Mathias Hariyadi

Christians issue the appeal after 200 Islamic extremists forcibly close two Protestant house churches in Rancaekek Wetan (West Java). Police is criticised for helping extremists expel Christian worshippers.

The explosive was placed in two milk cans full of nails and stones. The perpetrators are still unknown. The attack is the latest in a long series against Christian places of worship.

The Interfaith Commission of the Indonesian Bishops' Conference points out intolerance against Christians is growing in the Muslim country, which leads to acts of violence. Exclusive interview with Commission secretary Father Susetyo,.

The target of the bomb attack were hundreds of pilgrims expected for the monthly Mass at the shrine of the Virgin Mary. Perpetrators behind the planned attack still unknown, but police reveal that they are experts. The shrine, founded in 1936, is an important pilgrimage site for Catholics of Prambanan.

Jakarta is calling for the withdrawal of state teachers from private Catholic schools, forcing foundations to pay salaries of new teachers. If the project goes through, the schools in the poorest and most isolated areas at risk of having to close because of bankruptcy.

Lay Catholic volunteers increasingly serve as catechists in the diocese in Indonesia, even in remote areas. The Indonesian Bishops' Conference has organized one week of meetings and seminars (24 to 28 November 2010) for them, to facilitate their work of spreading the word of God

Parliament chooses Busyro Muqqodas, until now head of the Indonesian Commission of Justice. Critics accuse: too much money spent on an appointment that lasts only one year. Members of the KPK applaud the choice: "Welcome aboard." Post vacant for months after the former chief Azhar involved in a murder probe.

Sowing the seeds of tolerance, mutual understanding and a good knowledge of Islam is key to improving relations between the Christian and Muslim communities. In November, an interfaith meeting with students to educate young people to have an open mind.

The institute is run by the Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary and has over 400 students, who will loose academic year if school closes. The measure has no legal basis, and the sisters have written a petition in protest sent to all authorities, including the Indonesian President.

A Catholic charity and its medical staff bring aid to natural disaster victims. A mission has reached the Mentawai islands, hit by a tsunami in later October, whilst another group is setting off to help victims of the Mount Merapi eruption.

U.S. president's call tolerance and the necessity of Indonesia to accredited itself with the international community as an example of moderate Islam focus of post visit analysis

Dozens of parishes in the Archdiocese of Semarang involved in aid programs for the displaced from areas affected by the eruption of Mount Merapi. In Yogyakarta mobile dispensaries also organized to help those who can not find refuge in camps. Death toll mounts to 185 since 26 September.