The provincial authorities say it is alien to local culture and violates religious harmony. The descendants of Chinese respond that is only "a cultural show" to remember the victims of the tsunami. For decades the community - mostly Christian - is victim of discrimination and violence for religious or economic reasons.
The building was near completion and was to be used for Christmas Mass. Local Catholics are afraid that more attacks could take place during the festive season. Police and local authorities urge Catholics to celebrate the service anyway.
Fr Rantius Manalu provided local farmers with seeds to plant in an abandoned piece of land. After a seven-hour interrogation, police decide to charge him for unauthorised use of public land. The local bishop as well as local Christians and Muslims express their solidarity towards him.
Fr Johannes Jonga has been a parish priest in Keerom district since 2001. The area has been the scene of clashes between pro-independence fighters and the army. He has helped rebels and local civilians alike against abuses by the military and multinationals. The president of the Indonesian Human Right Commission praises his for doing his work despite “threats from the military.”
The president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue is in Indonesia, meeting political and Muslim religious leaders. The country is praised as an example of a multicultural society where freedom of worship is guaranteed. Christians can learn from Muslims how to practice their faith and discipline, the cardinal stresses.
Dispute sparked by the story the day of reckoning: a mosque is razed to the ground and salvation is possible only in a church. In various areas of the country fundamentalists prevent the screening of the film and raid internet-points. Islamic leader: it is Christian proselytizing. Moderate Muslim: it is just a movie.
Farmers are powerless in the face of shrinking farmland and foreign competition. KPTT, an organisation founded by a Dutch Jesuit, holds a two-day workshop in Central Java to discuss the matter.
A team of lawyers filed the appeal against the revocation of the permit for construction of the Catholic place of worship. Flagrant violation of human rights. A Muslim woman among the lawyers looking after the interests of the diocese.
PLN Electricity Company bosses are blamed. They pledge compensation. Many in East Java and South Sulawesi have to endure hardships. In the last few weeks, power cuts last 10 to 12 hours a day. About 32,000 small- and medium-sized firms experience “monumental” losses.
Bibit Samad Rianto and Chandra M. Hamzah had been arrested on charges of extortion. Activists and politicians denounced a plot to weaken the powers of the KPK. Students and activists from NGOs have organized protests. Yudhoyono create an independent body to look into the matter.
Health at the centre of the annual meeting of the Conference of Bishops. The prelates call attention to abuses of the good faith of patients, often reduced to "clients". Apostolic Nuncio: honour human life from conception to death.
The local government intends to introduce a law imposing a dress more in keeping with the precepts of Islam. For men, no shorts. Anyone caught wearing outlawed clothes will be forced to wear "larger" attire that covers the figure. Residents of Jakarta advise "astronaut suits."
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