Faith

Indonesia: Muslims Stab Christian Worshipper, Beat Pastor With Plank

BEKASI, Indonesia (AP) — Assailants stabbed a Christian worshipper in the stomach and pounded a minister in the head with a wooden plank as they headed to morning prayers Sunday outside Indonesia’s capital.

Neither of the injuries appeared to be life-threatening.

No one claimed responsibility for the attacks. But suspicion immediately fell on Islamic hard-liners who have repeatedly warned members of the Batak Christian Protestant Church against worshipping on a field housing their now-shuttered church.

In recent months, they have thrown shoes and water bottles at the church members, interrupted sermons with chants of “Infidels!“ and ”Leave Now!” and dumped piles of feces on the land.

Local police Chief Imam Sugianto said Asia Sihombing, a worshipper, was on his way to the field when assailants jumped off a motorcycle and stabbed him in the stomach.

The Rev. Luspida Simanjuntak was smashed in the head as she tried to come to his aid.

“I was trying to help get him onto a motorcycle so we could get him to a hospital,” she told reporters in the industrial city of Bekasi, 25 miles (40 kilometers) east of Jakarta.

She said the face of one of the assailants looked familiar.

Indonesia, a secular country of 237 million people, has more Muslims than any other in the world. Though it has a long history of religious tolerance, a small extremist fringe has become more vocal in recent years.

Leading the charge against the Batak Christians has been the Islamic Defenders Front, which is pushing for the implementation of Islamic-based laws in Bekasi and other parts of the nation.

They are known for smashing bars, attacking transvestites and going after those considered blasphemous with bamboo clubs and stones. They also pressured the local government early this year to shutter the Batak church.

Perpetrators are rarely punished or even questioned by police.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, who relies heavily on Islamic parties in parliament, has been widely criticized in the media for failing to crack down on hard-liners.

But he immediately called on authorities to investigate and to hold accountable those responsible for Sunday’s attack.

“We know who’s behind it,” said Maj. Gen. Timur Pradopo, the police chief in Jakarta, without elaborating. “But I don’t believe this is an inter-religous conflict.”

Comments (90)

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  • The Bees
    Posted on September 12, 2010 at 11:04pm

    We must all pray for these victims.

    We can only hope that Imam Obama will speak out against this cowardly committed on Christians.

    These assailants need to be brought to justice.. It is so completely clear what sniveling cowards these radical Muslims are. They prey on innocent civilians because they know they will be unarmed.

    If they had to go face to face with our Military they would run and hide in caves like all of their terrorist brothers.

    Sniveling vermin cowards – that is all they are and all they will ever be!

    Report Post » The Bees  
  • Alexandra1214
    Posted on September 12, 2010 at 10:57pm

    Hmmm … and this type of behavior is showing us ….. How Peaceful Muslims are??? Yeah … right …..How in God’s name is promoting Islam is a Peaceful Religion???

    Report Post » Alexandra1214  
  • tagway
    Posted on September 12, 2010 at 10:54pm

    Add your comments

    Report Post »  
  • tagway
    Posted on September 12, 2010 at 10:52pm

    Thank You IRONMAAN peace be unto you allah willing and peace be to us all AS I PULL THE TRIGGER TO MY VEST TO KILL ME AND ALL AROUND…..
    Give me a break!!!!

    Report Post »  
  • Ironmaan
    Posted on September 12, 2010 at 10:32pm

    Glenn often chides to seek the truth. Well…as distasteful as it may be to Glenn and others, the truth is, Islam is not a peaceful religion. It drips with blood, and yet the talking heads insist that it is peaceful. Am I in bizarro world? We are also told that it is a small minority of extremists doing the killing. Well, they‘re killing a he’ll of a lot of people in very brutal ways and if the vast majority of muslims remain silent during the slaughter then they are complicit and are just as accountable. Thus damning the whole “religion”.

    Report Post »  
    • rocktruth
      Posted on September 12, 2010 at 11:32pm

      I agree, it‘s not a peaceful religion and we can’t lie against the truth.

      Report Post » rocktruth  
    • melinwy
      Posted on September 14, 2010 at 12:56am

      agreed, nothing peaceful about islam, the lefties try to over compensate for the ******* but what they do not realize is that the ******* are going to kill them as well…..their hate is not left or right it is muz or not…..

      Report Post » Mel  
  • RESTORATION1787
    Posted on September 12, 2010 at 10:28pm

    With Iran moving at full steam on nukes, vowing to destroy the great and little satans, all the while Ahmadinejad is praying to hasten the return of the promised one. Nukes could possibly be going off sooner than we care to believe.

    Report Post » RESTORATION1787  
    • AmericanPatriot01
      Posted on September 13, 2010 at 1:40am

      I have to add something to this post:

      These guys remind me of the bad actor horror movies where the crazy lunitic is trying to raise the dead or bring a demon to this realm. FREAKS!

      But the truth of the matter is they most likely will not use the nuclear material in a tradition way. They will most likely desacrate the enemy territories with “Dirty Bombs” Using the highly refined nuclear material like you would a poison. It will contaminate the earth and everthing else it touches for centuries. Of course it will kill many more people than a conventional missle strike, many more than it will immediatetly kill, in fact it may not even kill anyone at first, but it would poison the land and the water, making too toxic to survive any exposure.

      Report Post » AmericanPatriot01  
    • carrera
      Posted on September 13, 2010 at 9:54am

      Let us not forget, the Obama Administration posted online, the locations of hundreds of civilian nuclear sites in a 266 page document compromising our security.

      Report Post »  
  • GraceSullivan
    Posted on September 12, 2010 at 10:27pm

    Is this what America can expect? Islam is NOT a peaceful religion! This makes me sick. I just wonder if the mainstream media will carry this story. It says in the story that the muslims have repeatedly warned them against worshipping.

    Report Post »  
  • TruthLover
    Posted on September 12, 2010 at 10:24pm

    Christians in America really have no idea how good we have it. However – we must protect that “good” situation and not let it get seeped away.

    Report Post » TruthLover  
  • broker0101
    Posted on September 12, 2010 at 10:14pm

    Nuke mecca. Then get really serious.

    broker0101  
  • Shinyhappymommy
    Posted on September 12, 2010 at 10:14pm

    Scott, I wish you would be more accurate in your headlines. The headline of this article is very inflammatory, more so than the article itself. Your headline says that Muslims attacked Christians. While that may be the case, there isn’t sufficient evidence in this article to declare that. The article says that nobody has claimed responsibility for the attacks it also doesn’t say anyone has been pinpointed as the attackers. So to headline that Muslims attacked Christians is so inflammatory. Let’s not pour extra gas on an already big fire. I am enjoying The Blaze, but please be honest in your posts.

    Report Post »  
    • red penny
      Posted on September 12, 2010 at 10:31pm

      You‘re looking in the wrong place for a ’SILVER LINING” stop trying to put lipstick on a pig!!

      Report Post »  
    • AmericanPatriot01
      Posted on September 13, 2010 at 1:31am

      That one not good enough for you try this one

      http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4387604.stm

      Report Post » AmericanPatriot01  
    • Diane TX
      Posted on September 13, 2010 at 2:48am

      Muslims have been attacking Christians for some time there. The Christians worship in a field on which their Church is located. Muslims demanded that the Church be shuttered – which was done by the way. Muslims taut and harass Christians – telling them to leave THEIR Country.

      I think that Scott has this headline spot on.

      Report Post »  
    • Shinyhappymommy
      Posted on September 19, 2010 at 3:17pm

      It might be accurate to the situation, but the headline drew conclusions that the article didn’t.

      Report Post »  
  • Psychosis
    Posted on September 12, 2010 at 10:13pm

    what do you expect from a religion that says its ok to kill your daughters for talking to someone ?

    what a bunch of losers hey i gots me an idear (intentional misspelling) lets send all our liberals and progressives over there they should get along just fine sharing the wealth of that nation

    Report Post » Psychosis  
  • JayCee
    Posted on September 12, 2010 at 10:12pm

    Not a new thing:

    Saturday, 29 October 2005

    Three girls have been beheaded and another badly injured as they walked to a Christian school in Indonesia. ….

    http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4387604.stm

    Report Post »  
  • RESTORATION1787
    Posted on September 12, 2010 at 10:11pm

    Sounds like History is about to replay the crusades. Same players different era.

    Report Post » RESTORATION1787  
    • DrBill
      Posted on September 13, 2010 at 1:20pm

      Bigger Weapons…….
      Who has more ?

      Report Post » DrBill  
  • red penny
    Posted on September 12, 2010 at 10:09pm

    ISLAMIC tolerance and respect at it’s finest!!!

    Report Post »  
  • robert5635
    Posted on September 12, 2010 at 10:08pm

    What a fore-taste. Our elected officials are probably starting their story-spinning as we speak.

    Report Post » robert5635  
  • Tallysrfr
    Posted on September 12, 2010 at 10:07pm

    Jesus said they would hate us because they hated Him first (and everything He stands for, I might add).He also said that they would kills us and think they were doing God a favor. Sound familiar? The Muslim world views America as a Christian Nation, as truly it is, despite Obama’s comments to the contrary, and they hate us for it. For it is from our Judeo-Christian values that our freedoms arise and it is not just because of those freedoms alone that they hate us, also as posited by Obama and other pols on both sides of the aisle. America needs to wake up and realize that there is no making peace with the Islamic world without abandoning our Judeo-Christian roots and values that are antithetical to Islamic values, which is EXACTLY what Obama and the liberal Progressives are trying to do.
    “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
    (2Ch 7:14 KJV)

    Report Post »  
    • tagway
      Posted on September 12, 2010 at 10:45pm

      Amen

      Report Post »  
    • rocktruth
      Posted on September 12, 2010 at 11:48pm

      We do have our nation’s roots based on some Judeo-Christian principles but currently We the People have forsaken God’s law and grace. When other nations watch what HOLLYWOOD and MAIN STREAM media PUMPS OUT combined with calling ourselves a Christan Nation is not good. This blasphemes the name of Christ.

      This nation needs to repent and turn back to God. It starts at home and then at the voting booth. Not the other way around.

      Acts 3:19

      Report Post » rocktruth  
    • ILOVEJESUS
      Posted on September 13, 2010 at 12:07am

      Exactly. Right on! Praises Jesus!

      Report Post »  
  • Karama
    Posted on September 12, 2010 at 9:58pm

    Any excuse to kill and maim. What a wonderful religion.

    Report Post » Karama  
    • Diane TX
      Posted on September 13, 2010 at 2:37am

      I always call Islam a “lovely religion” like that guy, Greg on Red Eye.

      Report Post »  
  • Kashley
    Posted on September 12, 2010 at 9:53pm

    Where are the “peacefull” muslims at? Oh yeah…main media wants to keep America (mainly Christain and most powerful in the world) looking bad so all they show is the bad stuff and our reaction.

    Report Post » Kashley  
  • tepartyblog.info
    Posted on September 12, 2010 at 9:50pm

    “In recent months, they have thrown shoes and water bottles at the church members” Who throws a shoe? In a third world country who is more harmed by shoe throwing the one who might get hit by the not so arrow dynamic object or the one that has to walk on the blazing hot sand and sharp rocks of their unpathed roads to retrieve it. I am not a fan of Bush but I loved the way he reacted to the shoe assailant; He just dodged and gave the guy his WTF face.

    Report Post » whamhost.info WORKS FROM HOME  
    • ConstitutionalPatriot
      Posted on September 13, 2010 at 12:45pm

      They only throw shoes as they start to build up confidence, then they beat stab and kill the “non-believers”. The news cry-out against burning the Quran? Bibles are confiscated and destroyed all the time in Muslim countries. Those that attempt to “sneak” them in are imprisoned at best. Look at the Americans that were held in North Korea and Iran, for teaching Christianity?? Believe it or not all non-Muslims and non-practicing Muslims are in a war against the Muslims. Why because they want you dead. read the Quran for yourselves.

      Report Post » ConstitutionalPatriot  
  • Venom
    Posted on September 12, 2010 at 9:41pm

    Holy War here we come

    Report Post » Venom  
    • PostProgressiveAmerican
      Posted on September 13, 2010 at 3:56am

      I posted the blow on a previous article:

      WAKE UP AMERICA!

      We are in a Holy War, even if only in the minds of the enemy. Keep in mind that Islam is system of laws, financial and political systems in the guise of religion. Read the Koran, the Haddith and the other texts that define Islam and you will understand. Research the concept of ‘abrogation’ as applied to the Koran. Also, do not rely on US news to get the real picture, even Fox News…read the overseas news, including in the Arab world and the Far East.

      While we are offended by one man burning the Koran, Bibles are confiscated at foreign ports and destroyed as ‘contraband;’ those caught with them are imprisoned (at best).

      While we discuss our progress (or lack thereof) on equal rights for women, an estimated 85 % of the women jailed in Pakistan are there for being raped without being able to produce 4 male Muslims to corroborate the claim.

      While we argue over the effects of violent video games on our children, Islamic countries have theirs write and recite Jihadist death poetry in school.

      While our children watch Barney and Sesame Street, their children watch a girl in fatigues call for Jihad and impose a Sharia punishment on a Bugs Bunny-like character.

      While we debate the location of the Shrine To The Magnificent 19 (Mosque at GZ), churches are burned, Bibles desecrated and Pastors beaten and jailed. Saudi Arabia has funding the building of numerous mosques in this country and Whahabbi Imams are in our jails converting prisoners to Islam.

      You might want to check on the UN, too. In response to the Universal Declaration Of Human Rights, there is now a Universal Islamic Declaration Of Human Rights; these two declarations are diametrically opposed on key principles. To add insult to injury, Iran was appointed to the Council on Women’s Rights. Moreover, the UN has banned criticism of Sharia Law and Islamic Human Rights, as well as ‘defamatory’ comments against Islam. As a result, no real discussions on slavery (including the modern sex slave trade), child marriage, pedophilia, female circumcision, etc. can take place in the UN, leaving it more impotent than ever.

      The Stealth Jihad is well underway in the West – look to the UK to see where we will be in 10 years.
      But don’t listen to me – do your own research and WAKE UP!

      Report Post » Post-Progressive American  
  • JJ Coolay
    Posted on September 12, 2010 at 9:35pm

    We burn books, they stab people…… yeah that’s an equal trade off.

    Report Post » JJ Coolay  
  • Ladypeppercar
    Posted on September 12, 2010 at 9:33pm

    “Perpetrators are rarely punished or even questioned by police”
    Hmmm … anyone remember the New Black Pathers in Philadelphia during the 2008 election?

    Report Post »  
    • smartypoop
      Posted on September 12, 2010 at 9:51pm

      Yes, but they only had big sticks. Maybe this year they will have knives. Either way, the DOJ says as long as the victims are white, its ok.

      Report Post »  
  • Ironmaan
    Posted on September 12, 2010 at 9:29pm

    Just Another wonderful example of the religion of peace. Here are some others….Salmon Rushdie, Daniel Pearl, van gogh, British cartoonist, car bombs, shoe bombs, underwear bombs, 911, honor killings, stonings, beheadings. Isn’t Islam wonderful? Let’s keep saying it an maybe one day it will be true. By the way u r a horrible evil, disgusting person if u burn a book.

    Report Post »  
    • Ironmaan
      Posted on September 12, 2010 at 9:48pm

      Obama recently said “we are not now, nor will we ever be at war with Islam”. Well maybe not, but apparently they are at war with us.

      Report Post »  
    • smartypoop
      Posted on September 12, 2010 at 9:49pm

      Well said. My prayers go to the victims.
      The liberal talking point responce; Its not our country, and these are not our muslims. Here our muslims are the victims.
      Just anticipating ……

      Report Post »  
    • Taquoshi
      Posted on September 12, 2010 at 11:15pm

      Interesting that Yahoo had a news article about the American Muslims’ frustration regarding the fact that non-Muslims do not trust them and/or are suspicious of them.

      http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100912/ap_on_re_us/us_american_muslims

      Among other things, a claim is made that Americans are ignorant of what Islam represents (oddly enough, I read about it every night in the news) and that they are being stereo-typed with the extremists (ya mean like that very spiritual Muslim woman that just murdered two of her co-workers?) and that Muslims are perceived as being anti-American (I can’t quite remember who it was that threatened American soldiers would die if a Koran was burned recently?). And of course, nothing was said about the teachings of the Koran regarding the relationships between Muslims and non-Muslims.

      Conservatives are continually being accused of “hatred” and prejudice, but oddly enough the news stories don’t bear that out. Sorry, American Muslims, but your brethren are the ones that are providing the grounds for the suspicion and mistrust.

      Report Post » Taquoshi  
    • Stupid Windmill
      Posted on September 13, 2010 at 2:20am

      …Islamic Extremists see Normal Muslims as enemies too you know.

      Report Post » Stupid Windmill  
    • Lethality
      Posted on September 13, 2010 at 7:16am

      Hmmmmm…Just some more faithful Islamic believers. These “Radical Muslims” seem to be the the only Muslims actually reading the Koran.

      Report Post »  
    • E Pluribus Unum
      Posted on September 13, 2010 at 10:12am

      Why are we expected to be tolerant of radical Islamics who are tolerant of no one? And where are are the non-radical Islamics protesting in the streets against radical Islam? No radical sect of any religion that calls for the death of or violates the individual rights of people should be tolerated EVER.

      Report Post » Liberty 5-3000  
  • bigbud
    Posted on September 12, 2010 at 9:26pm

    I hope the ACLU will sue them.

    Report Post »  
  • Debrabate
    Posted on September 12, 2010 at 9:24pm

    Damn… Will pray for the victims…

    Will Obama come out against this VIOLENCE or does he only lecture Christians about tolorance?

    Somehow though, unfortunately…. this type of act from the fringe does not suprise me.

    Report Post » Debrabate  
    • Debrabate
      Posted on September 12, 2010 at 9:31pm

      Actually… I think I am more interested to see +IF+ the Imams come out against this type of behavior

      Report Post » Debrabate  
    • duncan
      Posted on September 12, 2010 at 9:40pm

      do your homework. This has been going on for decades in this region. Indonesia is Muslim and the other end of the island is Papua New Guinea and is mostly Christian . This killing is rampant and not an isolated incident.

      Report Post »  
    • tagway
      Posted on September 12, 2010 at 10:42pm

      No Obama will not speak of this neither will the Imams..This strife is a one way street.Should I have courage to minister in Indonesia? I do NOT and haven’t been called. What brave souls that choose to. As the religion of peace still rules with an IRON FIST so do the ,earthquakes,tsunamis,poverty and the always overloaded ferry full of believers continue to capsize….so as also the tourist dollars that Indonesia could be raking in to help the poor…….Life is weird ,“aint it”?

      Report Post »  
    • woodyb
      Posted on September 12, 2010 at 11:08pm

      Duncan, you might do your own homework — Indonersia consists of 17,508 (That’s right, 17,508) islands, of which Papua-New Guinea is buit ONE!!!!

      Report Post »  
    • Freelancer
      Posted on September 13, 2010 at 8:20am

      Damn Duncan…. You are so wildly off. Please look at a map and/or google Indonesia before commenting on it. Religion of peace? I can’t take much more tolerance and peace.

      Report Post » Freelancer  
    • carrera
      Posted on September 13, 2010 at 9:20am

      In just the last 30 days, 1028 non-muslims have been murdered. http://www.thereligionofpeace.com

      Report Post »  
    • Disabledvet
      Posted on September 13, 2010 at 3:09pm

      This must be a false story Islam is a peaceful religion. My big rear it is a religion of hate and intolerance, if anyone has a different religion or belief they must be killed as is the evidence of this story.

      Report Post »  
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