Indonesians celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Batak Protestant Church
by Mathias Hariyadi
Delegations representing moderate Muslim groups take part in the celebrations, which began last Sunday in great pomp in Jakarta’s main stadium in the presence of 100,000 people, including Indonesian President Yudhoyono. More events are scheduled for the coming weeks in various cities.
Jakarta (AsiaNews) – Various events in many cities marked the 150th anniversary of Indonesia’s Christian Protestant Batak Church (HKBP). In the capital Jakarta, 100,000 people took part in a ceremony in the city’s main stadium. Indonesian President Yudhoyono and delegations representing various Muslim organisations, including Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), the country’s main moderate Muslim organisation, also took part in the festivities, which began last Sunday.
Protestant missionaries like Munson and Lyman first arrived from Europe in the 1820s in Labu Pining, (Sipirok, Central Tapanuli, North Sumatra). Over the years, their work proved successful among ethnic Bataks.
Known for its colourful celebrations and use of traditional songs and dances, the Church belongs to the worldwide Lutheran community and has some 4.5 million members across the country.
The Church’s headquarters are still in Pearaja, North Tapanuli Regency in North Sumatra, its place of birth. Its leaders are known as ‘ephori’ or bishops.
Despite being well liked and respected my moderate Muslims, Christian Bataks have come under attack in recent years from Muslim extremists. The latest occurred back in August about 100 people desecrated and set fire to two house churches in Logas Tanah Darat, Kuantan Regency, Riau Province (Sumatra).
In January 2010, in Sibuhuan (Padang Lawas District, North Sumatra), a mob of about a thousand people set fire to two more house churches, after the local Christian community was accused of forced conversions and disturbing public order.
As is the case for other religious minorities, the HKBO’s applications for permits to build places of worship are often turned down. Functions held in house churches are also disrupted. In regions where Islamic radicalism is strong, some communities have been waiting 30 years for a permit to celebrate Mass.
Protestant missionaries like Munson and Lyman first arrived from Europe in the 1820s in Labu Pining, (Sipirok, Central Tapanuli, North Sumatra). Over the years, their work proved successful among ethnic Bataks.
Known for its colourful celebrations and use of traditional songs and dances, the Church belongs to the worldwide Lutheran community and has some 4.5 million members across the country.
The Church’s headquarters are still in Pearaja, North Tapanuli Regency in North Sumatra, its place of birth. Its leaders are known as ‘ephori’ or bishops.
Despite being well liked and respected my moderate Muslims, Christian Bataks have come under attack in recent years from Muslim extremists. The latest occurred back in August about 100 people desecrated and set fire to two house churches in Logas Tanah Darat, Kuantan Regency, Riau Province (Sumatra).
In January 2010, in Sibuhuan (Padang Lawas District, North Sumatra), a mob of about a thousand people set fire to two more house churches, after the local Christian community was accused of forced conversions and disturbing public order.
As is the case for other religious minorities, the HKBO’s applications for permits to build places of worship are often turned down. Functions held in house churches are also disrupted. In regions where Islamic radicalism is strong, some communities have been waiting 30 years for a permit to celebrate Mass.
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