Three women in Indonesia, recently arrested, are currently standing a trial on charges of 'Christianisation'. If convicted they face jail sentences of up to five years, Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) has informed.
Dr. Rebecca Laonita, Mrs Ratna Mala Bangun and Mrs Ety Pangesti of Gereja Kristen Kemah Daud (GKKD), of the Christian Church of David's Camp; were involved in children's holiday project called ‘Happy Week’ in Haurgelis, West Java. They were imprisoned on 13th May in Indramayu State Prison.
Their story began in 2003, when the elementary school in the area asked the church staff to provide a Christian education programme at their school.
The reason for this resulted from a change in the law, which occurred in June 2003 when the National Education System Bill came into force. The Bill requires providing religious education for children of religious minorities.
Since the school in Babakan Jati had no means of providing Christian education, they asked GKKD church to provide the programme.
The programme consisted of opening and closing prayers, singing songs, practical tutoring in reading, writing and mathematics and trips to parks and swimming pools.
The programme was very successful and attractive not only for Christian children, but later for Muslim children as well. The number of children attending the 'Happy Week' reached 40, among them just 10 Christian children.
