Indonesia
Country Profile:
The Republic of Indonesia is an archipelago of more than 13,500 islands, of which approximately 6,000 are inhabited. In 1965 Muslims emerged victorious in a showdown between communists and Muslims and over half a million communist sympathizers were killed. Now, “Pancasila,” with monotheism and communal peace as a basis, is the government’s ideology. Each citizen must carry a religious status identification card and choose one of these recognized religions: Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism or Christianity. Militant Muslims have orchestrated an Islamic jihad against Christians particularly in the areas where Christians are the majority, such as Central Sulaweisi and the Maluku Islands. More than 80% of the population is Muslims though many mix Islam with animism or some type of mystical religions. Since 1996 more than 8,000 persons have been killed and 600 churches destroyed some as recently as April 2004. Christians who fled from their villages when they were attacked are unable to return to their homes either because they fear it is not yet safe or because Muslims now occupy their land. The stated goal of these Islamists is the complete elimination of Christianity in this country. Corruption and the disregard for human rights by the government and military threaten the future of this nation.

Language: Indonesian