The latest data released by the government of Indonesia suggest that the number of Christians in the Muslim-majority archipelago has slightly increased.
The Southeast Asian country, which is home to the world’s largest Muslim population, now has 20.4 million Protestants and 8.42 million Catholics, who together comprise more than 10% of the total population.
That’s about a 1% increase from the 2010 census.
Indonesia’s Constitution is based on the doctrine of Pancasila — five principles upholding the nation’s belief in the one and only God and social justice, humanity, unity and democracy for all. However, there are many extremist groups in Indonesia that oppose Pancasila.
Churches often face opposition from groups that attempt to obstruct the construction of non-Muslim houses of worship. Human Rights Watch previously said that more than 1,000 churches in the archipelago had been closed due to pressure from such groups.
Indonesia is ranked No. 47 on Open Doors USA’s World Watch List of countries where Christians face the most extreme levels of persecution.
While the number of Christians increase, so does terrorism directed at them. Many of the attacks this year occurred around Easter and were directed by Islamic State activists.
Some of the bombings were coordinated and attacked several churches at the same time.