Mathias Hariyadi

The initiative includes the planting of 112,500 trees on an area 75 hectares and involves three villages. Among the supporters, the archbishop of Semarang: The environment is a "pressing problem" for the economy and population growth. To date over 50 thousand already grafted shrubs.

Police arrest 13 people in connection with recent attacks against the Ahmadi minority and Christian churches. The president issues orders to local authorities to go after extremist entities. Civil society groups share the president’s views but security officials and agents drag their feet. Anti-Christian and anti-Ahmadi violence are related.

Government blames local officials and police. Activists and religious leaders from both faiths reject the claim. Semarang archbishop says no to violence in response to violence. Nahdlatul Ulama says the state is powerless against extremist groups. Online social networks criticise president’s empty words.

Parish priest of Catholic Church badly beaten. A police vehicle torched and the court Temanggung destroyed. The wrath of the crowd unleashed over a blasphemy sentence deemed to lenient (5 years in prison instead of death penalty).

Moderate Muslims and members of civil society condemn sectarian violence. Controversy around President Yudhoyono and the executive, unable to ensure security and protection of minorities. Muslim scholar: strike those who "use violence and manipulate Islam for political ends."

Next week, 200 people will enliven a meeting lasting four days, among the issues under discussion, the work of the laity to serve the poor and the Church. In 10 years of service, volunteers have supported projects in 100 villages spread over 20 dioceses. Indonesian priest: "It is time to reflect on our commitment" in society.

Bribes worth US$ 2.7 million were handed out in 2004 to secure the reappointment of Miranda Swaray Goelton. At present, the former senior deputy governor is not under investigation. Some 26 politicians, including former members of parliament and a minister, are implicated in the case. Politicians and the anti-corruption commission are increasingly at loggerheads.

Bishop of Situmorang warns against the use of religion for personal gain for electoral purposes. The prelate calls for greater attention to social justice, welfare and safety of persons. The government's response is “sluggish" and the Church can not remain "silent", but must give voice to "moral conscience".

The price of chilly pepper has increased by 120%, fruits and vegetables have skyrocketed. Fishermen grounded by extreme weather, rice production is not enough to feed the entire population. The Government speaks of serious "threat"; economists promote research.

Indonesia’s Supreme Court ruled that Christians have the right to use a site they own for religious functions. Local authorities, who had stopped church construction in 2008, are now criticised for not implementing the court ruling, allowing Islamic extremists to patrol the site.

Expert agronomists teach natural farming techniques, without pesticides or additives. The goal is twofold: to protect consumers and enhance the living standards of farmers. The bishops socio-economic Commission supports the initiative with "moral and financial" help.

The cooperation that began between Fr Ciroi and KBKK volunteers right after the Padang quake of 2009 is truly “an experience of faith”. Funds for reconstruction are raised via a mailing list. The latest project involves rebuilding a water supply system destroyed by the Mount Merapi eruption.