Mathias Hariyadi

An outreach programme called “A bowl of rice” is launched to help people who suffered crop failure. Members of the KBKK, Indonesia’s most active group of lay Catholics, take the lead. Pangkal Pinang bishop says it is time to show “universal solidarity”. Response to campaign is very positive.

Up to a million people took to the streets of Singkawan, to attend celebrations for the Cap Go Meh. In recent days, extremist leaders have shouted slogans against the party, branded as "anti-Islamic". Authorities and police have monitored security, no major accident or collision.

After three years of decline, a sharp increase in requests for admission to the seminaries. The St. Peter Canisius in Mertoyudan, run by Jesuits, is celebrating the 100 year with a record number of students. Most come from the archdiocese of Semarang.Bishop of Purwokerto: "huge number".

President Yudhoyono met a delegation of Catholic and Protestant religious leaders. Christian leaders appreciate the government’s moves, hoping for talks between the two sides. They have not however expressed any views about separatist demands in the resource-rich territory.

Aan Alexander, 30, government employee, said he does not believe in God on the popular social networks. Discovered by his colleagues, he has sparked protests by fundamentalists and risks a sentence of five years. Atheism, in the archipelago, is equated with communism and thus outlawed. "Repentant" he will return to Islam.

The country’s Chinese community celebrates the Lunar New Year. Activities and festivals will be held over the next two weeks. In 1967, General Suharto had banned the event. President Gus Dur unbanned it 2000. Thousands of Catholics take part in Mass in Jakarta.

Someone going by the name of Rudi Yohanes, who claims to be a student at the Pangudi Lujur 1 school, said on the social network that he was ‘anti-Islamic’. Fundamentalist groups react by attacking three Catholic schools, causing damages and the temporary closure of the facilities. In reality, the name and profile are fakes by an unknown user.

The local leader of Nadhlatul Ulama demand police intervention against the head of the Shiite community Tajul muluk. According to the indictment he is fomenting sectarian divisions and promoting "illegal teachings " about Islam.

More than 11,000 Muslim mystics meet for their 11th annual congress under the wing of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU). They instil a spiritual character to their faith, and become an “essential” model for the development of society and interfaith dialogue. Muslim scholar calls on the government to do more for religious freedom.

The area was hit by the tsunami in 2004. The quake struck 420 km off the coast and at a depth of 30 km. Currently no official confirmation of casualties or serious damage to buildings. The population, still traumatized by the devastation of 2004, fled to the hills or high places in search of shelter. The earthquake was followed by aftershocks.

The opening ceremony is set for 15 January. The place of worship should accommodate up to 2,000 worshippers. Some 10,000 people have already signed up with the parish. Building began in 2004. On Tuesday, Christians and Muslims took part in a joint celebration.

The hate crime against minority Shias took place yesterday on Madura Island. Ahmadi Muslims have been victims of similar acts in the past at the hand of Muslim extremists.