Mathias Hariyadi

According to a well-established tradition, the priests of the dioceses of Jakarta, Semarang and Purwokerto renew the pledge of "obedience" to their bishop and "loyalty" to the Church in front of thousands of people. The number of catechumens and conversions are up, with adults representing in 2012 more baptisms than children born into Catholic families.

Extremist groups have made threats against the priest and the faithful of a Catholic church in Kepa Duri. Palm Sunday Mass took place as scheduled but fears remain about Easter services. Extremist ire was triggered by the fact that the church is located inside a school.

Orders issued by the authorities Carried out, despite the pleas of the faithful. Christian leaders call for calm and to avoid "hostile” gestures. Behind the demolition of the shadow of the elections and the attempt to win Islamic extremist fringe votes. Yasmin Church also at risk.

About a hundred members of a Bekasi church are demonstrating in favour of religious freedom. Local authorities plan to demolish their place of worship in a few hours time. After the community's pastor files a case against a Muslim leader who proffered death threats against him, he finds himself charged with defamation and could go to jail.

Muhammadiyah chief hopes to see already good Muslim-Christian relations improved. In the spirit of Saint Francis of Assisi, he wants to promote "share Muslim-Christian interests", especially in the social field. A "new chapter" in the history of the Catholic Church begins, says archbishop of Semarang.

Fr Neles Tebay Pr receives the 2013 Peace Award given by the Korean Tji Haksoon Justice and Peace Foundation for his efforts in favour of dialogue between Indonesian authorities and Papuan separatist groups through the Papuan Peace Network. His dream is to see the parties sit down for real peace talks after decades of tensions and violence.

The Indonesian authorities are concerned about the violence in Sabah, the scene of a fierce battle between the military and the Islamists. Focus on Nunukan regency, crossroads for trade and tourism between the two nations. Hundreds of plantation workers evacuated to prevent them from being involved in the conflict.

Catholics are closely following the days that will lead to the election of the new pope. Online comments and explanations abound on the vacant see and the next conclave. The Archdiocese of Semarang has promoted prayers with special intentions. And all hope that the next pope will appoint a new Indonesian cardinal.

Christian and Muslim leaders from all over Asia participate in a three-day meeting in the Indonesian capital. The discussion on the theme of "peace" and "justice" in the region. A Prayer for Pope Benedict XVI, on the first day of his retirement as "Pope Emeritus" at Castel Gandolfo.

The pope's Motu proprio 'Porta Fidei' and the Year of Faith have drawn attention to the issue of the Spirit and the relationship with Christ. For Fr P. Mardiaatmadja, a theologian, the world needs witnesses "enlightened" by the Word of God. For Fr Budipurnomo, Benedict's papacy was one of "deep spirituality".

The 78 year-old Archbishop Emeritus of Jakarta will not be present due to serious problems with his “eyesight”. He confirms to AsiaNews the "progressive deterioration" of his vision and his needing assistance to read texts and documents. The cardinal close in spirit and in prayer to Pope Benedict XVI, whose decision he understands "perfectly".

Budi Setiawan will be deputy chief of Banyumas Regency. More and more Indonesians seem to like Muslim-Christian tickets as evinced by the results in the governorship race in the capital. Such a combination ensures the common good and bolsters the fight against corruption. The bishop of Purwokerto backs the ticket.