An Indonesian church service was disbanded by local authorities on August 25.

With the issue of religious freedom a current hot-button issue in the country, the church disruption, which took place in the province of Riau, illustrates the difficulty locals face in engaging in outward acts of religiosity.

The pentecostal church is also home to its pastor and has faced opposition from its community. According to The Voice of Martyrs Canada, a letter was received by the church in early August which has since banned them from participating in any activities of faith within the home.

A 2006 decree has also politically limited the church, requiring religious buildings have approval from members of the community where it is located before conducting any religious services practices. The law was created for the purpose of religious harmony but has since posed a formidable roadblock to faith groups in the area.

Despite these difficulties, the Indonesian church has refused to cease activity. After receiving the August letter, they set up a tent beside the building in order to hold worship services. Recently, police entered one such service, demanding that it stop. The church's pastor protested, and video of the instance reveals a female congregant speaking to police, saying: "Help us, we are just trying to pray and worship our God. We are Indonesian citizens, where are our rights?"

Several other such instances have occurred at the church in the region. Church members now are required to travel eight kilometres to the nearest officially established church for any religious worship services.