Mathias Hariyadi

British administrators and officials attend the opening of a Papua Freedom Movement (OPM) office in Oxford. Harsh reaction from Indonesian government and the nationalist front. Meanwhile, violence continues in the eastern province: police open fire on demonstrators, killing five people.

Yesterday at dawn, a mob wielding sticks, stones and other makeshift weapons attacked the Muslim minority. Police and army are now patrolling the area for fear of further violence. Ahmadis had just concluded a prayer meeting, reading passages from the Qur'an. Sectarian tensions remain high in the province.

The Synod of the Catholic and Protestant churches criticizes the controversial "Curriculum 2013", launched by the Ministry of Education and in force from July. "Private interests" privileged over wider scope of education system. Teaching staff lack formation, while the funds are spent on buying (useless) new texts.

Two men were arrested after police found five bombs ready for use against embassy and ambassador's private residence. The foiled attack was a response to a recent flare-up in Muslim-Buddhist violence in Myanmar. Bali bombing author calls for jihad against Myanmar. Indonesia tightens security. Two men were arrested after police found five bombs ready for use against embassy and ambassador's private residence. The foiled attack was a response to a recent flare-up in Muslim-Buddhist violence in Myanmar. Bali bombing author calls for jihad against Myanmar. Indonesia tightens security.

In 2014 for the first time the country will celebrate Labor Day on a national scale. Criticism of President Yudhoyono and Vice President Boediono, unable to resolve the dispute over "outsourcing" of labor by firms. Industry on a war footing for a prison sentence of a businessman behind in payment.

Evangelisation and participation in community life were discussed at the Pastoral Conference of the Diocese of Palangkaraya. The meeting ended with a reminder to all Catholics about their role and the social issues they face. The conference also provided an opportunity to celebrate the 50th anniversary of St Mary's Cathedral in the presence of thousands of faithful.

In many Indonesian provinces and districts, exams have not been delivered on time with the blame pinned on printers and distributors. Over time, exams have led to corruption and malfeasance, but they are key to access to the best schools.

The authorities in Bireuen Regency want to force men and women to adhere to an “Islamic” dress code. Many civil society groups and leaders object to the proposal. Expert warns it is a way to distract the population.

Social media and mailing lists are increasingly effective tools to use in case of need, not only when natural emergencies strike, but also when life faces ordinary challenges. In Semarang for example, an online appeal for help saves a life. In Sumba, people from Jakarta survive a car crash unscathed at Easter.

At least 300 people marched through the streets of the capital, ending their protest in front of Parliament. They shouted slogans, prayed and sang the national anthem. Protestant clergyman says their message was for the authorities, including President Yudhoyono, which are not doing anything about it. Protest is a reaction to recent anti-minority attacks.

In Tasikmalaya Regency, hundreds of fundamentalists storm a school causing serious damage to the building. Before that, Bekasi authorities sealed off the al Misbaq mosque where a group of Ahmadis are holding out against its closure.

Tensions between central and provincial governments reach high mark after the province proposes a flag that includes elements from the flag of the separatist Free Aceh Movement. Jakarta gives the province two weeks to change it, hints it might suspend the implementation of Sharia. Its behaviour suggests it is afraid that Aceh's pro-independence sentiments might spread to other parts of the archipelago.