Mathias Hariyadi

PRAKSIS was launched on Human Rights Day. Its goal is to promote the “common good” in a society where socio-economic inequalities have grown in the past 10 years, with political life increasingly in the hands of a small elite. The daughter of former President Abdurrahman Wahid also attended the event, speaking out against the harm done in society by the weakening of Indonesian democracy.

In Indonesia's local elections, the candidates running for the party that backed Jokowi and Prabowo won everywhere except in Jakarta. Mindful of what happened six years ago with the campaign against Christian governor Ahok, local voters ostensibly rejected the Kamil-Suswono ticket, which courted radical Islamist groups.

Indonesia goes to the polls today to elect all its governors in first ever simultaneous vote. In Jakarta and Central Java the two most eagerly awaited challenges are the PDIP candidates and those of the unprecedented alliance between former general Prabowo elected president in February and his long-time opponent.

Indonesia's president, who took office last month, signed a series of agreements with China. Despite advocating a policy of non-alignment between rival big powers, his signature appears to have implicitly acknowledged Beijing's claims. Prabowo discussed the issue with Joe Biden. For, analysts, this is a serious mistake by an inexperienced administration.

In Boyolali last week, dozens of farmers used it to ‘take a bath’. Behind the discontent is the unresolved issue of quotas. Today at least 80% of the raw material comes from abroad. For years there has been a demand for a law to regulate the sector.

Around midnight, large boulders ejected from Lewotobi Laki-laki, hitting buildings up to 6 kilometres away. The victims - among them Sr Nikolin Padjo, Missionary Servant of the Holy Spirit - were caught in their sleep by the fiery lapilli. In the Minor Seminary in Hokeng, roofs were destroyed and structures burned, injuring 14 people. Caritas Indonesia is coordinating aid with the dioceses of Larantuka and Maumere.

After more than a year of sede vacante, Pope Francis appointed Fr. Agustinus Tri Budi Utomo to lead the diocese in East Java. The local community celebrated the announcement with a solemn mass. Fr. Didik, as he is nicknamed by the faithful, returns to his Church of origin after having been a missionary in a more remote area of the country

During a recent meeting in the Indonesian capital, Caritas Internationalis Secretary General Alistair Dutton highlights the devastating effects of climate change on vulnerable communities. Caritas Indonesia, which was set up in response to a natural disaster, as Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo said, continues its commitment against malnutrition and human trafficking.

President Prabowo Subianto, a 73-year-old former general, chose 48 ministers and 58 deputies, in line with the figures who were part of the cabinet of his predecessor, Joko Widodo. In his inaugural address yesterday, he promised poverty eradication and nonalignment in foreign policy. In the coming gioani the “red-white” administration will be engaged in a three-day retreat at a military academy.

Tomorrow the handover of power between Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo and the former general elected in February. Mixed reactions in Indonesian society, where many remember the heavy nationalist past. The biggest unknowns concern support for the new capital Nusantara and the economic management of the country. Meanwhile, the number of government ministers will increase from 30 to 46, raising concerns about government spending.

Among the 21 new cardinals announced by Pope Francis is Bogor Bishop Paskalis Bruno Syukur. The three predecessors were all linked in various ways to the archdiocese of Semarang. A Franciscan friar, an authoritative personality with a low profile and a smiling face.

Protests mounted by a local politician in Pare-Pare against the opening of a new school. The Gamaliel School's Foundation: We have all the permits and our classes are open to students of all denominations. Muslim influencer in defence of the school appeals to President Joko Widodo: ‘Show that unity in diversity paraded in front of Pope Francis are not just words’.