Mathias Hariyadi

Several areas of Manado, the provincial capital, known as "Christian city" under water. At least 8 thousand people seeking temporary shelter, food and drinking water. The governor appeals for solidarity. But the news passed over in silence in national media and the central government has not intervened.

Three Protestant churches were attacked at dawn. Unknown assailants who arrived on motorbikes threw Molotov cocktails against the buildings. The attack lasted an hour and follows a similar incident a few days ago. Observers fear an escalation in sectarian violence as part of a political plan to destabilise the country.

The archdiocese launches a "Go-green" initiative to "limit" the use of plastic and polystyrene. Less waste and recycling techniques to contain costs and invest money in charitable activities. Aloing with prayer and fasting concrete steps to protect the ecosystem. Making the land more fertile to feed the needy.

Muslim leaders are "struck" by his resignation, eliciting their "appreciation and deep respect". Giving up power is an act of great service to the Church. Hope now rests with his successor to continue Muslim-Christian dialogue along the path set by Pope Ratzinger.

The Toraja Mamassa attacked in Makassar, the provincial capital. Three unidentified persons hurled crude bombs against the front of the building, which suffered minor damage, no one has so far claimed responsibility. The authorities have tightened security levels in the area.

Thousands contribute food, basic necessities and medical care to the poor in Banten province. For a Muslim medical student, the experience "of doing charity work with people from different religions is amazing".

Controversy surrounds the celebration. For extremists, it is a non-Islamic, Buddhist celebration, and should therefore not be observed. For moderates, it is part of the country's tradition and culture. President Yudhoyono is criticised for failing to protect minorities and stopping fundamentalism.

Lava began spewing Saturday but only now the full extent of the situation has emerged. Most of the people displaced from the small island are Catholic. A priest born on the island sounded the alarm, asking for food, water and basic items. A Catholic activist says the first supplies are ready for delivery.

Siti Hartati, a businesswoman and head of the Indonesian Buddhist Forum Association, was sentenced to 32 months in jail and US$ 15,000 in fines. The scandal tarnishes the image of the president's party as the other major parties begin their own moralisation campaigns.

Indonesians will soon go to the polls to choose Yudhoyono's successor. Ineligible for re-election, the current president has had positive reviews among voters even though not his record shows shortcomings when it comes to freedom of worship. Investigations by the Corruption Eradication Commission are set to influence the poll; so will extremist voters. For a moderate leader, it is better to have them as friends than as enemies.

Domestic and international flights are officially grounded as of midnight Friday following a court ruling. Havoc results in airports as hundreds of passengers are stranded without information or assistance. Only later in the day did the company announce it would full refund passengers. The company collapsed after failing to repay millions to a US-based lease financing firm.

The ceremonies were held in Bekasi and Yogyakarta. A recent but growing trend is vocations among older adults. As part of the celebrations, Mgr Ignatius Suharyo, archbishop of Jakarta, marked 37 years of priesthood, a "true gift" for the prelate.