09/18/2023 Indonesia (International Christian Concern) – Indonesia Minister of Religion Yaqut Cholil Qoumas recently appealed to voters to make informed decisions in the upcoming Feb. 14, 2024 presidential election as Christians face increased persecution.
Posting on the Ministry of Religion’s website, Qoumas said it is important to avoid candidates who exploit religion to further their political agenda, and those who divide the populace. He emphasized that trustworthy leadership is crucial for a diverse nation like Indonesia that draws strength from its differences.
Ninety-two percent of Christian voters cast their ballots for current Indonesian president Jokowi in the 2019 presidential election. Posing as a firm supporter of “Pancasila,” the official philosophical foundation of Indonesia intended to promote pluralism, Jokowi won over Christians’ support for his relatively moderate stance on Islam.
Three years later, however, many Christians are increasingly disappointed in their leader as victims of blasphemy accusations continue to surface. Churches across the nation still face problems with obtaining church building permits (IMBs) and Christians are pervasively discriminated against in society.
Please join International Christian Concern (ICC) in praying for a new Indonesian president who is sympathetic to the plight of Christians.
For interviews, please contact: press@persecution.org
