Opinion | For Christians in Indonesia, retail and religion are intertwined. Just look at Singapore
- Independent churches are blossoming in places such as shopping malls in a bid to circumvent bureaucratic hurdles and gain more security
- Indonesia has the largest Christian community in Southeast Asia, with around 23.5 million devotees
The joyous congregation falls into a quiet hush as the music fades away. With an outstretched arm, the sharply suited pastor strides across the stage holding a microphone, giving thanks to God and calling for his presence to fill the hall.
Almost in unison, the congregation around me, a significant portion of whom are young ethnic-Chinese Indonesians, raise their hands in fervent concentration to echo their pastor’s call. It is hard to tell if the waft of cold air descending upon our skins is the Holy Spirit or the shopping centre’s central air-conditioning system, but it feels delicious nonetheless.
The intertwining of retail and religion has become an increasingly common sight in Indonesia’s urban centres
This service is taking place in one of largest shopping malls in central Jakarta. The intertwining of retail and religion has become an increasingly common sight in Indonesia’s urban centres, and has coincided with the growth of independent charismatic churches in the country.
Outside the Philippines, Indonesia is home to the largest Christian community in Southeast Asia. According to official data from 2010, there were around 23.4 million Christians in the country, making up nearly 10 per cent of the total population. A key feature of this community is the growth of independent churches.
Christians in Asia: persecuted, oppressed … but keeping the faith
Like most independent churches, those in Indonesia share three characteristics. Firstly, they are usually led by a charismatic senior pastor who may have founded the church. This pastor is often the face of the church and the ultimate authority for all church-related matters.
