Mathias Hariyadi

On the eve of the Easter Triduum, the priests from various dioceses have responded to the bishops invitation by attending retreats. Among the topics for reflection, personal vocation, pastoral work and service to the Church. A "special Eucharist" to renew the promise of obedience.

With a cross hanging on the walls and an olive branch the sign of the "presence of God", families prepare to celebrate Easter. Chrism Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, Stations of the Cross and Passion the most significant moments. On Sunday hundreds of catechumens will be baptized.

The 33% increase would have taken effect tomorrow. Yesterday, more than 15,000 people blocked the center of Jakarta, clashing with police. Dozens of injured officers and shops that have been attacked. Even parliament is rejecting the increases.

Local officials have blocked access to the site and require the removal of the sacred building, dedicated to St. Ignatius. The curia emphasizes that building permits are in order and defends respect for the legitimate rights. Diocesan Secretary: the Church "will never sell property to others."

The ban would take effect from May and is part of the country's morality campaign. It will not regard the tourist resorts of Bali and Papua, where tribal people live. Criticism from human rights activists. Former President Megawati speaks of a diversionary tactic to divert attention from real problems.

The government raises fuel prices by 33 per cent without parliamentary approval. More demonstrations are planned for the coming days. More than 20,000 police agents are deployed in Jakarta, the highest number since Suharto's regime.

The building site was seized on 21 March, and is now surrounded with barbed wire. For Catholics, it is a patent violation of religious freedom since the building committee had all the right papers. Some local Muslim groups claim that signatures were falsified. The local government said it wants to use the site for an agricultural research centre.

Radwan Khalil, a member of the MUI said that the singer is a "threat" to morality and the concert is "haram". She is "too sexy" and could lead to carnal desires. Thousands of fans against the words of Muslim leader. Ironic comment by a leader of the liberal movement: it is "forbidden" to attend without a ticket.

Anti-terrorist squad raid yesterday evening in two different areas of Denpasar. The group was affiliated with the Jemaah Islamiyah, the Indonesian cell of al Qaeda, and was planning new attacks on the island. Seized weapons and ammunition. Among the possible targets a popular cafe.

The two men, in their 30s, fired on the place of worship with air rifles. Police will not disclose their identity. Investigation into motive of the act. In their getaway vehicle, a luxury minivan, map of Gki Church and other "important" objectives in the country found.

Muslim groups and state television had spread the news, celebrating it as a great event. Bishop Murwito Aloysius OFM clarifies that it is the choice of a simple citizen who holds no political office or official positions. He warns that false news can create tensions within the Asmat tribes.

Arts and crafts by the children of the protestant community are put on display in order to sway the president in their favour. Christians stress their affiliation with the "multiethnic nation". Important Christian and Muslim leaders join the rally, including a younger sister of former President Gus Dur.