HISTORY OF INDONESIA

A nation of islands. A people of faith. A place of opportunity.

Indonesia is one of the most diverse, spiritual, and strategically significant countries in the world — yet still one of the most unreached with the Gospel. Here’s a snapshot of where it is, how it got here, and why we’re so passionate about reaching it.

Indonesia is the largest island nation in the world, stretching across Southeast Asia and Oceania. It’s made up of over 17,000 islands — about 6,000 of which are inhabited — and is home to more than 275 million people, making it the 4th most populous country on Earth.

It’s a place of stunning contrasts:

  • Towering volcanoes and peaceful rice fields

  • Bustling cities and remote villages

  • Ancient traditions and global influence

Indonesia is the largest Muslim-majority nation in the world, with about 87% of the population identifying as Muslim. However, the country recognizes six official religions: Islam, Protestant Christianity, Catholicism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism.

  • Hinduism is dominant in Bali

  • Christianity has grown mostly in Eastern Indonesia

  • Animistic beliefs and local tribal religions are still common in rural areas.

Despite religious tolerance being part of the national philosophy (called Pancasila), evangelism and church planting are still sensitive, especially in Muslim-majority regions. Yet the hunger for spiritual truth remains — and God is moving powerfully.

Christianity first arrived in Indonesia in the 1500s, through Portuguese Catholic missionaries, particularly in the eastern islands. Later, Dutch Reformed Protestants brought a new wave of Christian influence during the colonial period (1600s–1900s), especially through trade and mission schools.

Key moments in the history of Christianity in Indonesia:

1500s: Catholic missionaries arrive in Maluku Islands

1600s–1800s: Dutch East India Company brings Protestantism

1800s–1900s: European and American missionaries establish churches, schools, and hospitals

1960s–1980s: Revival movements break out in Eastern Indonesia (Timor, Papua, North Sulawesi)

Today: Christianity makes up about 10% of the population (roughly 27 million people), but the majority are still unreached with the Gospel

Though Christianity has grown in parts of the country, over 130 people groups in Indonesia are still unreached — meaning they have little or no access to the Gospel, churches, or Christian community.

Indonesia’s openness to tourism can create the illusion that it’s fully reached — but millions have still never heard the Gospel clearly. Many islands have no churches at all, and in some regions, sharing your faith can carry legal or social risks.

But here’s the good news:

  • Young people are spiritually curious

  • Technology and relationships are opening new doors

  • The local church is rising up — and we’re here to equip and empower them

Missionaries in Indonesia today focus on discipleship, training local leaders, creative outreach (like English clubs and medical aid), and church planting — especially in places where the name of Jesus has never been spoken.

Understanding Indonesia’s history helps us see why the work is urgent, strategic, and deeply relational. We’re not just here to “do ministry.” We’re here to partner with what God is already doing — to empower Indonesians to reach Indonesians, and to see the Gospel take root in every tribe, village, and heart.

“And then he told them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.’”

— Mark 16:15 NLT

🧭 Quick Facts

Population: ~275 million

Number of Islands: 17,000+

Official Religion: None (but Islam is dominant)

% Christian: ~10% (Protestant + Catholic)

# of Unreached People Groups: 130+

Major Language: Bahasa Indonesia (but hundreds of local dialects)