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How is A Christian Living in Indonesia?

Source:
Catholic Church Mary Assumpata, Klaten, Indonesia with Javanese architectural

When I and my German friend met at a coffee because he would be back to Germany afterward, so we spent together a lot hours and had an interesting conversation. He shared his story about missionary in a Muslim country - which can be challenging and difficult because of their rules or culture. So, I noticed that was interesting because I'm a Christian who lives in Indonesia's first-ranked largest Muslim population worldwide with around 241.5 millions, followed by Pakistan and India with around 225.6 millions and 211.16 millions, respectively, Statista sourced. While, Christians are just around 29 millions, a 2024 study from Pew Research Center, whose are Catholics, Protestants, and Orthodox. 

So, that's really interesting to share about that with you guys! I'm so excited to share here!

I'm Christian, not fully as overall, but yeah, I identify myself a Christian. I admit that's tough becoming a Christian who lives in Indonesia, despite we are taught early at a school that we are expected to be tolerant and respect persons who have different religions. We learned Pancasila (the principle of country) and Bhinneka Tunggal Ika defines "though we are different but we are one" (the symbol, just like as In God We Trust in the United States). So, we have a basic life which well expected becoming an Indonesian citizen. However, the radicalism and fanaticism had have lead on intolerant behavior and act against the Pancasila and Bhinneka Tunggal Ika. It happens every day as the circumstances appeared being viral on social media. The church rejection is one of the most-reported circumstances on social media. 

So, it as should as hard for Christians who live in Indonesia. But, still non Christians are well-behaved and honor of Christians by a community and a society. A few percent of it part of, like Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Surakarta, Bali, or depending on your environment. So, I guess the region of where are you at is dependable on condition. However, as overall I have some tips for foreign Christians who want to move or visit Indonesia, so here it is way go:

  • You Need to Study About Indonesia 

That's very important to learn a bit about Indonesia before deciding to move or visit Indonesia because I believe such foreigners wrongfully assume Indonesia is "one" as overall as what is region that you're going to,. Bali is Bali, but everybody does not know Bali is actually part of Indonesia, it is still yet. 

Yeah, I went to Bali, told when returned to your country - actually that's not what Indonesia represents. Bali is arguably the world's famous tourism as international tourists would want to visit and spend more in Bali. I love Bali too! I always want to be back Bali! But, however, you need to learn a bit about Indonesia, maybe about culture, Bahasa Indonesia, or buying an Indonesian map is a wise idea one. You can find easily on Google and visit some official sites, read entirely. 

  • When You're Visiting Indonesia, The First Thing is to Respect Muslim People

As worldwide largest Muslim population, you're expected to respect Muslim first because it is how it way life does as suppose. The Muslim is majority, you need to respect while they have five prayer times, their mosque has a loudspeaker and will emit the sound of the call of prayer five times or other times depends - which is called adzan. You need to get used to it. But you can rather to have a far away house living such as hotel or some places are away from mosque however it is not recommended since it is not what Indonesia represents that you need to learn and know.

  • Don't Evangelize, Never Do Such Things!

As Jesus' commandment in Matthew 28: 19-20 on evangelism, we genuinely have aware of how important evangelism is, however it must be a strategy in itself because publicly evangelism is like something offensive and hard. I do not need to explain because I believe you will know what happens. Evangelism yourself is a way better. Like, you're a Christian, just be a Christian who does churching and practicing gospel yourself while having meet with them. Don't get over an unnecessary debate and just answer what question comes, at the close time, that's over, on the assumption that there is no further question and you do not need to do it.

  • Attending a Local Church on Sunday!

Rather to have an international church on Sunday, I highly recommend that you need to go to a local church and spend with them despite it may be language obstacles. They are so so so welcomed about your visit! Even, you're invited to join their small community, like youth community. Learn a bit Bahasa Indonesia and have a great memory spending with them! Which is incredible, to-do list should be doing in Indonesia. That's price never found anything and only a "family-centered" community is valuably. 

  • Always Believe in Jesus and a Christian Anywhere

You're baptized becoming a Christian, is expected to be a Christian anywhere you're going. Not just at a house or a church, you will go to work, still a Christian, just same thing while you're in Indonesia. As tempted like marriage invite or engagement, even going to meet local parents, you should be a Christian while what is saying to your local friends who probably get crush on. Don't leave your faith, only because you are while with local friends. An international marriage is common in Indonesia - also can be an "achievement" in its local community - but it can be weakness for foreign Christians who have left for their local friends. So, you should stay believe in Jesus and be a Christian anywhere in Indonesia, whatever you are saying that you love Indonesia. 


So, here's a five-tip to be sharing with you guys based on my experience as a local Christian who lives in Indonesia. Even, that is not easy Christian people while visiting or living in Indonesia but I believe that's going to be the best experience of you ever have in your life. Indonesia remains the best place for visiting, living in, studying, or even the best place for retirement. The key is importantly as always believe in Jesus anywhere you're at. The faith comes first as suppose while other things are in additional. Do not leave your faith! Keep believe in Jesus! God bless!

Jesus is the only salvation besides nobody will save without Him, reading in John 14: 6.

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