Indonesians are shocked and astonished by the possible move by the Prabowo administration, which is seeking a 51 per cent stake in the country’s largest private financial institution. Industry experts say plans appear to be ready. The institution offers a wide range of services for individuals and institutions. The news quickly shook the stock market.
In his speech to parliament, the president highlighted savings in public spending, economic growth above 5 per cent, and new social policies, such as free meals and improved education. He reiterated his support for the Palestinian cause. But factory closures and low wages fuel doubts about the real value of the results of the president’s administration.
During a meeting hosted by the Indonesian Bishops' Conference, representatives of the country's main faiths expressed strong concern about the violence and restrictions suffered by religious minorities and called for a review of the 2006 decree on places of worship and decisive action by the government.
The president granted amnesty to Hasto Kristiyanto, secretary general of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP), and pardoned former minister Thomas Lembong in a sign of rapprochement with the opposition. Activists and lawyers slam a dangerous precedent and accuse the president of political opportunism, while PDIP leader Megawati Soekarnoputri announces support for the administration in parliament.
Indonesian Christians are concerned after intolerant Muslim neighbours attacked a house where Sunday prayers were underway last Sunday. The local mayor claims it was merely a "misunderstanding" among residents. In an open letter to President Prabowo, Rev Fu Kwet Khiong writes that the incident was an attack on the “nation’s conscience,” calling for “religious tolerance” to be “a real policy, not just rhetoric.”
Over 20,000 faithful participated in the grand celebration for the anniversary of the archdiocese, cradle of spiritual and social initiatives that have become a model for the entire Church in Indonesia. Cardinal Suharyo thanked those who worked in Semarang ‘for its living legacy of service and mission.’
