Mathias Hariyadi

After 67 years, the two leaders were recognised today at the presidential palace. Different in personality but united in their desire to achieve independence for the nation, Bung Karno and Bung Hatta promoted and defended the secular character of the state. However, one of the darkest pages in the history of modern Indonesia hangs over the first president, who died under house arrest.

A two-day seminar of discussions and reflections is organised. The aim of the 'ethical leadership programme' based on the Jesuit spiritual retreat model is to turn ideas into actions. Indonesia's Bishops' Conference is behind the initiative whose goal is the "internalisation of an anti-corruption spirit."

Bali hosts the 15th Conference of the Asian Federation of Catholic Medical Associations (AFCMA). The secretary of the Pontifical Council for Pastoral Assistance to Health Care Workers is among the Vatican participants. The defence of life, commitment to Church doctrine and care for the vulnerable are among the goals.

Scores of homes burn as security forces try to maintain order. A simple incident between two men from the mostly Hindu Balinese community and two local young women sparks the violence, whcihc further undermines Indonesia's image as a multiethnic and multicultural nation.

Police raid over the week-end nets 11 terror suspects. News about the group started circulating in 2009 but no connection with terrorism was established. Now explosives and bombs are found in raided homes. The discovery came as a shock to civilians, raising new fears. The US and Australian embassies were among the first targets.

From October 20 to 26 the first edition of the Indonesian Youth Day (IYD 2012) was held in the diocese of Sanggau. The young people revived the soul of a "multicultural, multiethnic and multilingual" nation. They intend to be promoters of "peace and justice", starting from a common origin of being both Indonesian and Catholics.

The 5th Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction was held in Yogyakarta recently. One proposal calls for spending 5 to 10 per cent of local annual revenue on specific projects. Local communities should also take on greater responsibilities. Catholic and Muslim leaders back the initiatives.

An unidentified group set fire to the Madele Pentecostal Church. Quick action by Church members as well as some Muslims brought the blaze under control, limiting the damages. In another incident, blasts wounded three people, including two police agents. Sectarian tensions raise fears.

President and the Supreme Court commute the death penalty against drug traffickers. According to the critics this will jeopardize the fight against drugs. Foreign Minister in favor of moratorium. Asia home to almost all executions.

In Indonesia, people with mental health problems are isolated, kept in "cages", abused. Illness is seen as a scourge, and the patient, someone to be isolated. Since 2008, a Catholic woman has initiated aid and assistance projects. A work that follows Christ's teaching and example, and for which she has received a government recognition.

For the city's deputy mayor, the buildings were not being properly used. They lacked the proper building permit and were used for "unlawful" purposes. She pledged greater monitoring of minority activities. Local sources say that the crackdown is the result of threats from extremist groups. FPI now wants other cities and towns to do the same.

The agents were investigating a recent attack against a Christian government official. The bodies, which had stab wounds, were found in a hole near a Muslim extremist training site. A home-made explosive device exploded near a Protestant church.