Pray for Indonesia
Learn about and pray for Indonesia in just 5 minutes per week!
Receive one email per week for 13 weeks about Indonesia’s history, geography, persecution profile, and largest unreached people groups.
WEEK 1
Prayercast
Pray along with a local believer for their nation.
WEEK 2
Operation World
Pray through Operation World's country profile.
WEEK 3
World Watch List
Pray through the country's persecution profile.
WEEKS 4-13
People Groups
Pray for the country's 10 largest unreached people groups.
Introduction
Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelagic state with over 17,000 islands, faces the challenge of unity amidst its diverse culture and languages.
The 2004 tsunami tragedy brought a sense of unity but challenges persist. Colonized by various powers until independence in 1945, Indonesia underwent periods of oppressive rule, notably under General Suharto. His rule ended in 1997, marking an era of reconstruction and economic growth.
Despite being the most populous Muslim nation, religious persecution exists. The church experiences unity through persecution, fostering the growth of mission organizations and evangelism.
Indonesians also face unique challenges due to geographical transitions caused by resettlement projects and natural disasters.
Praise the Lord for the emergence of a national language, Indonesian, facilitates Gospel communication across ethnic boundaries.
Read on to learn how you can pray for Indonesia.
Fast Facts
Capital City: Jakarta
Population: 277 million (70% unreached)
People Groups: 787
10/40 Window: Yes
Major People Groups: 32% Javanese (Orang Jawa); 17% Sundanese (Urang Sunda); 7% Madurese
Major Religions: Muslim 80%, Christian 13%
Language: Javanese, Indonesian, Sunda
GDP Per Capita: $11,400
Literacy Rate: 96%
Did you know? With over 722 languages spoken, Indonesia holds the title for the highest number of distinct languages in one nation.
Also, Sumatra and Borneo are the only places where you can find orangutans in the wild, offering a unique opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts.
Pray for the unreached people groups of Indonesia
Indonesia has almost 800 people groups! And it has over 20 unreached people groups with over 1 million people.
Below are the 10 largest unreached people groups in Indonesia:
| Name | Religion | Population |
| 1. Sunda | Islam | 38,659,000 |
| 2. Java Pesisir Lor | Islam | 37,732,000 |
| 3. Java Mancanegari | Islam | 21,091,000 |
| 4. Java Banyumasan | Islam | 9,274,000 |
| 5. Madura | Islam | 7,681,000 |
| 6. Minangkabau | Islam | 6,915,000 |
| 7. Betawi | Islam | 5,749,000 |
| 8. Bugis | Islam | 5,749,000 |
| 9. Java Pesisir Kulon | Islam | 5,227,000 |
| 10. Banjar | Islam | 4,416,000 |
Pray for Christians being persecuted
Indonesia is ranked #42 on the 2024 World Watch List published by Open Doors.
Indonesia has taken on a more conservative Islamic character in recent years, which can put pressure on Christians, especially converts.
These believers will likely experience intense pressure from their families to return to Islam. A church seen to be preaching the gospel soon runs into opposition from Islamic extremist groups, especially in rural areas. Thanks to effective anti-terror police, violence towards Christians by Islamic extremists is uncommon, but many new Christians move towns to escape harassment.
World Watch List
You can learn about Christian persecution and pray for our brothers and sisters who being persecuted around the world by praying through the Open Doors’ World Watch List.
“[God] has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.”
Pray for Indonesia
“Slow drip” your learning and prayers for Indonesia: its history, geography, persecution profile, and largest unreached people groups.