Mathias Hariyadi

The decision is the result of binding agreements between Jakarta and the International Monetary Fund signed during the G-20. For the opposition the maneuver will afflict the population even more. The country already has a deficit of 36 billion dollars. In a meeting with the Indonesian President, Christine Lagarde warns that no country is immune from the crisis of the euro.

In the name of friendship and tolerance, Fr Robert Suraji Pr organised a vocational programme for 22 future priests in Java. His initiative had the "material and moral" support of the Bishops' Conference. Participants also spent a few days in a Muslim "seminary" to get to know future Muslim leaders better.

Priests and believers celebrate the appointment of 45-year-old Pius Riana Prabdi, one of Indonesia's youngest prelates. He will have to run the diocese on a shoestring in a large region known for its great biodiversity. With the last ordination taking place in 2011, the existing number of priests and religious is inadequate for the pastoral care of local Catholics.

In the Archdiocese of Semarang thousands of faithful participated in the initiative under the motto "Christ among us, to become his fruits." The local governor has sent a congratulatory message, calling on Christians to "help improve" society. He adds: be promoters of "love and dialogue."

Yesterday, the West Jakarta District Court convicted the mastermind of the 2002 attack that killed more than 200 people. Legal experts blame the public prosecutor for the lenient sentence. Relatives are upset by the "disappointing" verdict, which does not serve justice. Defence lawyers will decide whether to launch an appeal to reduce the sentence.

A three-day seminar is held in Jakarta. Sponsored by the Bishops' Conference and the Bhumiksara Foundation, the event was led by Ronnie V. Amorado, head of EheM!, a Filipino anti-corruption watchdog founded by the Jesuits. A four-step approach based on a network of groups is proposed as a way to monitor corruption and encourage good governance.

New Health Minister Nafsiah Mboy, a pediatrician, wants to generalise the use of condom to stop the spread of AIDS. Ulema Council calls the proposal "immoral," an encouragement to extramarital and premarital sex. A famous pop artist backs ulemas' fight.

The building was hit by stones and pebbles, suffering major damages. The place of worship belongs to a Protestant group, the Indonesian Bethel Church. According to fundamentalist, the place lacks the right building permit. Violence in the province is up.

In the last two weeks eight confirmed dead, while the guilty go unpunished. The Bishop of Jayapura hosts an interfaith meeting, to restore peace in the province. Muslim activist: need to promote love and tolerance, but better to "stay home". Authorities and separatist leader trade accusationss.

The objective is to strengthen moral and traditional values. The "morals police " that does not refer to the Islamic courts, but to civil justice. Jakarta politician: "unconstitutional and discriminatory." Protests of women: the veil is not a "matter of state" but a personal choice.

The film focuses on the life and mission of Mgr. Albertus Soegijapranata SJ, first indigenous and native bishop celebrated in the struggle for independence. Three years of study, two months of writing and filming, which involved 2,700 actors and actresses. Polemics of the Islamists: it's an excuse to spread Christianity in a Muslim country.

Fr Samuel Onton Sidin receives the prize from the hands of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono for promoting reforestation and conservation programmes. Sunshine House has an area for prayer. Two rules must be respected: no bird shooting and no tree cutting.