Pray with Indonesia, April 26, 2026

Lectionary Selection: John 10:1-10

Prayers for Indonesia

Gracious Shepherd,

Your Son has declared, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). Holding on to this promise, we pray for Indonesia, especially for the people of Merauke in South Papua, whose lands and villages are undergoing major transformation through the national food estate project. May they truly experience Your shepherding presence, guiding, protecting, and sustaining them in this uncertain time.

You have blessed the land of Papua with fertile soil, rich forests, flowing rivers, and living cultures rooted in ancestral wisdom. May this abundance remain a source of life for the communities that have cared for it for generations. Touch the hearts of national leaders, especially the President and policymakers, that they may listen with humility, open space for genuine dialogue, and ensure that development honors cultural dignity and environmental sustainability. Strengthen Your church to stand with vulnerable communities so that all may truly experience the fullness of life You promise.
Amen.

Mission Moment from Indonesia

The ministry of the Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI), together with local congregations in Papua, accompanies communities that face rapid social and ecological changes. In South Papua, churches are creating safe spaces for dialogue, pastoral care, and community reflection so that indigenous peoples can voice their hopes and concerns about development affecting their ancestral lands. These ministries remind communities that they are not alone; the church walks with them as a companion seeking justice, peace, and sustainable life.

Based on studies and dialogues with indigenous communities, local churches, and ecumenical institutions, the PGI assesses that the implementation of the National Strategic Project (PSN) in Merauke in Papua, particularly the Merauke Food Estate, has ignored and violated the fundamental rights of indigenous communities to their land, territory, and culture. This project has displaced communities from their ancestral lands, robbed them of their living space and livelihoods, and threatened the survival of current and future generations. Furthermore, the PSN in Merauke threatens the sustainability of forests, land, and natural resources that have long supported the lives of indigenous communities, while simultaneously destroying the ecological order entrusted by God to humanity. Therefore, the implementation of the PSN contradicts the principles of sustainable development, social justice, and respect for human dignity, as well as the mandate of the Constitution of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.

PGI emphasizes that true development must not sacrifice human beings and God’s creation for the sake of economic interests that benefit only a few. God’s Word reminds us: “Learn to do good; strive for justice, control cruel people; defend the rights of orphans, fight for the cause of widows” (Isaiah 1:17). In the light of God’s word and the call of faith to bring justice, the church cannot remain silent when life, dignity, and God’s creation are damaged.

Partnership with the Disciples of Christ and the United Church of Christ through Global Ministries strengthens this accompaniment. Through shared prayer, advocacy networks, and collaborative programs, global partners help amplify the voices of local communities, encourage participatory decision-making, and support leadership development rooted in local wisdom. Together we witness the promise of John 10:10—working so that communities in Papua may truly experience God’s shepherding care and live in the abundance of the land entrusted to them.

Prayer and Mission Moment written by Rev. Darwin Darmawan, the General Secretary of PGI, the Communion of Churches in Indonesia (the National Council of Churches in Indonesia)

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