Mathias Hariyadi

Two dead, dozens of wounded and injured, and scores of arrests are the result of an operation by Indonesian security forces against the Third Papuan People’s Congress. The province’s independence was proclaimed during the assembly, which picked a president and a prime minister. Yudhoyono opts for the iron fist against the separatists.

In an open letter to the Indonesian people, Catholic, Muslim, Protestant, Buddhist and Hindu leaders slam the president’s “silence” and “inertia.” In reacting, Yudhoyono calls the accusations “improper”, urging the religious leaders not to mix religion and politics. By contrast, the latter inisst that it is their “moral duty” to expose problems for the good of the people.

The mayor calls in security forces to stop prayers. The videotapes of the incident are manipulated in order to blame Christians for the violence. Nahdlatul Ulama comes out on the Christian side. The Wahid Institute calls on the president to remove local leaders and uphold religious freedom.

Thousands of foreign tourists fled to the beaches. At least 50 injured, three seriously. Damage to hotels and other buildings, including dozens of Hindu temples. An earthquake in the same area, in '76 caused the death of 471 people.

Beni Asri has confessed to having been "baptized" with the "baiat" a particular form of oath, by Abu Bakar Baasyr, a controversial religious leader of the country. His fellow "baiat" another young man who died in a suicide attack against the police.

Nahdlatul Ulama leaders support the government struggle, which last year blocked jihadist and fundamentalist sites. They promote "false teachings" of Islam and incite attacks in the country. Criticism from activists: block is not the "best solution" to halt the extremist drift.

The target was the headquarters of a bank, the BIS ATM, in the central Gejayan area also home to several universities, including two Catholic ones. The early morning explosion did not cause casualties or injuries. Police have arrested a suspected terrorist, and seized leaflets claiming responsability.

The village chief in Mekargalih, along with members of the Islamic Defender Front, expels Christians from their place of worship for allegedly engaging in “proselytising” in a predominantly Muslim area. A Christian woman complains, “Police have no guts against this radical group.” Pancasila principles are violated.

Ambon police also discover bomb in the local bus station. Hand of Islamic extremists from other parts of the country suspected. The discovery comes after clashes between Christians and Muslims last September 11. Fear of renewed interfaith conflict.

For the President Yodhoyono the attack is an unacceptable act. The largest Islamic organization in the country defines the bombers "inhuman criminals." Suspicions about the Islamic group extremist Cirebon.

The Liturgy Pusat Musik (PML) is one of the most prestigious institutions in Indonesia, through music, it spreads the Word of God. For one week the directors of the centre held a seminar in Sabah in East Malaysia. They emphasize the "enthusiasm" of the over 300 participants. At the end a Choir Festival was held.

Telephone messages warning of attacks against Catholic and Protestant churches, but they are hoaxes. Police are investigating but it is not clear whether it is political propaganda or conflict of a religious nature. Sulawesi Priest calls for "fellow citizens" not to get carried away "by feelings of hatred."