INDONESIA: No to Minang Bible

Source: Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin, June 9, 2020

Indonesia is home to some 6.8 million Minangkabau. They are the fourth largest ethnic group in Indonesia and the dominant ethnic group in West Sumatra. They are 99.72 percent Muslim and 0.26 percent Christian.

On June 3, Indonesia’s Communication and Information Minister removed a Bible app, “Kitab Suci Injil Minangkabau” [The Bible in Minangkabau language] from the Google Play Store at the request of West Sumatra governor, Irwan Prayitno. Backed by the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI, Indonesia’s top body of Islamic clerics), Irwan insisted that the Bible app is offensive to the Minangkabau, whose culture is based on Sharia and the Quran, not the Bible.

The action sets a precedent and has triggered fierce debate on religious freedom both in West Sumatra and across Indonesia. Please pray.

» Full story cites an article from The Jakarta Post.

Also from the Jakarta Post: Indonesia has said its citizens will not be allowed to participate in the haj pilgrimage this year, even if Saudi Arabia reopens Mecca and Medina in time.

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