Mathias Hariyadi

On the country's 67th Independence Day, endemic problems are still holding back the country's development. Rulers like President Yudhoyono and others have not gone beyond rhetoric. Party officials have been involved in scandals and investigations. There are also shortcomings in the area of religious freedom.

In a letter, parish priest denounces the groups opposed to the church, forcing its closure. Over 200 faithful of the area gave their consent, but not enough to get the building permit. He adds, a Christian place of worship promotes harmony and provides employment opportunities for all.

The fate of Myanmar's Muslim minority is becoming a "domestic problem" for Jakarta. Islamist extremists manipulate images and news to create instability. Buddhist places of worship are attacked in South Sulawesi. In Jakarta, funds are raised for the victims of violence in Myanmar.

Heavy rains have caused flooding of at least 700 homes in the capital of the Moluccas. Whole neighborhoods are still flooded with mud, and the civilian population housed in shelters. The Christian commitment to those in need, fundraising and delivery of basic necessities.

Decision motivated by alleged irregularities in the building permit. The faithful respond: the documents are legal, the town council refuses to grant the permit. And promise to go ahead with regular Sunday services. For some time the area has been the scene of violence and abuse against minorities, especially Christians.

The KBKK movement is sending five Mentawai students to university to train as teachers before coming back to their native region. Today, many children are forced to leave the islands, which have a strong Christian presence, to go to predominantly Muslim areas.

Indonesian and international groups call on the Indonesian government to become actively involved in the crisis. The foreign minister shows "empathy" for fellow Muslims, but NU leader slams the government for its inertia vis-à-vis the ethnic cleansing visited upon the Burmese minority. Hundreds of refugees reach Indonesian shores.

The two delicacies are part of the nation's gastronomic heritage. The cost of the main ingredient, soybeans, has doubled. Protest is growing among consumers who want President Yudhoyono to do something. A general strike is becoming a possibility. Higher costs are due to drought in the United States.

The fire dates to July 18 in Singkil regency. Pews and musical instruments destroyed in the fire. Since May last year the local government, under pressure from Islamists, has sealed off 20 Christian places of worship, four of which are Catholics.

The new clergymen will serve in the dioceses of Semarang (Java) and Nias (North Sumatra). For Semarang bishop, they are a precious gift to the Catholic Church.

The robbers planted skillfully built homemade explosive devices to gain access to the building. The loot is around 15 thousand Euros in cash. The police so far deny the involvement of terrorist groups. Troubling links with other robberies carried out by Islamic extremists to fund attacks.

Solo Mayor Joko Widodo wins first round in Jakarta's gubernatorial elections. Backed by Islamist parties and President Yudhoyono's Democratic Party, the outgoing office holder suffers a major loss. Solo Deputy Mayor Hadi Rudyatmo, a Catholic, and Basuki Thahaja Orunama, a Sin-Indonesian Christian, play a key rule in Widido's win. All three are known for their work against poverty and corruption.