills and
prestige projects at home. The years of Sukarno’s presidential dictatorship resulted in
economic bankruptcy and political tragedy. Sukarno did ban the Islamic Masjumi Party
in 1960 but allowed the Communist Party to continue. He sought balance between the
contending forces by the creation of NASAKOM that fused nationalism, religion, and
communism into a working relationship. The attempted Communist coup of 30
September 1965 brought Guided Democracy to an end.
The New Order 1965
The political situation came to a climax on the night of 30 September 1965, when during
the night and early morning hours of 1 October, a group of young army officers,
apparently with the encouragement of the PKI, kidnapped and killed six leading
generals of the Indonesian army. A little known general, Suharto, who commanded the
army strategic reserve, KOSTRAD, put down the “communist conspirators” and
assumed control of the nation. With the help (or at least the non-involvement of the
army) Indonesian Muslim youth groups engaged in widespread bloodletting, aimed at
previous communists and other unpopular persons. Reports of losses of life vary to as
high as one million people in the dark days of 1965-66.
Suharto became president upon the resignation of Sukarno on March 11, 1966. The
new government declared Martial law and restored order. The communist party was
outlawed and major restructuring was accomplished. Indonesian foreign policy was
realigned to include relations with the United States and other western powers.
Eventually, Indonesia reentered the United Nations. For a number of years, Indonesian
economy and production increased under Suharto’s New Order (Ordu Baru).
History in Indonesia took on rather violent turns on the western regions of New Guinea
(Irian Jaya) and the Island of Timor. Indonesia insisted on jurisdiction over Irian Jaya,
claiming it as a part of the Netherlands holdings. Although a Free Papua Movement
(Organisasi Papua Merdeck, OPM) sought separation from Indonesia, the Jakarta
government won control over Irian Jaya.
The situation in Timor was different. Timor had been divided between Portugal and the
Netherlands by treaties in 1860 and 1914. East Timor remained a Portuguese colony
until 1975 when the party, Revolutionary Front of Independent East Timor, Frente
Revolucionaria de Timor Leste Independente (Fretilin) came into power. East Timor
declared independence on November 28, 1976 but was subsequently invaded and
occupied by Indonesian forces. Eventually, East Timor was declared an integral part of
Indonesia, as the province of East Timor. After severe sufferings imposed on the
people of East Timor, United Nations pressures led Indonesia to grant independent
status to East Timor.
Political and economic unrest unseated the seeming progress of the New Order. An
economic meltdown occurred in 1998 that eventuated in widespread violence—much
directed against the Chinese minority in the country. At the same time as the
Indonesian economy contracted by 14 percent, the violence claimed the lives of over
1188 persons and led to the looting and burning of over 40 shopping centers and the
destruction of over 1200 homes. The situation led to Suharto’s resignation and his
appointing of B. J. Habbie as president on 21 May 1998.
The Elections of 1999
More stable political and economic levels have been reached since the historic elections
of 1999. These elections, the first free, parliamentary elections in 44 years, were
carried out with enthusiasm and peace. Habbie lost support in the elections but many
were voting to keep the government party, GOLKAR, from continuing power. The Partai
Demokarasi Indonesia Perjuangan (PDIP) led by Megawati Sukarnoputri, the daughter
of Sukarno took a commanding lead over the Golkar party.
Recent events in Indonesia have witnessed increased violence from the Islamic majority
toward other religious groups, particularly Christians. Economic pressures and religious
rivalries appear to be behind a recent spate of church burnings on mainly-Moslem
Indonesia's most populous island of Java according to religious scholars. The issue
became acute in October 2002 when a crowd of up to 3,000 Moslems rampaged in the
East Java town of Situbondo, burning five people to death inside one church.
Time Magazine (September 22, 2002) reports that some of the bombings of Christian
churches and groups during Christmas 2000 were part of an Al Qaeda plot planned and
led by Omar al-Faruq, who was hiding out in Indonesia at the time. This Al-Qaeda
operative also planned an assignation of Megati Sukanaputra. Violence against
Christians in Maluku, Ambon, and other areas has been intense. Evidence of Al Qaeda
involvement in the explosion in Bali in 2002 revealed the presence of a radical party that
has the goal of establishing a Muslim State over Malaysia, Indonesia, and the
[Eric Oey, Indonesia APA Productions; Bill Dalton, Indonesia Odyssey Publications; Guy Pauker, several
publications from Rand Corporation.; Herbert Firth, “Dynamics of Guided Democracy,” in Ruth McVey.
World Book; Ebbie Smith, God’s Miracles: Indonesian Church Growth; Frank Cooley, Indonesia: Church
and Society; Johstone and Mandry; Bernard Vlekke, the Story of the Dutch East Indies (Cambridge) W.
F.Wertheim, Indonesian Society in Transition (Sumur Bandung), Raymond Kennedy, Islands and Peoples
of the Indies (Smithsonian), Bill Dalton, Indonesia (Odyssey), World Book; Britannica]

People Groups

Indonesian population, one of the most ethnically diverse in the world, includes people
from over 300 ethnic groups. The largest ethnic group, the Javanese, live mostly on the
Island of Java and make up about 45 percent of Indonesia's population. The second
largest group, the Sundanese, live in western Java and make up about 14 percent of
the population. Two Indonesian proverbs represent the diversity of peoples and
cultures. “Lain daerah, lain koki, lain bumbu, lain rasanja” (different area, different cook,
different spices, different taste) and “Lain padang, lain belalang, lain lubuk, lain ikannja”
(Other fields, other locusts, other pools, other fish (or meat) )both proverbs express the
presence of diversity in Indonesia and its peoples.
Many smaller ethnic minorities include Acehnese, Madurese, Balinese, Iban,
Minakabau, Minahasan, Batak, Toraja, and Papuans. People of Chinese descent are
the wealthiest ethnic group in Indonesia. Their wealth causes social tension, and they
have often become the targets of racial violence.
The people of Indonesia speak more than 250 different languages. Indonesian
nationalists created Bahasa Indonesia, the official language, in the late 1920's. Early in
the country's struggle for independence, this language was introduced to provide a
common tongue for Indonesia's many peoples. Bahasa Indonesia is based on the
Malay language spoken in eastern Sumatra, the Riau Islands, and the Malay Peninsula.
It resembles Coastal Malay, which was the common language of trade in Indonesian
ports. Bahasa Indonesia became the language used in schools and universities. Many
Indonesians thus came to speak a regional language in their homes and Bahasa
Indonesia in school and workplace.
People Groups on Sumatra
Patrick Johnstone declares that Sumatra is the largest unevangelized island on earth
and that if this one island were a nation, only 9 other national entities would have more
unreached peoples. Johnstone further points out that Sumatra is home to 52 known
unreached people groups consisting of 25 million people. Forty-eight of these people
groups have no indigenous churches and 34 have no Christians working among them.
The Aceh Cluster
The Aceh cluster of people groups occupies the extreme northern portion of Sumatra.
the Acehenese people make up the majority of these people but the Simeulue, the
Gayo, the Anuek Jamee, the Aamiang, and the Singkil should also receive notice from
those seeking to disciple Sumatra. All the people groups are basically Islamic in religion
but with varying adherence to traditional beliefs and practices as well.
Acehnese Peoples
The 4,213,400 million people in Aceh, northern Sumatra, were first introduced to Islam
in 1272 and have become fiercely Islamic, even aiding the spread of Islam into other
parts of Indonesia. The region in north Sumatra occupied by this people is a special,
autonomous district. The capital of Aceh is Banda Aceh (known as the doorway to
Mecca). Lhokseumawe is also an important commercial city. The people of Aceh follow
a modified patrilineal family pattern in which according to Islamic law, the men receive a
double portion of the family inheritance. The houses and lands, however, are always
passed down though the women. The women also have strong control of the
households, including children.
The people of Aceh are strongly Islamic. An often repeated statement is, “to be Aceh is
to be Muslim.” Of the less than 50 Aceh people who claim to be Christian, most of them
live outside the Aceh region of north Sumatra. While strongly Islamic, the people of
Aceh also are deeply influenced by their beliefs in tradition ways to protect against
spirits with magic. The New Testament in the language of Aceh is available and the
entire Bible in Indonesian. The people of Aceh are less than 1 percent Christian and
therefore an unreached people.
The Gayo People
The Gayo are sometimes included with the Aceh people. The Gayo live in the midst of
the Aceh people but primarily reside in the remote central highlands. Over 200,000
people are associated with the Gayo. Although often dominated physically and
politically by the Acehenese people, the Gayo maintain their own ways.
The Gayo are considered Islamic but they evidence strong traditional elements in their
religious practices. They continue to sacrifice to spirits, saints, and ancestors and seek
magical help to avoid the attacks of the spirits. The Gayo are Islamic but less strong in
understanding and practice when compared to the people of Aceh. One finds few
mosques in the Gayo regions.
The Gayo do not have the Bible, the Jesus Film, nor radio evangelism in their heart
language. No known believers or churches exist among the Gayo. This is in every
sense an unreached people.
The Simeulue People
The Simeulue People reside on the Island of Simeulue and other nearby islands. The
people, who number around 30,000, have a physical appearance that is similar to
northern Asian peoples as their skin is of lighter color than most other Indonesians.
They speak the language of Ulau, which means Island. This language has two major
While most of the people follow Islam, they are strongly influenced by traditional beliefs
and various superstitions. They seek protection from various good and bad spirits by
magical rituals. Their heart language does not provide the Bible or the Jesus Film. No
known Simeulue churches are known to exist and few if any believers. The Simeulue
people represent an unreached people.
The Batak Cluster
The Bataks of central Sumatra divide into five different groups—the Mandailing and
Angkola Bataks in the south, the Simalungan in the south central area, the Karo Batak,
the most northern group, and the Toba Batak in the most central area, near Lake Toba.
The two southern groups, the Mandailing and the Angkola Bataks have become
strongly Islamic. The northern most, Karo Bataks, report more Moslems but some
Christian advance has been experienced among them in recent years. The Toba Batak
people experienced one of the great people movements in history when these people
turned to Christ after 1834. The Rhenish Missionary Society, providently entered the
Toba Batak area and, led by missionary Ludwig Nommensen, witnessed a movement
that has grown into an autonomous Church (The Batak Protestant Church Huria Kristen
Batak Protestan) that reports as many as 800,000 members and over 1600
Advances among the Simalungan Bataks and the Karo Bataks increased once the
gospel was presented in the languages of the people rather than the trade tongue. The
churches among the Simalungan Bataks numbered over 85,000 in 1967 (Barrett says
40,000) while the Karo Batak Church had some 30,000 members and 300
congregations. The Karo Batak Church experienced a remarkable advance in the
aftermath of the 1965 Communist Coup attempt when over 13,000 were baptized in a
single year.
Outreach to the Angkola and Mandailing Bataks (400,000) remains small. The
Mandailing are proud to have almost no Christians among their people but the Angkola
has between 3-5 % Christian. Only some 300 believers and a few small churches are
known among these Islamic peoples.
The Niasan People of Nias Island
Some 530,000 people now live on the Island of Nias, off the West coast of Sumatra.
These people have remained somewhat isolated due to the typography of the island but
in recent years have become more open. The people on Nias Island are primarily from
the early Proto-Malay Stock and speak dialects of a distinct branch of the Austronesian
language family. The religion features megalithic monuments and wooden statues
honoring the dead and representing fertility. While a large Lutheran Church serves
(perhaps as many as 200,000 members) much traditional religious practice remains.
Some Muslim activity is seeking to convert many on the island.
People of Mentawai
The 55,000 people on the Island of Mentawai live in a culture long separated from other
groups in Indonesia. Their primary food is the taro (a tubar) grown in shifting gardens.
The religion of Mentawai while having many similarities with other traditional religions
also displays a most developed ritual emphasis on taboo. This emphasis requires a
cessation from many foods and most useful activity for months at a time. During the
periods of ritual inactivity by the men the women must obtain almost all the food.
Social structure radiates around villages of households that were largely endogamous.
A trace of matrilineal structure is seen in that men often moved to the village of the
woman they married. Some movement toward Christianity is seen in that Lutheran
churches claim almost one-half the people on Mentawai. Still, much nominalism and
traditional religion is seen.
The Minangkabau Cluster
The Minangkabau Cluster of peoples reside in western-central Sumatra in the region of
the cities of Bukitinngi, Padang, and Bengkulu. Together these six people groups
(Minangkabau, Rejang, Kerinci, Pekal, Muko-Muko, and Bengkulu) may number as
many as 8,700,000 the largest number being from the Minangkabau People group.
They predominantly follow the Islamic religion.
The 8,100,000 Minangkabau of West Sumatra claim a history of contact with soldiers of
the army of Alexander the Great. The name means “victorious water buffalo.” They are
strongly matrilineal in family ties—and while the more rigid aspects of matrilineal
structure are no longer followed, they continue to follow the pattern of family wealth
passing through the female side of the family. Primary responsibility in the home falls
into the hands of the mother’s brother, who is called the ninik mamak. This person has
responsibility to care for the nieces and nephews as well as the family inheritance.
The Minangkabau are among the better educated and successful of all groups in
Indonesia. They hold strongly to Islam and have resisted efforts to convert them to
Christianity. Often one hears the statement, “To be Minangkabau is to be Muslim.”
Most of these people who have become Christian reside outside the West Sumatra
region. The Minangkabau are notorious for rejecting any religion other than Islam. Two
closely related people groups, the Rejang (500,000) and the Kerinci (400,000) also
allow little Christian outreach among their peoples. The Rejang and the Kerinci peoples
hold stronger beliefs in and practice more rituals aimed to placate evil spirits than do the
Minangkabau. The groups are, however, Islamic in basic religious direction.
The Muko-Muko People
Tke 60,000 Muko-Muko (also known as Muke-Muke) reside in western Sumatra, to the
north of the city of Bengkulu. The area has much brackish water that is a mix of fresh
and sea water. The people are farmers, fishermen, traders, and laborers. They are
known for rattan handicraft objects and for distinctive flint implements. Basically, the
people follow a matrilineal kinship pattern but live in groups that are overseen by a
village chief, a man. The people use the word, kaum, to refer to their extended families
and the term, kepala kaum, to designate the village leader.
The Muko-Muko people, while basically Islamic, have strong beliefs in spirits who must
be placated by magic rituals. They also venerate certain objects such as large trees,
ancestral tombs, and even the sources of rivers. Their language is a mixture of Melayu
(Malay), Mingangkabau, and Rejang languages.
The Pekal People
The 90,000 Pekal people live between the Muko-Muko and the city of Benghulu. They
sometimes are known as Ketahun, because many live in the district of Ketahun.
Traditionally, their houses are long and narrow and built on stilts. The society is
arranged in clans.
The Pekal will accept newcomers into their society. The entering family is expected to
prepare a meal for the clan among whom they will live. After this meal, the new family
is accepted and treated without distinction in the clan.
The Pekal follow Islam but also use traditional incantations to bring rain, exorcise evil
sprits, and clean the village from immorality. They are reknown for giving help to the
members of their communities.
The Bengkulu People
The 55,000 Bengkulu people live in and around the city of Bengkulu. They consider
themselves to be from a mixture of peoples who have migrated to the area. Their
language is a branch of the Melayu tongue. This people use the term orang Bengkulu
to commemorate a great victory over an invading group from the Mengankabau people.
The Bengkulu people follow Islam but also hold to traditional beliefs and ceremonies to
seek protection from the spirits—some of whom are good but most are evil. They
celebrate a harvest festival, Tabot, and a festival in honor of the Sea Dragon, to seek
protection for their fishermen.
The Lampung (South Sumatra) Cluster
The indigenous peoples of Lampung face marginalization by the transmigration people
from Java and other regions of Sumatra. The indigenous peoples of South Sumatra
(Gayo, Redjang, and Lampong) have lived rather isolated lives in the highlands and
have remained separated from the outside world. They follow patterns of shifting
cultivation of dry rice, sago, maize, and root crops. They follow kinship ties rather than
territorial or “feudal” political bonds. Other groups in Lampung include the Komering
(80,000), Lampung Abung (500,000), Lampung Peninggir (500,000), Lampung Pubian
(410,000), and Ranau (60,000).
The peoples of the Lampung area hold strictly to Islam more so than many other groups
in Sumatra. The Lampung Pubian and Lampung Abung people groups, for example,
are strongly Sunni Shafi’i Muslims. Even these peoples, however, have strong
traditional religious practices in their lives. The Ranau and the Komering have strong
ties to occult practices, healing specialists, and superstitions. Among these indigenous
peoples, few if any churches exist to reach them with the gospel.
Most Christian work in the region is among the Javanese transmigration peoples.
The Muslim Peoples of Central and South Sumatra
A group of people who live in Central and South-central Sumatra, hold firmly to the
Islamic religion. These peoples have been described as composing the Ogan and
Pasemah Clusters. These peoples include the Enim (70,000), Kaur (50000), Lematang
(150,000), Lembak (160,000), Ogan (300,000), and Semendo (105,000).
The Pasemah, who reside south and east of the city of Bengkulu, number over 650,000.
While they are Islamic and admit to only some 50 believers among their people, the
Pasemah continue to venerate the large stone artifacts that have existed and been
considered holy since before 100 AD. These 26 stone forms, found on the Pasemah
plateau, have a Buddhist origin. And the Pasemah still use the sites for religious rituals.
The Serawai people, who call themselves Orang Selatan (people of the south), live to
the north and east of the Pasemah, closer to the city of Benghulu. While Islamic, these
people have elaborate traditional beliefs and practice elaborate ceremonies directed to
influencing the spirits in relation to the crops. Among the 300,000 Serawai, some 2000
follow the Christian religion and three churches exist.
Little effort at conversion to Christianity is being expended among these people groups.
They remain virtually unreached.
The Melayu Riau Cluster
Many of the peoples of Eastern and Southern Sumatra, can be gathered into a
classification called the Pasisir culture, from the Malay word meaning coastal. These
peoples who have cultural similarities with other coastal peoples in the Celebes,
Kalimantan, Java, Madura, and the Lesser Sunda Islands demonstrate cultures that
arose out of common involvement in the spice trades. These groups follow much of the
cultural patterns of other Indonesian societies with bilateral family kinship, traditional
religious practices that show a combination of Hindu, Islamic, and traditional elements.
Among these peoples are the Deli (2 million), the Melayu Riau (2 million), Batin
(70,000), Asahan (500,000) and the peoples of the islands of Bangka (200,000) and
Belitung (400,000) . These peoples live near the city of Pekanbau and on the islands of
Bangka and Belitung. These people are Moslem—some such as the Deli of the Sufi
Islam persuasion. Most of the Christian work on the islands is among the Chinese and
other expatriate peoples. Some Christian outreach has been effective among these
peoples but the indigeneous populations remain among the unreached.
A short distance to the south of the home of the Malayu Riau people, the Jambi group
resides near the city of Jambi. The Jambi (800,000) comprise the largest of these
groups but Batin (70,000), the Penghulu (25,000), and the Pindah (20,000) are also
found in the region. Like so many of the people groups in Sumatra, these peoples
follow Islam but in a mixture with traditional beliefs and practices. Under 100 believers
are known among the indigeneous peoples although some churches for Chinese and
other expatriates serve in these regions.
People Groups of Java
Java represents one of the most densely populated islands in the world. Over 60 %
(some 125,414,000 people) of Indonesia’s population reside on this one island that
makes up less than 7 % of the land mass of the nation.
The Java People
The culture of Java is a postraditional wet-rice society. The family, a most important
segment in Javanese society, is bilateral and close-knit. Javanese society is largely
hierarchical—with groupings such as a small group of nobles, the ndara, a slightly larger
grouping of prijaji, a bureaucracy and educated leader group, and the larger grouping of
farmers, and lower socio-economic groups, the wong tjiliq. Distinct from the horizontal
stratification there exists a vertical classification of Javanese society based primarily on
the degree of participation in Islam practices. The abangan do not regulate their lives
according to strict Islamic teachings while the santri adhere more to Islamic practice and
are more involved in trading.
Especially the abangan group, centralize life around the ritual feast, the selamatan, that
allows opportunity for much cultural and family interaction. These people live more in
the complex belief in spirits, curing, sorcery, and magic. They pay much attention to the
local magic persons, the dukun.
The religion of Java can be even more labeled as Folk Islam than that of West Java and
the Sunda People. Someone has said if you scratch a Javanese Muslim you will find an
animist. Actually, the religion of Java is a syncretism of Buddhist, Hindu, Islamic, and
traditional elements.
As many as 5% of the basic Javanese people can be counted as Christian. Several
sub-groups of Javanese, however, remain solidly Islamic. The Banyumasan (6.6 million)
live along the south central coast of Java. The Osing (350,000) reside along the
extreme eastern tip while the Pasisir Kulon (2.5 million) and the Pasisir Lor (19 million)
populate the north central coastline. These latter peoples share much in cultural
elements with the other costal peoples of Sumarta, Kalimantan, and Sunda Islands.
Little evangelistic effort is current among these people groups whose total populations
are larger than many nations.
Java also is home to thousands of Indonesians of Chinese ancestry. These people
occupy much of the merchant and trading sector and have experienced long-term
persecution. They are as much as 45% Christian although many continue in various
Chinese religions. Many peoples form other islands—Moluccas, Celebes, Kalimantan,
Timor, Minahasa, and others have moved to Java and are being reached by churches
targeted for their ethnic groups.
The Sunda People
The 35 million Sunda People reside primarily in West Java. While they hold to more
orthodox Islamic beliefs and practices, the Sunda represent a rather definite “folk
Islamic” society. The traditional beliefs reside beneath the surface. These people are
basically a wet-rice culture although many have moved away from the strictly farming
economy. While the Pasundan Church numbers as many as 12,000, many of the
members are nominal and culturally isolated from the Muslim majority. This church has
chosen to seek coexistence with the majority rather than outreach.
The Betawi People
The Betawi (around 500,000) people live in the region of the city of Jakarta and
comprise the original inhabitants of the metropolitan area. Younger people use the
Indonesian language but older people among the Betawi use the more ancient Betawi
tongue. These people are mostly Moslem with mixture of traditional beliefs and
practices. The group came into being around 1923 when some of them founded the
kaum Betawi. The group sprang from a mixture of peoples who had come into the
region. The Betawi are listed as an unreached people group.
The Madura People
The Madura People occupy space in East Java and on the islands to the north of Java,
Madura and Bawean. The Madura people, who have a reputation for violence and
anger, long have held fear, prejudice, and hatred toward Western peoples and
Christianity. These people are well-known for their use of daggers and for their past
time of bull racing.
The Madura people divide into three groups, the Bawean (60,000), the Madura (13.5
million) and the Pendalunga (6.5 million). This latter group consists of the decendents
of intermarriage of Madura people and Javanese since 1671. The peoples of Madura
have resisted attempts to bring them to Christianity and remain firmly Muslim.
Jawa Tengger
The Jawa Tengger people live on the slopes of Mt. Bromo in East Java. They have
resisted Islamic advance and in recent years moved toward Hind-Bali religion. These
people remain in traditional ways of upland farmers. Some Christian movements have
been effective in the formation of Christian groups in the area.
The Island of Bali
The people of Bali represent an atypical group in Indonesia. Somewhat isolated from
the general historical forces, the Balinese have maintained a distinctive culture. The
Balinese reveal a deep artistic nature with the majority of the people engaging in music,
art, sculpture, and dance. Their religion is called Hindu-Bali and is a remarkable blend
of Hindu and traditional religious elements. Balinese practice their religion in over
49,000 Hindu Temples scattered over the 5,633 sq km. island.
The Balinese culture is characterized as a traditional wet-rice pattern. The life of
Balinese people revolves around the many festivals, dances, and other religious
practices. Several life-cycle practices include teeth filing at the time of adulthood and
cremation. Due to the cost of a cremation ceremony, the actual cremation is often
postponed and even more often the poorer people will join the ceremony of the more
affluent. At times, a village waits until a group can cooperate in a cremation with
several families sharing the expense.
The Balinese have resisted other religious groups to the end that Islam claims only
5.6% of the people, Buddhists only 0.8%, Catholics 0.4%, Protestants only 0.5%. This
leaves over 92% of the people of Bali who follow the Hindu-Bali religion. Converts to
other religions on Bali often face extreme persecution and ostracism.
Peoples of the West Lesser Sunda Islands (Nusa Tenggara Barat)
Over 3 million people live on the islands of Lombok and Sumbawa in Nusa Tenggara
Barat. These islands have been characterized as the least evangelized in Indonesia.
The some 20,000 Christians stem mostly from immigrant peoples; many of the
Christians are from the Chinese minorities. Riots in January 2000 on Lombok drove
many of the Christians away and destroyed both the church buildings and the homes of
The Sasak People of Lombok
Over 2 million people on Lombok strongly follow the Muslim religion and speak a heart
language that is considered a Balinese-Sasak group. Few believers are known among
the Sasak people who remain unreached.
The Sumbawa People
Over 400,000 Sumbawa People live on the island of Sumbawa and are considered as
one of the Pasisir people, mostly coastal and Islamic. Villages in Sumbawa culture
become somewhat specialized choosing from different sources of income—shipping,
fishing, rubber tapping, and peddling. The political arrangement in Sumbawa culture is
borrowed extensively from the Celbes (Makassar). The Mosque holds a central place in
the lives of the people. The staff of the mosque is headed by the lebe, that is a council
of the leading men in the community. Unlike most Indonesian cultures, the Sumbawa
culture is centrifugal in that members are spun off into the outer world where they are to
seek their new wealth and wisdom. Most Indonesian cultures are centripetal in that they
hold their members tightly—even drawing those who do leave to return to the society.
In Sumbawa, travel outside the area is imperative to achieve prestige in the culture.
The peoples on Sumbawa are divided into the West Sumba, the East Sumba, and
Hawu. The indigenous language is different from the Sasak group spoken on Lombok.
Christians among the Sumba peoples are almost unknown (some 20 known believers
are reported)
The Bima People
Some 600,000 Bima people live primarily on Sumbawa Island and practice a form of
“folk Islam.” Few Christians are known among the Bima (perhaps as many as 100).
Along with the Indonesian language (Bahasa Indonesia) these people speak a language
that is classified as the Bima-Sumba group.
The Hindu-Bali People
As many as 100,000 people from Bali live in Nusa Tenggara Barat and follow the
Balinese cultural pattern. These Balinese people live primarily on Lombok Island
Peoples of the East Lesser Sunda Islands (Nusa Tenggara Timor)
The region Nusa Tenggara Timor occupies the islands of Sumba, Flores, Lomblin, Alor,
Sawu, Roti, and West Timor.
The Island of Sumba
Some seven language groups inhabit the island of Sumba that has been long famous
for its dedication to traditional religions and its resistance to Christianity. Christianity
was introduced into Sumba in 1870 by immigrants from Sawu who were settled in East
Sumba to relieve overcrowding on Sawu. The Church that resulted has experienced
stress due to the efforts of the Roman Catholic Church, the schism in the Reformed
Church (Gereformeerd) over church discipline, and the sufferings during the Japanese
occupation. A movement of the Holy Spirit in the 1980s witnessed the doubling of the
Protestants from 75,000 to 160,000.
The Island of Flores
While Flores is claimed to be 90% Roman Catholic, the people remain steeped in
traditional religious practices—including snake worship. No language in Flores (other
than Bahasa Indonesia) has Scripture Translations. The few Christians are among
Timor peoples who have moved to Flores. The 500,000 Manggarai, the 300,000
Lamaholot-Solor, the 230,000 Ende-Lio, the 180,000 Sikka, and the 70,000 Ngada need
to be evangelized in their own cultural settings and languages. Some Muslim peoples
are found among the Manggarai and the Solor.
Peoples on Kalimantan (Borneo)
The Iban
Iban people live in Indonesian Kalimantan near the border with Sabah and Sarawak.
The largest number reside in Sararak (some 400,000). They have been mistakenly
called “Sea Dayak” but this term along with all other uses of the term “Dayak” to refer to
peoples in Borneo and Kalimantan is misleading. The word “dayak” actually means
interior and was adopted by British and Dutch explorers for any group that lived in the
interior. No group uses the term “dayak” as a designation of its culture. The proper
designation is Iban.
A distinctive feature of most Iban groups relates to the use of the Longhouse, that is not
a communal living arrangement, but rather a series of connected, individual family living
areas. Some longhouses reach the size of several hundred yards.
The Bible, Scripture portions, and the Jesus Film are all available in the Iban language.
Many Iban have turned to Christianity but more have followed Islam.
Central Kalimantan--The Njadju Group
The Njadju Group, made up of peoples known as the Njandju, the Ma’anjan, and the
Ot’Danium, inhabit Central Kalimantan (Kalimantan tengah). These groups speak a
Bornean Language designated as Barito Family of languages (keluarga bahasa Barito).
The Njandju use a language designated as isolect Barito Baratdaja, the Ot’Danium a
language isolet Barito Baratlaut, and the Ma’anjan a language, isolect Barito Tengara.
Around 50% of the people in Central Kalimantan follow Islam, some 15-20% Protestant
Christianity, over 22% the indigenous religions (Kaharingan) of spirit worship and ritual,
and around 5% Catholic. The primary protein based food comes from fish as the
people traditionally have lacked the weapons to harvest the larger land animals of the
forest. Food from wild pig and other larger animals usually is consumed only at festivals
and celebrations. Some of the groups hold cross-cousin marriage as the preferred
marriage pattern.
North West Kalimantan—the Punan Groups
The Punan groups reside in northwest Kalimantan as a small group, who may or may
not use a language from the basic Kenyah language. These people number only in the
1000s and follow a basic traditional religion approach.
North Central Kalimantan—The Bahau Groups
The peoples of the Bahau Group, the Kayan and the Kenya peoples, occupy the North
Central interior regions of Kalimantan. These peoples, like the Iban, construct and
occupy the famous long houses that often reach hundreds of feet in length and house
entire sub-tribes. They reside primarily along the rivers. These peoples reside along the
rivers and follow an elaborate traditional religion that includes extensive shamanism.
Some of the Bahau peoples in Sarawak have become Christian and others in
Indonesian Kalimantan have also followed Christ.
South West Kalimantan—the Land Dayak

Peoples on Sulawesi
Sulawesi is home to a wide variety of peoples who follow a diversity of life-styles and
religious persuasions. Some of the people groups are strongly Muslim while others are
solidly Christian.
The Minahasa Peoples
The 850,000 inhabitants of the region of Manado, located on the north-east peninsula of
Sulawesi, have been solidly Protestant for over three centuries. Christian work began in
Manado in the 1500s as Catholics attempted to convert the basically animistic people.
Joseph Kam, called the Apostle to Indonesia, convinced the Netherlands Missionary
Society to begin efforts in Manado around 1822. In some 50 years, the Church in
Minahasa grew from 3000 members to over 80,000. The history of Christianity shows
the evidence of a peoples movement as almost the entire group came to Christ.
The peoples of Minahasa have seen their cultures changed from shifting cultivation to a
more Western type through intense contact with western influences. These changes
have rendered the classification of the peoples of Minahasa difficult as they
demonstrate such affinities with western ways. The indigenous languages are seldom if
ever heard today as Indonesian and even Dutch have become so widely used.
The Minahasa Peoples are among the best educated and well-to-do in all of Indonesia.
The Dutch used people from this area as civil workers in other regions. The Reformed
Church (Gereja Masehi Injili Minahasa (GMIM)) has over 500,000 members but also
has demonstrated a great deal of nominalism and occultism. Other church groups in
Minahasa think that many members of the GMIM Church need to be evangelized.
Among the peoples of Manado one finds the Tombulu-Tonsea-Tondano peoples, the
Mongondou, and the Tontemboan-Tonsawang
Sanghir and Talaud Island Peoples
The peoples in these islands number over 210,000. Sanghir-Talaud Islands lie to the
north of Sulawesi, between Sulawesi and the Philippine Island of Mindanao. These
people follow Protestant Christianity but Islam can also be seen. The language family
of these peoples reside in the classification of the Philippine Group, where some of the
peoples of Manado also are grouped.
The Gorontalo
Over 1 million Gorontalo inhabit the extreme northern section of the Island of
Sulawesi—north of the Manado area. The language claims a group of its own, the
Gorontalo Group that includes the Bulanga, Kaidipan, Buol, as well as the Gorontalo.
These peoples are more Islamic although some evidences of animistic practices are
obvious. Only small increases have resulted from the Protestant efforts in these
The Toraja
Over 1.6 million Toraja people reside in central Sulawesi. Toraja is a general name
applied to several groups in this area. The Toraja people exist in many different
groups—using eight different languages and some 30 dialects. Many Toraja, especially
in the eastern sections, are classified as swidden farmers. These peoples clear land,
farm it for a period, then leave it fallow for some seven years while they farm other
cleared land. They combine permanent gardening with shifting cultivation. Many of the
Toraja peoples employ the water buffalo in their religious expressions—sacrificing the
animals in some rituals. An important part of Toraja religion in the past included
headhunting and using the head of fallen enemies in ritual practice.
Toraja culture practices bride price due to the importance of the extended family.
Toraja peoples have a morbid fascination with and fear of death. Toraja culture also
employed the practice of two funerals. One funeral is observed at death and the
second several years later. During the period between the two funerals, the ghost of
the fallen was thought to be dangerous and capricious and was kept away by various
magic rites. At the second funeral, the spirit of the dead person is transformed from a
dangerous ghost to a guardian angel who can be worshipped and supplicated for help.
The older ceremony included the sacrifice of water buffalo and pigs and using the blood
for cleansing the bones of the dead. When Dutch administration prohibited these
rituals, Toraja religion was shaken and opened the way for Christianity.
Many of the Toraja people have embraced Christianity. Three main Churches serve
among Toraja people. While these peoples have become Protestant Christians, the
peoples need more training in Christian living, a firmer grasp of personal experience
with Christ, and more freedom from traditional fears.
The Makassar People
Over 2.2 million Makassar people live in southern Sulawesi but have colonies all around
the coast of Sulawesi and Kalimantan. As with other culture groups in the “Pasisir”
peoples, the Makassar people hold to a rather orthodox Islam (at least in comparison to
other Indonesian Islamic peoples). These people are less dependent on wet-rice
cultivation and have long been known for trading, shipping, and even pirate activity.
Prestige is an all important factor in Makassar culture with status stemming from family
position and attainment. The culture separates people into two main groups—the
aristocracy and the common people. They practice a rather strict practice of bride price
the amount of which helps set status.
The more orthodox Islam practiced by the Makassar people has produced a climate that
has resisted Christianity. Less than 500 Makassar Christians are known.
The Bugis
Over 3.8 million Bugis People living in south Sulawesi have adopted an even more strict
and orthodox Islam than the Makassar People with whom they are closely related. The
Bugis people have enclaves in many other areas—The Riau Islands, Kalimantan, and
even northern Borneo (Sabah). The Buginese kingdom of Bone has long competed
with the Makassarese kingdom of Goa.
Some 3000 Bugis Christians exist. The Bugis and Makassar peoples are served by the
South Sulawesi Christian Church (Gereja Kristen Sulawesi Selatan).
Peoples in Maluku
The Maluku area of Indonesia comprises a group of over 1000 small islands deployed
over the eastern sea of Indonesia. The total area of 77,871 sq. Km. houses a
population of 3,168,000 people who make up 128 language groups. The peoples are
almost evenly divided between Muslim and Christian (Muslim 59%, Christian 40.5%).
The Maluku area is experiencing a violent conflict between Muslims and Christians—
much of it accompanied by and even intensified by Islamic pressure from other areas.
Armed Muslim fighters on Jihad have been transported to Maluku and aided by the
Army to wage direct war on Christians in Maluku. The conflict has witnessed atrocities
by both Muslims and Christians. Over 400 churches and some mosques have been
destroyed. The conflict has displaced much of the Christian populations of Ambon,
Ceram, Tidore, Ternate, and parts of Halmahera. By the end of 2000 over 6000 had
been killed and 500,000 displaced by the conflict.
Peoples of Halmahera
Halmahera, which is the largest of the Maluku Islands, became part of the Republic of
Indonesia in 1949. The island has been called Djailolo or Jailolo but the name actually
means “motherland.” The indigenous population appears to have been Papuan and
the inhabitants of the interior are well-built, tall, with dark brown skin, and blue-black,
wavy hair worn long. In the past, these people practiced ritual headhunting. The
original language of the southern part of Halmahera belongs to the Austronesian
(Malayo-Polynesian) group. The language of the northern part of Halmahera, as well as
the languages of Ternate, Tidore, and Morotai are unrelated to any other linguistic
stock. Some on the island have converted to Islam or Christianity but most remain in a
type of traditional religion that emphasizes relations with the spirits of the dead.
Coastal People
The coastal peoples share characteristics with other pasisir peoples in Indonesia. They
cultivate rice, coconuts, practice fishing, gathering forest products, and hunting. The
coastal peoples are more likely to be Islamic in religion.
Peoples in West New Guinea (Irian Jaya)
One Indonesian authority notes that the inhabitants of Irian Jaya do not represent a
single people grouping but rather demonstrate a variation that is very large (“suatu
aneka warna jang amant besar “.) [Koentjaraningrat, 70]. The truth of this statement is
authenticated by the fact that over 270 different languages are used in Irian Jaya and
many of the peoples have been separated from outside influences for 1000s of years.
Some of these interior peoples live in virtual stone age societies. Over 14 areas with
populations of over 20,000 each have no current witness. As many as 54 groups need
the Bible in their languages and possibly a 130 others need Bible translation to some
Irian Jaya is a hot, humid island rising from the sea with some of the most impenetrable
jungles in the world and yet also has snow caps covering the 5,000 meter - high
mountain peaks towering over glacier lakes.
Irian Jaya is Indonesia's largest and easternmost province and Covers the western half
of the world's second largest island. It is a land of Exceptional natural grandeur, with
beautiful scenic beaches, immense Stretches of marshlands, cool grassy meadows and
powerful rivers carving Gorges and tunnels through dark and dense primeval forests.
district and the Baliem Valley to the east. The people of the island can be divided into
more than 250 sub-groups, which are closely related to the islands along the southern
rim of the Pacific and include among others, the Marindanim, Yah'ray, Asmat, Mandobo,
Dani, and Afyat.
The Dani Peoples

The Asmat People
The 65,000 Asmat people of the south-central swamps of Irian Jaya Province
descended from a Papuan racial stock. They live in small villages (35 to 2,000 persons)
The Asmat build their houses along the bends of rivers so that enemy attacks can be
seen in advance. Houses in coastal areas in the twentieth century, however, are
generally built on pilings two or more meters high, to protect residents from river
flooding and wild animals. In the foothills of the Jayawijaya Mountains, Asmat lived in
tree houses that are five to twenty-five meters off the ground.
The Asmat are primarily hunters and gatherers who subsist by gathering and
processing the starchy pulp of the sago palm, and by fishing, and hunting the wild pig,
cassowary, grubs, and crocodile. Until the 1950s, when greater numbers of outsiders
arrived, warfare, headhunting, and cannibalism were constant features of Asmat social
Although the Asmat population steadily increased since contact by missionaries and
government health workers, the forest continued to yield more than an adequate supply
and variety of food. In the early 1990s, however, some Asmat learned to grow small
patches of vegetables, such           as string beans, and a few raise imported chickens.
With the introduction of a limited cash economy through the sale of logs to timber
companies and carvings to outsiders, many Asmat now purchase such foods as rice
and tinned fish and have also become accustomed to wearing                Western-style
clothing and using metal tools.
Asmat believe that all deaths--except those of the very old and very young--come about
through acts of malevolence, either by magic or actual physical force. Their ancestral
spirits demand vengeance for these deaths. These ancestors to whom they feel
obligated are represented in large, spectacular wood carvings of canoes, shields, and in
ancestor poles consisting of human figurines. Until the late twentieth century, the
preferred way a young man could fulfill his obligations to his kin, to his ancestors, and to
prove his sexual prowess, was to take a head of an enemy, and offer the body for
cannibalistic consumption by other members of the village.
The first Dutch colonial government post was only established in Asmat territory in 1938
and a Catholic mission began its work there only in 1958. These influences promoted
change but the pace of change in this region greatly increased after the 1960s. Many
Asmat in the early 1990s were enrolled in Indonesian schools and were converting to
Christianity. As large timber and oil companies expanded operations in the region, the
environmental conditions of these fragile, low-lying mangrove forests were threatened
by industrial waste and soil erosion. Although Asmat appeared to be gaining some
national and international recognition for their artwork, this fame has not resulted in their
having any significant political input into Indonesian government decisions affecting the
use of land in the traditional Asmat territory.
Kapauku Peoples
The Kapauku, a Papuan ethnic group, reside in the west-central Section of the Central
Highlands of Irian Jaya. The total Kapauku population of around 45,000 is dispersed
into small villages averaging about 120 people each. Profound local and regional
cultural differences exist between Kapauku of these villages.
High mountains and deep valleys characterize the Kapauku country. However, since
most of the inhabited areas, especially the Kamu Valley, lie below 2,000 meters, the
people live in a tropical rain forest zone. Very little seasonal change in climate occurs in
this valley where the average daily temperature is about 17.5 degrees C. The Kamu
Valley receives an annual rainfall of about 2,500 millimeters.
The basic food staple of the Kapauku is the sweet potato, with approximately 90 percent
of the crop area devoted to this plant. The pig is the principal domestic animal and the
main source of protein in the diet. Supplementary crops include sugar cane and taro.
Fishing and gathering hold some importance as well as the hunting of small animals.
The material culture of the Kapauku is very simple. There is no pottery, weaving, use of
metal, sculpture, or painting. Braided rattan armlets are the only form of basketry, but
string making and netting are important. The main products include fishing nets, net
bags, and string skirts.
Polished stone axes and knives together with flint flakes and bone needles are the only
manufactured tools. Bows and arrows are used as weapons. The people live in
rectangular plank houses with roofs made of thatch or bark.
Kapauku social organization is based upon a system of cross-cutting kinship and
residential-territorial groups. The most important traditional kin group is the sib (tuma),
an ideally exogamous, named, totemic, patrilineal group whose members believe they
are descended from a common ancestor. But certainly in modern times, at least, the
functions of the sib seem to be relatively minor, and the members of any one sib may be
widely scattered.
Two and sometimes more sibs are grouped into loose, nonexogamous unions that may
be called phratries. These constitute the largest kin-based groups, but again they do not
seem to have much significance in the organization.
Sibs may also have distinct subdivisions. Almost half of the sibs whose members live in
the Kamu Valley are divided into two subsibs. For example, the Ijaaj sib consists of the
Dege-Ijaaj and Buna-Ijaaj subsibs. Although the members of two subsibs that belong to
the same sib regard themselves as traditionally related, they always belong to different
political confederacies and, as a rule, wage intermittent wars against each other.
A Kapauku village is usually composed of members of a single patrilineal lineage or
sublineage, plus their in-marrying spouses. But there are also some sublineages whose
members live in several villages. Village members are distributed into patrilocal
households consisting of 2 or 3 monogamous or polygynous families, the male heads of
which are usually closely related. A cluster of about 15 houses forms a village which is
ideally exogamous.
A confederacy is the most inclusive politically organized group in Kapauku society.
Within such a unit, law and order are administered by a hierarchy of headmen; beyond
this group no political organization exists. Interconfederacy relations are characterized
by what one may call diplomatic negotiations and, if these fail, by wars.
The Kapauku magico-religious system is characterized by a relative simplicity of ritual
and ceremony, combined with a marked stress on secularity and sobriety. In contrast
with many other New Guinea peoples, their ceremonial performances are not
accompanied by elaborate art forms, such as wood carving, painting, or complex, well-
patterned dances. In fact, the most important ceremonies are connected with their
economy, rather than being concerned primarily with religion and the supernatural.
Among the few ritual specialists are shamans and sorcerers. The shaman is associated
with Kamu, the white magic, which can be divided into many categories such as
curative magic, preventive magic, counter sorcery, war magic, and so forth. Any
Kapauku individual can perform these magical rites, but some people become
specialists through their technical skills and the acquisition of supernatural helpers by
means of dreams or visions.
The practice of sorcery (kego) is always done by a specialist. The sorcerer is believed
to possess his own supernatural power independent of any spirit helper. The status of a
known sorcerer is low, and he is feared and hated by most people. He may be
ostracized and even killed by the kin of his presumed victims.
The Transmigration Peoples
Irian Jaya now has numerous people who have migrated to Irian Jaya from other areas
of Indonesia. These included peoples from Makassar, who will are mostly Islamic in
religion and difficult to reach. Other peoples, equally Islamic and difficult to reach, are
the peoples from Mingankabau. Most Minang converts, however, have been reached in
areas away from Western Sumatra. Other transmigration peoples have come from
Ambon. Transmigration people from Ambon will be more likely to have a Christian
background as the persecution of Christians in Ambon have caused many to flee.
[Geertz, Indonesian Cultures and Communities, in McVey, Indonesia; Cooley, Indonesia: Church and
Society; Johnstone and Mandryk, Ebbie Smith, God’s Miracles: Indonesian Church Growth;
Encyclopedia Britannica; Koentrjaraningrat, Manusia dan Kebudajaan Di Indonesia (Humankind and
Culture in Indonesia) ; Muller-Kruger, Sejarah Geredja di Indonesia (The History of the Church in
Indonesia) ]

Religion in Indonesia

Non-Christian Religions
Religiously, Indonesia has been a crossroads with many different religious traditions
entering and influencing and being influenced. The traditional religions developed over
the years into strong and varying patterns. Buddhism and Hinduism had their turns that
in time have been largely replaced. Islam came to these islands in early periods and
has flourished. Christianity has seen some great victories in Indonesian settings—for
example, the Toba Batak Church, the Church on Nias Island, the people movements in
Sulawesi (Manado and Toraja), the turnings in Muluku (Ambon), recent movements in
Java, and Irian Jaya, and the sweeping spiritual revivals in Timor and other eastern
In every case, the traditional religions, beliefs, and practices have not been erased but
remain strong even among followers of the “newer” religions. The “animistic” core
remains and has significant influence in the lives of the people. Pockets of the
traditional religions remain in many interior regions.
Islam claims up to 80.30 % of all Indonesian people or over 171,000,000 adherents.
Islam is growing at an annual rate of +1.3%. Only about 1/3 of the Muslims, however,
can be characteristized as “high identity, high practice Muslims.” Islam is especially
strong in northern Sumatra among the Achnese people, in west Sumatra among the
Mingangkabau People, in West Java among the Sundanese People (and to a lesser
degree in Central and West Java among the Javanese People), in south Sulawesi
among the Bugis and Makassar People, in Maluku among around one-half the people,
and on the coasts of many of the Islands among the Pasisir Cultures.
Many of the people who claim Islam as their religion are more committed to traditional
religious practices than directly to Muslim ways. The Islam of many Indonesians is
traditional with the traditional religions very much in evidence. Indonesian Islam
represents what has come to be known as “folk Islam” due to its close ties with folk
religious practices. More Christian growth has been realized among Muslims in
Indonesia than in any other region of the world.
Islam does, however, have a strong position in Indonesian life and politics. The Islamic
majority seeks greater governmental control and still pushes for an Islamic state. Islam
is stronger today in Indonesia than it has been since independence.
Buddhism entered Indonesia early in history with the Buddhist Empire of Srivijaya that
arose around AD 670 in Sumatra. The came to power in Central Java around AD 732
and produced many Buddhist monuments, including the famous Borobudur. Buddhism
came to Indonesia by means of missionaries who would convert community leaders and
then the people. Buddhism was overwhelmed by the coming of Hinduism and Islam in
later periods. Buddhism today claims around 0.30 % of the population or some 638,976
people. Buddhism reports an annual growth rate of + 1.4%.
The primary location of Hinduism in Indonesia is the Island of Bali, where a blend of
Hinduism and traditional religious beliefs and practices has produced the religion,
Hindu-Bali. Around 92.7% of the over 3,165,000 on Bali and the additional nearly one
million that live on other nearby Islands follow Hindu-Bali religion.
The Hindu-Bali religion permeates the entire life of Balinese people. Every aspect of life
relates to the 49,000 village temples, the stylized dances and rituals, and the frequent
religious festivals. Balinese culture includes the Hindu-Bali religion with customs such
as involved cremation rituals for the upper-class peoples.
Little progress has been experienced in evangelizing Bali Peoples. Less than 0.5% are
reported as evangelical Christian. The Bali Protestant Christian Church (Gereja Kristen
Prostestan Bali) reports some 6000 members in 36 congregations.
Traditional Religions
Traditional religion rests at the heart of many of Indonesia’s people—including many
who embrace one of the other religions, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Chinese, or
Hindu. The exact natures of traditional religions vary among the various peoples but the
basic outlines of Indonesian traditional religion bear striking similarities. Most traditional
religionists in Indonesia have the typical animistic belief in “High Gods” who are
absentees. Genuine power for helping a person resides in the spirits (memdi, lelembut,
tujul), ghosts (gendruwo), and ancestor cults. Indonesian traditional religion also places
power in places (punden) such as Banyan Trees, Hindu Altars, Bodies of water,
volcanoes, waterfalls, and etc. Power also resides in inanimate objects such as
ceremonial daggers (kris).
Dealing with the needs for avoiding the power of these supernaturals or gaining their aid
comes through the work of magic people (dukun), ceremonial festivals (slametan),
offerings at punden, and seeking advice from wise men. The magic people can cure
disease, give advice on actions, cast or avoid spells (sorcery), and protect.
The traditional religious practices (those that deal with living spirits and inanimate
powers) live in the lives of most Indonesians. The statement that if you scratch a
Javanese Moslem you will find an animist could be repeated for any other religious
group, including Christians. The traditional religion base in Indonesia exists not simply
on Bali but among almost every group. Attention to traditional religion is important to all
Christian service in the islands. The presence of traditional religions gives rise to what
is known as “Folk Islam,” that is, Islam strongly infused with traditional elements. Some
contend that folk Islam is the dominant religion in Indonesia.
Estimates are that at least 1,064,000 persons in Indonesia (1 %) follow traditional
religions exclusively. These people primarily live in interior regions of Sumba, Sumatra,
Kalimantan, Sulawesi, and Irian Jaya. Many of the Christian groups in Indonesia have
come from peoples who were traditional religionists before becoming Christian.
Kebatinan (Mysticism)
Javanese culture has produced a type of religious practice called kebatinan that
represents a developed mystical approach. Those involved in kebatinan seek deeper
knowledge and insight through almost trance-like states. They seek to find truth in
general but also facts in particular, such as discovering the locations of lost or stolen
goods. Many of the older people in Java—both Christian and Moslem—continue some
contact with the kebatinan philosophy
Chinese Religion
The Chinese minority in Indonesia participate in the practice of various, and sometimes,
mixed versions of Chinese religions. They continue veneration for ancestors, family
solidarity, and the observance of Chinese festivals. Younger Chinese people feel a
deep responsibility for the proper burial of their parents and this ritual requires much
recognition of Chinese religious practice. The actual practice of Buddhism and
Hinduism is minimal among the Chinese of Indonesia.
Marginal Christian Groups
Roman Catholic Church (Gereja Katolik)
The Roman Catholic Church began during the Portuguese period in the 1530’s with the
missionary efforts of Francis Xavier. Following Xavier, who laid the foundation in 1546,
other Catholic Orders entered. By the end of the 16th century, the Catholic Church
claimed as many as 50,000 members. With the coming of Dutch power in 1605,
Reformed Christianity took the place of Roman Catholicism and the Catholic strength
lessened. Between 1800 and 1945 the Catholics were restricted by the government
except in certain regions that included Java, Flores, North Sulawasi, and Kalimantan.
These were areas that had been served by Catholics in earlier periods.
Since independence, the Catholic Church has expanded due partly to the freedom to
serve over all of Indonesia. This Church has particular strength on the Island of Flores
where the Church claims as many as 500,000 members and up to 900,000 adherents in
over 150 congregations.
Overall, the Roman Catholic Church in Indonesia claims up to 8000 congregations with
around 3,200,000 members and 5,800,000 adherents. The growth rate is estimated at
+ 1.4%.
Jehovah’s Witnesses (Perkumpulan Siswa Alkitab)
Jehovah’s Witnesses entered Indonesia in 1933 and report some 80 congregations with
2730 members and 10,000 adherents.
Christian Scientist (Gereja Kesatu Kristus Ahli Ilmu)
Recent arrivals in Indonesia from the West, the Christian Science group in Indonesia
numbers as many as 5 congregations and perhaps 300 members
Church of Christ of Latter Day Saints [Mormons] (Gereja Kristus dari
Orang-Orang Suci Zaman Achir)
This Church is a recent arrival that claims 30 congregations, 13,500 members and as
many as 20,000 adherents. These churches are mostly administered by personnel from
the USA and have little indigenous leadership

Interisland Christian Church Groups
While many Church groups serve primarily in one region or on one island, some
Churches serve over much or most of the nation. These groups, the interisland
Christian Groups, seek to find places of service among various peoples in Indonesia.
The Indonesia Protestant Church (Gereja Protestan Indonesia GPI)
The Indonesia Protestant Church, although the largest Church in the Indonesian
Council of Churches, has no members. The Church is composed of four Churches that
together make up the General Synod of the Protestant Church. The four Churches—
the Protestant Church of the Moluccas, The Evangelical Christian Church of Timor, The
Evangelical Christian Church of Minahasa, and the Western Indonesia Protestant
Church. These four constituting Churches will be discussed in their geographical
The Salvation Army (Bala Keselamatan Indonesia)
The Salvation Army, that has headquarters in Great Britain, began work in Indonesia as
early as 1894. The officers of the Salvation Army in Indonesia come from various
nations and from various areas of Indonesia. The Army carries out a variety of services
including schools, hospitals, clinics, orphanages, hostels for students, and homes for
the aged. In addition, the Army often serves in times of disaster, providing relief efforts.
The Salvation Army earns the title of interisland by serving in Sulawesi, the Moluccas,
Timor, Java, Kalimantan, and Sumatra (north and south). The Salvation Army in
Indonesia claims over 63,000 members in some 228 congregations.
Gospel Tabernacle Christian Church of Indonesia (Kemah Injili Gereja
Indonesia KINGMI)
The missionary organization, the Christian Missionary Alliance, began work in Indonesia
in 1929 with beginnings in eastern Indonesia. Early churches were established in
Sulawesi, Buton, Moeni, Bali, Lombok, Sumbawa, South Sumatra, Banka, Billiton,
Kalimantan, and Irian Jaya. Since World War II the work has expaned to Java, Roti,
Flores, and Alor.
In 1965 many of the congregations affiliated with the CMA organized into the Kemah
Injil Gereja Masehi Indonesia. The Church name was later changed to Gereja Kristen
Injili Indonesia. The Church divided into six districts. The Jaffray School of Theology
and several Bible Schools provide leadership training. This Church with its widespread
ministry certainly deserves the designation of interisland. The Gereja Kristen jili
Indonesia now has 193,000 members in over 2200 congregations.
Baptist Churches in Indonesia (Gabungan Gereja 2 Baptis di Indonesia)
The now Indonesian led Baptist Churches of Indonesia began in 1951 with the entrance
of Southern Baptist missionaries from the United States. In early development, the
churches were restricted to Java and later to Sumatra. The Gabungan now serves on
various islands such as Kalimantan, Timor, the Molluccas, and Sulawesi. This Baptist
group has experienced excellent growth since the nationals assumed leadership. The
group, in some cases still assisted by the Southern Baptists, promotes hospital work (on
Java and Sumatra), publication ministry, and leadership training. The Indonesian
Baptist Group reports over 832 congregations with 82,229 members and 160,000
Seventh-day Advent Churches (Gereja Masehi Adven Hari Ke Tuhuh
Seventh-day Adventists have worked over most of Indonesia since 1900. They number
over 1089 congregations with 173,128 members and 289,124 adherents.
Pentecostal Type Churches
Several Pentecostal type Churches have developed in Indonesia and have experienced
exceptional growth. While the Pentecostal Churches have been active among the
Chinese minority, their ministries have not been exclusively for any one people group.
The Pentecostal Churches have tended to spread over the islands of Indonesia.
The Church of Jesus the Messiah (Gereja Isa Almaseh)
The Church of Jesus the Messiah, an autonomous church from its beginning in 1945,
was the first Pentecostal type church to join the Indonesian Council of Churches in
1960. The Church began primarily among Chinese Indonesians under the leadership of
Pastor Tan Hok Tjoan grew rapidly and expanded until in 1967 it had 12 congregations
and 12000 members in five cities—one outside of Java. Originally using the Chinese
name, Sing Ling Kawe Hui, the Church adopted its present name around 1967.
Presently, the Church reports 13,500 members with 30 congregations.
Pentecostal Church in Indonesia (Gereja Pantekosta di Indonesia GPI or
GPdI )
Membership in the Pentecostal Church in Indonesia is around 25% Chinese. It began
in 1920 and has experienced many splits including the Bethel Full Gospel Church (see
below). The Pentecostal Church in Indonesia reports some 1700 congregations with
over 850,000 members and 1,400,00 adherents.
The Bethel Church in Indonesia (Gereja Bethel Indoesia GBI)
The Bethel Church began in Indonesia in 1946 and is connected with the Church of
God, Cleveland in the United States. The membership remains almost 50% Chinese.
The Church reports over 1320 congregations, 380,000 members, and 700,000
Bethel Full Gospel Church (Gereja Bethel Injil Sepenuh GBIS)
The Bethel Full Gospel Church, a split from the Pentecostal Church in Indonesia (see
above) has congregations on Java, Sumatra, and in Irian Jaya. The Headquarters of
the Church is in Jakarta. This Church joined the Indonesian Council of Churches in
1964. The Church numbers over 440 congregations with a total membership of 63,000
and 105,000 adherents.
Pentecostal Missionary Church (Gereja Utusan Pantekosta GUP)
The Pentecostal Missionary Church began in Indonesia in 1935 and is composed
mainly of indigenous Pentecostals. It reports 327 congregations, 72,000 members, and
160,000 adherents. Note a vast discrepancy between the figures in Johnstone and
Barrett, with Barrett recording only 41 congregations and 9000 members.
Holy Spirit Church of Indonesia (Sidang Rohul Kudus Indonesia GSRKI)
The Holy Spirit Church serves primarily in Medan, Sumatra among indigenous
Pentecostals. It reports almost 7000 members.
Assemblies of God (Sidang Jumat Allah )
The Assemblies of God have congregations on Java, Sumatra, Ambon, and Sulawesi.
They trace their beginnings in Indonesia to 1930. The totals for the Assemblies of God
in Indonesia are 1200 congregations, 60,000 members, and 150,000 adherents.
Bethel Tabernacle Church (Gereja Bethel Tabernakel GBT)
Bethel Tabernacle Church, began its ministries in Indonesia in 1957, and now works
throughout Indonesia. It now reports over 660 congregations, 100,000 members, and
250,000 adherents
The Pentecostal Church of God (Calvari Pantekosta Missi)
The Pentecostal Church of God is connected with the Calvary Pentecostal Mission that
is located primarily on the Island of Ternate. It began its work in 1948. This Church
practices a very classical Pentecostal style and has over 187 congregations and
140,000 members.
Surabaja Pentecostal Church (Gereja Penekosta Pusat Surabaya GPPS)
The Surabaja Pentecostal Church has served in East Java since 1959. It reports 250
congregations with 40,000 members—mostly Chinese.
Christian Church Groups on Sumatra
The Batak Protestant Christian Church (Huria Kristen Batak Protestan
This Church, the largest one Church body in Indonesia, began with the ministry of the
Rhenish Missionary Society (Germany) in 1834 but experienced its tremendous
expansion in the mass movements beginning in 1861. This Church follows a basically
Luthern theological persuasion and now has 2400 congregations with 1,350,000
members and 2,700,000 adherents. The Church serves primarily among the Toba
Batak People.
The Simalungun Protestant Christian Church (Gereja Kristen Protestan
The Church among the Simalungun Batak People also began from the work of the
Rhenish Missionary Society but only in 1903. The major growth of this Church came
after 1930 when the ministry began using the Simalungun language and with the
growing autonomy gained by the Church during the Japanese occupation. The Church
reports over 500 congregations with more than 86,000 members
The Karo Batak Protestant Church (Gereja Batak Karo Prostestan)
This Church began in the 1890s among the most northern of the Batak Peoples but
experienced remarkable growth after the 1965 abortive coup by the Communists at
which time this Church received over 30,000 new members. The Church has over 645
congregations with100,000 members and 250,000 adherents.
Batak Christian Church (Huria Kristen Batak)
The Batak Christian Church split from the Batak Protestant Church (HKGP) in 1927
over the matter of western influences which this Church rejected. The Church reports
some 30 congregations with around 3000 members.
Batak Evangelical Lutheran Christian Church (Huria Kristen Batak
Protestan Luther)
This Church, a schism from the HKBP, points to a beginning in 1965. The Church
reports some 6200 members in 35 congregations.
Indonesian Protestant Christian Church (Gereja Kristen Protestan
The Indonesian Protestant Christian Church came out of the HKBP around 1967 and
now numbers over 413 congregations, 63,300 members and 128,000 adherents.
Jesus Christ Church (Huria Hatapan ni Kristus Jesus)
The Jesus Christ Church broke from the HKBP around 1952 and has some 5
congregations with around 500 members.
The Nias Protestant Christian Church (Banua Niha Keriso Protestan BNKP)
This Church, which occupies the Island of Nias and two smaller islands off the west
coast of Sumatra, sprang from the work of the Rhenish Missionary Society. The growth
of this Church began with a great spiritual movement, the fangesa dôdô, in 1916. This
spiritual movement continued in waves and contributed mostly positive results. Some
results have been less positive. In the main, the growth of the Nias Protestant Christian
Church has proved one of the great accounts of world evangelism. The Church has
reached a membership of 160,000 in over 578 congregations and 360,000 adherents.
Nias Christian Protestant Organization (Orahua Niha Keriso Protestan
This Church represents a large indigenous schism from the Banua Niha Keriso
Protestan. Beginning with the separation in 1952, the Church has attained a
membership of over 17,000 with some 179 congregations.
Nias Indonesian Christian Association (Angawuloa Masehi Indonesia Nias
This Church group separated from the Nias Protestant Church in 1940. It now reports
4716 members in 36 congregations. (Note David Barrett counts 11 congregations and
over 20,000 members with 60,000 adherents in this Church).
The Indonesia Methodist Church (Gereja Methodis Indonesia GMI)
The Indonesian Methodist church grew out of efforts from American Methodists
beginning around 1903 and through contacts with former pupils in the American
Methodist English Schools in Malaysia and Singapore. While these efforts addressed
both Java and Sumatra, around 1929 the Methodists withdrew from Java and
concentrated on Sumatra, mostly around Medan in the north and Palembang in the
south. In the beginning the work centered on Chinese peoples in the major cities but
later reached out also to the Batak peoples—Simalungun and Toba. The Methodists in
Indonesia number around 39,500 in 235 congregations and some 80,000 adherents.
Christian Church Groups on Java
East Java Christian Church (Gereja Kristen Jawi Wetan GKJW)
The East Java Christian Church is one of the oldest Church groups in Indonesia. This
Church traces its origin to the work of laymen who began the Christian witness in East
Java because the Dutch East India Company prohibited missionary work in the period
of 1830-1848. Two European laypersons, C. L. Coolen of Ngoro and Johannes Emde
began very different types of ministries. Coolen taught a Javanese type of Christianity
that introduced a Christian movement that did not require a radical break with Javanese
culture. A group of men from the village of Wiung found the wisdom (ngelmu) they were
seeking through contact with Coolen. Emde, on the other hand, taught an extreme
westernized approach to Christianity—insisting on Dutch language, dress, and customs.
When the group from Wiung came to Emde, he persuaded them to follow his approach.
The group associated with Emde continued and numbered over 220 by 1845.
The true beginning of the Church in East Java came, however, in the rural setting where
the Javanese could worship in their own ways. A group of Javanese Christians, led by
Paulua Tosari, cleared land and established a Christian village, Mojowarno, which
became the “mother congregation” of the East Java Church. This movement spread to
other villages and was well grounded before the coming of the Dutch missionaries.
In 1847-48, the Netherlands Missionary Society sent Van Rhijn to seek permission to
begin missionary work in Java. On receiving permission, the Society sent J. E.
Jellesma to East Java in 1849. Jellesma brought the two groups, the westernized
congregation from Emde’s work and the Javanese Christians from Coolen’s, into one
group. Before his death in 1858, Jellesma baptized over 2500 Javanese converts.
Several Christian villages that emerged between 1870 and 1910 became the roots of
the East Java Church. As people from these villages moved into the cities,
congregations were started. This Church reported over 25,000 new members after the
Communist Coup attempt in 1965.
The GKJW today reports over 97,500 members in 118 congregations with an
adherence numbering over 150,000.
The Java Christian Churches (Gereja2 Kristen Jawa)
The evangelistic work in Central Java stemmed from the ministry of dedicated laypeople
rather than career missionaries. A Dutch man, Mr. Keuchenius, an Indo-european
woman, Mrs. Philips-Steven, and a Javanese Christian, Sadrach, guided small groups
of believers to form congregations in Central Java. By 1873, Christians in these
congregations numbered over 2000. Sadrach, like Coolen, taught Javanese-style
Christianity. After the Dutch missionaries arrived in 1891, the Christian Reformed
Inspector ruled that the missionaries should work separately from the groups that
followed Sadrach. After Sadrach’s death in 1930, many of his followers came into the
Reformed Churches.
The churches connected to the missionary groups promoted schools, medical work, and
literature production. The first Javanese pastor, Sopater, was ordained in 1926. The
churches remained dependent on assistance from Holland. A strong Reformed
(Gereformeerde) stance characterizes this group who now claim over 250
congregations with 132,000 members and 220,000 adherents.
The Pasundan Christian Church (Gereja Kristen Pasundan GKP)
Located primarily in West Java and serving among the less open Sundanese Peoples,
this Church has experienced some growth in recent years. It began as early as 1863
through the efforts of the Netherlands Missionary Association but made only meager
progress. The Church has used methods such as villages, hospitals, clinics, schools,
and orphanages. A student hostel produced some results. After 1885 the Church
received members from congregations that had been established by a Dutch jurist, Mr.
Anthing. The Pasundan Church experienced an upswing in growth after the September
30, 1965 events. The Church now reports 46 congregations and 21,500 members with
32,000 adherents.
The Java Evangelical Christian Church (Gereja Masehi Injili Tanah Jawa)
Located primarily on the northern coast of Java, the Java Evangelical Christian Church
has a Mennonite background. Beginning in 1851, Dutch Mennonite J. Jansz began his
20-year ministry in the area of the city of Japara. The group tried to establish several
Christian villages but this approach did not prove very fruitful. The church did begin
work in hospitals, clinics, and leprosy ministries that exerted considerable influence.
The churches report 74 congregations and 47,000 members.
The Indonesian Christian Church in Central Java (Gereja Kristen Indonesia,
Jawa Tengah GKI-Ja-Teng)
This Church, started as early as 1866, began as a ministry to Chinese People in
Indonesia but has expanded some in recent years. Some efforts to unite with other
Church groups have been raised but the union has not been reached.
The Indonesian Christian Church in East Java (Gereja Kristen Indonesia,
Jawa Timur GKI Ja-Tim)
Started in 1898, The Indonesian Christian Church in East Java also began as a Church
for Chinese and now reports 60 congregations with 7600 members
The Indonesian Christian Church in West Java (Gereja Kristen Indonesia,
Jawa Barat GKI, Ja-Bar)
The Christian Church in West Java also had a Chinese origin in 1867.
The Church of Christ (Gereja Kristus)
The Church of Christ began in 1905 as a ministry to Chinese people in Indonesia. The
Church follows a Pentecostal format.
Muria Christian Church in Indonesia (Gereja Kristen Muria Indonesia GKMI)
Formerly this Church was known as the United Muria Christian Church of Indonesia. It
served a primarily Chinese membership with 40 congregations and 5500 members.
Protestant Church in West Indonesia (Gereja Protestan Indonesia Bagian
Barat GPIB)
The GPIB is part of the overall Protestant Church in Indonesia, this particular group
serving primarily in West Java, all of which point back to the Indisch Kerk as their
beginnings. The Church in Western Indonesia has primarily Ambonese, Timorese, and
Minahasans in membership. It traces its origin to 1620. The Church now reports some
190,000 members, with 223 congregations, and 500,000 adherents.
Association of Christian Foundations (Persekutuan Jajasan Kristen)
This group is an unregistered organization of churches in Java. The independent
Church numbers 1588 congregations, 270,000 members, and over 500,000 adherents.
Christian Church Groups in Sulawesi
The Minahasa Evangelical Christian Church (Gereja Masehi Injil Minahasa,
While the first missionary work in Minahasa began with the Catholic, Francis Xavier, the
actual effective evangelistic ministry was realized only in 1822 at the urging of Joseph
Kam and the Netherlands Missionary Society. By 1870 much of Minahasa was
evangelized with the people coming out of tribal religions. The Church, one of the four
Churches to make up the Indonesia Protestant Church, became autonomous in 1934
but actually achieved self-rule during the Japanese occupation. The GMIM Church has
been beset by secularism, liberalism, and nominalism. The Church has as many as
over 256,000 members and 640,000 adherents, in more than 700 congregations.
The Sangir-Talaud Evangelical Christian Church (Gereja Masehi Injili
Roman Catholics began missionary work in these Islands located northeast of the
Minahasa region in the direction of Mindanao in the Philippines in the period before the
Dutch assumed power. After 1677 (when the Dutch took power from the Spanish) but
the development of the churches made only meager progress. In 1854, however, a
report recorded as many as 20,000 Christians and 24 congregations. The Church
became autonomous in1947. The Sangir-Talaud Church has developed congregations
among émigrés on Java and Mindanao. The Church reports 80,000 members and 353
The Central Sulawesi Christian Church (Gereja Kristen Sulasesi Tengah)
The Central Sulawesi Christian Church that reports 37,000 members in 78
congregations began in the late 1890s as the fruit of effective missionary efforts by Dr.
Albert C. Kruyt and N. Adriani of the Netherlands Missionary Society. These early
missionaries insisted on using the local languages and allowing people to record their
conversions in groups. After 1909, mass movements to Christianity. The Church
became autonomous in 1947. The Church continues to experience needs in Christian
instruction and leadership training.
The Bolaang Mongondow Evangelical Christian Church (Gereja Masehi
Injili Bolang Mongondow)
The Bolaang Mongodow area, west and south of Minahasa, was extensively Isalmized
in the latter years of the 19th century—80% of the people here remain Muslim. The
Church began among Minahasan who moved to the region making a problem for the
Church as it attempted to meet the needs of both the Minahasans who had been
believers for years and the indigenous people who were new to Christianity and in daily
confrontation with Islam. In 1970 the majority of the members of the Bolaang
Mongondow Church were either Christians from Minahasa or from Bali. The Church
suffered significant persecution during the Darul Islam and PERMESTA rebellions
between 1959 and 1962. Much church property was destroyed. The Church reports
50,000 members in 176 congregations.
The Makale-Rantepao Toraja Christian Church (Gereja Kristen Toraja,
This Church began with missionary work by the Dutch Christian Reformed Missionary
Association in 1913. By 1942 the Church numbered 40,000 members. After World War
II the church reached authonomy. The membership of 75,000 in 1947 doubled by 1954.
The rapid growth made instruction in Christian living and growth difficult. These
problems were compounded by persecution by fanatical Muslim elements from among
the Bugis peoples to the south. This persecution caused thousands of Torja Christians
to flee to other areas. The Church reports over 200,000 members in 710 congregations
but needs aid in overcoming the past persecutions and the limited development.
The Mamasa Toraja Christian Church (Gereja Kristen Toraja Mamasa)
The Mamasa Toraja Christian Church reflects much similarity with the Makale-Rantepao
Church. Although some Christian work had been noted in the area earlier, the real
development of the Church began in 1929 when a Christian Reformed group from the
Netherlands began evangelization. After some five years, around 5000 believers
served but the number had expanded to 30,000 by 1954. This group like others in the
region faced severe persecution. The Mamasa Toraja Church reports 51,000 members
in 360 congregations.
The Southeast Sulawesi Protestant Church (Gereja Progtestan Sulawesi
This Church faces opposition from the militant Islam that controls the region. The first
Christian efforts in the area sought primarily to minister to the Ambonese and
Minahasans who have moved into the region. In 1915 the Netherlands Missionary
Society began evangelizing the tribal peoples. In the face of Isalmic opposition the
Church has experienced progress now numbering 12000 members in over 100
The South Sulawesi Christian Church (Gereja Kristgen Sulawesi Selatan)
This Church serves in a region controlled by the strong Islamic Buginese and
Makassarese ethnic groups. The early Christian efforts ministered primarily to
employees of the East India Company and these congregations did little to reach out to
the local peoples. During the periods from 1851-1932, efforts to evangelize the local
peoples met with almost total rejection. In 1933, Christian efforts met some response
and this Church became its fruits. The South Sulawesi Christian Church now counts
some 4000 members in around 40 congregations.
Indonesian Protestant Church in Gorontalo (Gereja Ptotestan Indoneais di
Gorontalo GPIG)
This Church, located among the Gorontalo peoples of eastern Sulawesi, serves among
a strongly Muslim people. The Church points to 1964 as its time of origin. It now
numbers some 6000 members and 56 congregations.
The Indonesian Protestant Church in Donggala (Gereja Protestan Indonesia
Donggala GPID)
The Protestant Church in Donggala is another smaller evangelical group in Sulawesi,
this one in central Sulawesi. The Church reports some 130 congregations with 9200
The Protestant Church of Indonesia in Buol-Toli (Gereja Protestan
Indonesia in Buol-Toli GPI in Buol-Toli)
The Buol-Toli Church serves among the Gorontalo, the Buginese, and the Sea Gypsies
in Sulawesi. The group thus serves a strongly Islamic area. The Church now counts
some 50 congregations with over 6800 members.
Christian Church in Luwuk Banggai ( Gereja Kristen Luwuk Banggai)
The Christian Church in Luwuk Banggai serves over 6600 members in 110 congregations. The
Church works in southern Sulawesi.
Christian Church Groups in Maluku
The Moluccan Protestant Church (Gereja Protestan Maluku GKM)
The Moluccan Protestant Church, one of the four parts of the Indonesia Protestant
Church (Gereja Protestan Indonesia), may be the oldest evangelical Church in Asia
reaching back as early as 1546. The Christian movement has received the ministry of
such well-known missionaries as Francis Xavier (The Roman Catholic), Jabez Carey
(son of William Carey), and Joseph Kam (the Apostle to the Moluccas). Actually, the
growth of the Church became most advanced during the ministry of Jabez Carey and
Joseph Kam. Although the Church early was beset by syncretism with pre-Christian
superstitions and charges of being a Dutch religion, it has nevertheless achieved steady
growth. Around one-half the people in Ambon follow the Christian religion. The
Christians in the Moluccan Islands have faced severe persecution by Islamic extremists
in recent years. The Church on Ambon has supplied missionaries for Christian ministry
in many other regions in Indonesia. The Church reports 317,500 members in over 796
congregations, and some 453,000 adherents.
Christian Church Groups in Southeast Indonesia (Nusa Tenggara)
The Sumba Christian Church (Gereja Kristen Sumba GKS)
The Sumba Christian Church began among immigrants from the Island of Sawu that is
near Timor. The Netherlands Gereformeerd Missionary Society sent missionaries in
1881 but the first Sumbanese was baptized in 1915. The Church that was established
in 1936 was primarily among the peoples from Sawu Island. The Church has suffered
from a schism in the Gereformeerd Church and from the Japanese occupation. The
Church reports 75 congregations, 68,000 members, and over 180,000 adherents.
The Bali Protestant Christian Church (Gereja Kristen Protestan Bali GKPB)
The Bali Protestant Christian Church actually began as early as 1886 with the work of
missionaries from the Utrecht Society of Holland who after seven years baptized one
Balinese man. This baptized Balinese eight years later was implicated in the murder of
the missionary. The Dutch closed Bali to Christian missions. In 1929 a Chinese
bookseller began to evangelize Chinese in Bali and also won 113 Balinese who were
baptized in 1932. This baptism caused an outcry so that Bali was once again closed to
missionary activity. Finally, under the guidance of the East Java Church, the work in
Bali began to progress. Some former Hindus are in the membership of the Church. The
Church engages in much relief, educational, and economic development work. The
Church has also suffered great persecution. Nevertheless, the Church has 58
congregations, 3800 members, and over 6000 adherents.
Christian Church Groups in Kalimantan
The Kalimantan Evangelical Church (Gereja Kalimantan Evangelis GKE)
The Kalimantan Evangelical Church began as early as 1836 through the ministry of the
Rhenish Missionary Society from Germany. The Church, originally named the Dayak
Evangelical Church, has faced difficult times during the Hidajat Rebellion against
Western influences in 1859 and during the Japanese occupation. The Hidajat Rebellion
resulted in the Rhenish Missiony Society transferring its missionaries to Sumatra and
this ministry eventually led to the tremendous movement among the Toba Bataks and
the peoples of Nias Island. The Church now numbers over 960 congregations with
107,000 members.
Indonesian Baptist Gospel Fellowship (Persekutuan Injil Baptis Indonesia
This Church, working primarily in Western Kalimantan, began its work in 1963. The
ministry is loosely connected to evangelical bodies in the United States. The Church
claims some 30,000 members
The Gospel Spreading Christian Church (Gereja Kristen Pamancar Inji
The Gospel Spreading Christian Church, also called the Ray of the Gospel Christian
Church) began work in Indonesia in 1960 and became a member of the Indonesian
Council of Churches in 1962. It has experienced rapid growth in the Northeast section
of Kalimantan. The Church has increased to congregations, with members, and
adherents. The Church may have developed out of the work of the Christian Missionary
The West Kalimantan Christian Church (Gereja Kristen Kalimantan Barat
The West Kalimantan Christian Church began its ministry in 1938 in western
Kalimantan reaching primarily Chinese people. In remains 60% Chinese in
membership. The Church has congregations with members.
Christian Church Groups in Irian Jaya
Baptist Churches in Irian Jaya (Gereja Baptis di Irian Jaya)
The Baptist Churches in Irian Jaya number around 17 congregations and 2000
members. They work primarily among tribal peoples.
The Protestant Church in Irian Jaya (Gereja Protestan Indonesia di Irian

The Protestant Church in Irian Jaya
The church reports 169 congregations with over 15000 members. This group began work in
Irian Jaya around 1985.
The Evangelical Christian Church in Irian Jaya (Gereja Kristen Injili di Irian
The Church reports some 86 congregations with over 10,300 members
The Evangelical Christian Church in Irian Jaya
This church began as early as 1862. It now numbers 1100 congregations with almost 300,000
The Evangelical Alliance Church in Irian Jaya
The Evangelical Alliance Church serves over 350 congregations with some 60,000 members.
This Church began ministry in Irian Jaya in 1952.
The Protestant Church in Irian Jaya (Gereja Jemaat Protestan di Irian Jaya)
The Jemaat Protestan di Irian Jaya began service around 1984. It now has some 86
congregations with 10,500 members.
The Fellowship of Baptist Churches in Irian Jaya (Perseketuan Gereja2
Baptis di Irian Jaya)
This fellowship of Baptist Churches numbers over 206 congregations with more than 75,000
[Muller-Kruger, Sedjarah Geredja di Indonesia (Church History in Indonesia); Frank Cooley, Indonesia:
Church and Society, Smith, God’s Miracles in Indonesia; Johstone and Mandryk; Barrett

Missiological Implications

1. Evangelical Christians and Christian groups should support the Christian Churches
   and groups in Indonesia—especially those who are experiencing direct persecution.
   This support certainly includes prayer and encouragement but also could include
   leadership training aid, helping to replace church property, and personnel support.
2. Evangelical Christians and Christian groups should encourage, support, and directly
   participate in efforts to reach the 23 clusters of unreached peoples in many areas of
   Indonesia. The support for reaching the unreached peoples could be in the direction
   of aid to Indonesian groups who are involved in such evangelistic practices and also
   as direct evangelistic and church starting efforts.
3. Evangelical Christians and Christian groups should seek to work alongside
   Indonesian Christian leaders to formulate contextualized presentations of the gospel
     to each of the many people groups in the nation. This would include churches
     precisely designed for peoples displaced in the growing cities—such as churches for
     peoples from Maluku or Sulawesi or Kalimantan in cities such as Jakarta or
4.   Evangelical Christians and Christian groups should seek to assist and minister to the
     Christian peoples displaced by and injured in persecution—especially in the Maluku
5.   Evangelical Christians and Christian groups should be drawn to the millions of
     nominal Muslims who largely practice “folk Islam” in syncretistic ways. Many of
     these people are open to a contextualized presentation of the gospel of Jesus.
6.   Evangelical Christians and Christian groups should seek ways to aid Indonesian
     Christian groups in leadership training. This aid can be in the form of financial
     means and also personnel who might teach in leadership training schools under the
     direction of the leaders of the schools.
7.   Evangelical Christians and Christian groups should actively aid the Indonesian
     Churches in developing means to evangelize the peoples in transmigration areas
     and to start viable churches among them. The same emphasis should seek to
     minister to the flood of peoples into the urban areas where people are being drawn
     into many different cultural groups who are often ripe for the gospel.
8.   Evangelical Christians and Christian groups should assist Indonesian Christian
     groups in developing leadership training on every level—seminary, Bible School,
     local church leadership.

[Smith, God’s Miracles, Johnstone and Mandyk, Operation World, Cooley, Indonesia: Church and

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