During the Tang and Ming dynasties, many Chinese traders migrated to Indonesia. Now, it’s estimated that there are nearly 11 million people of Chinese descent living in Indonesia, representing 4% of the country’s population.
Since the Chinese population in Indonesia is one of the largest ethnic Chinese communities outside of China, FEBC Indonesia is expanding its programming to reach this people group in their heart language of Mandarin. The new program, which translates to “Bless the Chinese”, is dedicated to sharing the Gospel with the millions of Mandarin speakers in Indonesia.
Our local team in Indonesia promoted the new program in Jakarta during the Chinese New Year Festival. “I have been listening to FEBC for decades, often listening while in the vehicle,” one listener told us. “I am very happy because there will be a program in Mandarin and I really can’t wait to follow it. So far, I have been blessed by the praise and reflections that I listen to.”
Honoring a Culture While Sharing Christ
Chinese Indonesians are generally well-integrated but still seen as a distinct minority. From the mid-60s to the late 90s, the community faced severe discrimination and violence. It wasn’t until the early 2000s that Indonesia lifted laws restricting Chinese culture.
The recent history of hardships for Chinese Indonesians makes the new Mandarin radio program a tangible way to let millions of people know they are seen and loved. Rather than listening in their second language, they can hear the Word of God in their heart language, making it easier to understand Scripture and share it with their community.
The FEBC team recently met a pastor in Bandar Lampung, Indonesia, whose church reaches more than 1,000 Chinese people. When he heard of the new initiative, he said, “Finally, we have a Mandarin Christian program on the radio. The program will help our parents to know Jesus better than before, and for the younger ones, they will be encouraged to learn how to talk about Jesus in Mandarin.”
Because of your partnership and support, FEBC is able to continue sharing the Gospel with people who are desperate for hope – Thank you!
