Summary of the Attack on a Christian Site in Indonesia
This article from Morning Star News details the aftermath of an attack on a Christian site in Padang, west Sumatra, Indonesia, on July 28th. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
The Attack: A Christian prayer house was attacked, resulting in injuries to two children and trauma to 23 child victims.
Perpetrators & Response: Several suspects have been arrested by West Sumatra Regional Police.The GKSI (presumably a local Christian organization) attempted peaceful resolution, but the attackers pursued legal proceedings despite this. Condemnation: The attack was widely condemned by:
PGI (Communion of Churches in Indonesia): Called the act “extremely distressing” and highlighted the lasting trauma it will cause children, emphasizing Indonesia’s need for diversity and respect.
Setara Institute: Labeled the attack a crime violating the constitution and urged authorities to address the root causes of intolerance.
Pastor Nicky Wakkary: Described it as an act of christianophobia and a signal to the government about interfaith relations.
Martin Daniel tumbelaka (Indonesian House of Representatives): Commended the arrests and called for accountability for those who orchestrated the attack, advocating for zero tolerance for vigilante actions.
Government Involvement: Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka visited the injured children at a social services office.
* Underlying Issues: Experts point to a growing conservative Islamic character in Indonesian society and the vulnerability of churches engaged in evangelism to extremist groups. Contributing factors to the attack include religious conservatism, low religious literacy, social segregation, discriminatory regulations, and normalized religious intolerance.
The article emphasizes the need for a complete response that goes beyond arrests, addressing the systemic issues that fuel intolerance and violence against Christians in Indonesia.