Rising COVID cases in Indonesia
With over 40,000 new COVID cases per day, Indonesia has become a new epicentre of the pandemic. The government has been responding by implementing “community activity restrictions” (similar to lockdowns) for the past month. The result, of course, has been a huge impact on the economic life of the people.
“Currently our family is still recovering. My wife and I have been negative, but our three children are still positive. We live in separate floors at home and we use masks all the time,” OD local partner in Indonesia, Ari Hartono* shares, three weeks after being infected by COVID-19 last June. Aside from Ari, two other local partners have also been infected, and one of them had to be hospitalized. Praise God, all of them are recovering at the moment.
Relief Distribution
Indonesian Christians are among the many who are economically affected by the ongoing lockdowns. Open Doors is continuing to distribute relief aid to thousands of believers in Indonesia through local partners. The relief is given in the form of basic necessities for hundreds of families.
“The relief is provided periodically and comprehensively. Even though the aid will not solve their economic problems, hopefully it can ease their burden during this pandemic,” a partner shares.
Discrimination on non-Muslims
Thankfully, there are not many reported cases of discrimination against non-Muslims in regards to COVID, although there are some localized instances.
The cemetery is supposed to give free burials to those who have died from COVID-19.
In a response, a member of the Bandung House of Representatives, Erick Darmajaya, said that the cost of carrying out the funeral of the COVID-19 victim was borne by the government budget and there was no difference in service for Muslims and non-Muslims. “We suspect there have been many similar incidents. It’s just a coincidence that this case went viral. We welcome if there are residents who want to report, so we can follow it up,” said Erick.
From the believers
“Thank you Open Doors for this aid. This is a great help to us in this difficult time. We can’t repay your kindness.” – Warto Mukio and wife from Central Java, Indonesia
“I don’t know if I can survive without this help. Life is very difficult these days. I feel very blessed. May God repay Open Doors’ kindness.” – Yah, Central Java, Indonesia
“I was really happy when I heard there was a relief distribution. This is really a blessing to me and a great help to me and my family. May God always bless Open Doors to help people like me.”
– Tumiyem, Central Java, Indonesia
Prayer
Pray for doctors and health workers and volunteers. With soaring cases of COVID-19, health facilities are almost collapsing. The bed occupancy rate of hospitals throughout Indonesia is already at 92 percent. Ask God to give them strength and good health. Most of them are exhausted physically and mentally, worried about getting the virus, and how they have to leave their families for a long time.
Pray for God’s church in Indonesia. Many church leaders and believers have died from the pandemic, and many more are suffering mentally. Pray that God’s peace will be at the heart of His people, especially those who have lost their families and friends.
Pray for God’s provision and breakthrough for so many families who have lost jobs or their business.
