By Christian Dispatch, adapted from reporting by Philip Situmorang at Christianity Today
SUKABUMI, INDONESIA — A Christian youth retreat in West Java was violently disrupted on June 27 when a mob of about 200 men stormed a villa where 36 children and teens were gathered to sing, pray, and study God’s Word.
Shouting “Destroy that house!” the attackers smashed windows and gates, damaged cars, and forced the children and leaders to flee without belongings. “It was traumatizing for us and especially the children,” said retreat leader Rita Muljartono.
Police detained eight suspects, but local officials later told the homeowners to stop hosting religious activities. The attack comes amid a sharp rise in violence against Christians in Indonesia—402 cases in 2024 alone.
Despite the threats, church leaders urge believers to stand firm. “Worship is an inherent human right,” said Darwin Darmawan of the Communion of Churches in Indonesia.
Muljartono agrees: “As Christians, we will still gather before the Lord—whether in church or in our homes.”
