Benteng Reges

Nur Hadi, aka Nurhasbi, “entered and registered himself as guest” in the days before the attack. He was recruited by the deputy-in-command in the Jemaah Islamiyah cells under the leadership of Noordin Moh Top. An expert suggests the attack might represent a break in Jemaah Islamiyah ranks.

Amrozi and his two accomplices set off the bombs in 2002 that killed 202 people. "It's not good to put someone to the firing squad during the fasting season".

The group intends to report to the national human rights commission. Suspicions: the attack by radical Muslims was manoeuvred by a company that wants to take possession of the area where the evangelical institute of theology lies.

Over the week-end Muslim fanatics target a Christian school in the capital’s east side. Police evacuate the institute to protect students. Hundreds of police agents are now guarding it to prevent further violence.

Disregarding an agreement reached with Christian religious leaders, Indonesian officials demolish three Protestant churches, which had been previously forced to suspend their Sunday functions. Christians complain about what they view as a “discriminatory act against us.”

The country is split over the issue of religious freedom. Human rights activists, scholars and minorities call for decisive action by the president; otherwise the government will become a hostage to extremists whose ultimate goal is the introduction of Sharia law.

After the government's decision to outlaw the activities of the Ahmadiyah, fears of extremist attacks are growing within the small sect. Signs are posted on the doors of homes, "We are not Ahmadiyah". The Muslim community is divided over the question of religious freedom.

Government gives in to pressures by Muslim radicals against “heretical” sect. Members of the small community protest, saying that the state should not interfere in matters of faith. Unsatisfied Muslim extremists threatened President Susilo if he does not act more forcefully against the “heretics.”

Following an attack by members of the Islamic Defender Front against Muslims demonstrating in favour of religious freedom, some youth groups say there are ready to join the police against the Front. The government is now weighing its options on whether and how to dissolve the dangerous extremist group.

The Islamic Defender Front attacks Muslims demonstrating in favour of religious freedom. Overnight members of the Nadhlatul Ulama, Indonesia’s largest moderate Islamic organisation, attack FPI offices. The government’s weakness vis-à-vis radicals is criticised. President Susilo urges police to arrest the culprits.

Islamic parties call the proposal made by some Islamic media outlet a “great idea.” Fear prevails in the population which has so far seen the army as the guarantor of the state’s secular nature and a pillar of Indonesia’s multi-ethnic society.

Yesterday a South Jakarta Court condemned three terrorists to 19 years in prison, guilty of having killed three female students in Poso in 2005. Public opinion dissatisfied with the sentence “too light”.