Mathias Hariyadi

Jesuit priest illustrates on canvas the major changes that transformed his parish in a short period of time, turning farmers into underpaid blue-collar workers.

The authorities confirm that this morning’s attack that left three agents dead was carried out in reprisal for a raid carried out against a group of terrorists last Saturday. Police chief warns that fundamentalists are robbing banks to finance their activities.

The authorities announce changes to a joint ministerial decree ((nº8 of 2006 and nº9 of 2009) after minorities engage in protest following the latest violent episodes against the Christian community. West Java governor pledges a “permanent” place of worship for the HKBP Church and its members.

Police announce that Muharli Barda, notorious head of the Islamic Defender Front in Bekasi, is a suspect in the case. Nine other people are involved, but their names have not yet been made public as the authorities continue to investigate the stabbing of a Christian clergyman.

President Yudhoyono joins (late) his voice to those who condemned Sunday’s stabbing of Protestant pastor Afian Sihombing. Muslim organisations call for the arrest of fundamentalists who stain the soul of the nation.

A group of unknown assailants stabbed Rev Afian Sihombing. Currently, he is in hospital in critical conditions. Rev Luspida Simanjutak, head of a Protestant community in Pondonk Bekasi, was also injured. Activists and priests react to the incident saying such actions are an attack against pluralism, a pillar of Indonesian society.

The President telephoned his U.S. counterpart to warn that the initiative threatens world peace. The United States should instead be a "bridge of communication between the West and Islam".

Semarang parish organizes an evening meetings with Muslims to discuss, pray and break the fast together. Mutual appreciation and satisfaction. Burn the Koran is an "unpopular and sectarian initiative ".

Golkar’s Paskah Suzetta is accused of corruption and bribery to favour the re-election of Miranda Gultom as deputy chief of Indonesia’s central bank. Many lawmakers are involved in the scandal. Ms Gultom has not yet been charged but it is believed that she provided the money needed to “buy” her appointment.

Protestant and Roman Catholic bishops met with leaders of a Muslim extremist group, to condemn the proposal by a U.S. church to burn the Koran on the anniversary of September 11. The common call to continue and deepen exchange and dialogue.

General Bambang Hendarso Danuri makes the proposal during a meeting of top government officials. However, Indonesia has no legislation allowing for sanctions against organised groups. Calls are made for the freedom to build places of worship without a permit from the authorities. Religious Affairs minister rejects the demand, saying it would fuel violence.

This morning a column of smoke and ash 2 thousand meters high. Further 8 000 people transferred from the slopes of Mount Sinabung. A man dies from breathing problems caused by airborne ash. Lava flow expected. Indonesia has over 500 active volcanoes.