Batam and Nunukan are among the most affected areas. Here women are reduced into slavery or forced to change identity before being shipped off to prostitution markets in Malaysia and Singapore. Church urges police to make an unwavering commitment to fighting this problem.
While the country awaits the capital execution of Amrozi, one of the three condemned to death for the 2002 Bali bombs, Catholic community leaders warn : the death penalty does not resolve the problems in society, instead we need to avoid “political verdicts” such as the case of the Poso three. Amrozi says he is happy to die, because he will meet the Prophet and Islam’s martyrs.
It is happening in schools in the North of Sumatra. A Christian family raises the alarm, their daughters “have no other choice” but to dress according to Islamic customs. This is imposed by some local norms inspired by Sharia, which should only effect Muslim citizens.
The government plans a nuclear power plant for central Java. Experts say that the area is not suitable because it is a prone to quakes. Islamic leaders and Muslim groups intervene and define the project as “illicit” according to the Koran. Criticism from the Ulema Council.
A powerful earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale struck a few hours ago. It was felt as far as 2,000 kilometres away from the epicentre. Many buildings have been damaged and power is out. Muslims are particularly affected since tonight it is the start of Ramadan.
The Supreme Court has rejected the appeal by Amrozi, condemned to death along with Ali Gufronand Imam Samudra for the bombs which killed 202 people. Now the announcement of the time and place of the execution is awaited. Still no news on the fate of the others.
A 33-year-old farm worker is the latest victim. Causes of H5N1 infection are still unknown, but before falling ill he had bought live poultry from the market.
This is the first high-level visit in almost 50 years. The Russian president, who is on his way to the APEC summit in Australia, is trying to play his cards in a region increasingly shaped by Sino-US rivalry. Deal involves the sale of weapons worth US$ 1 billion.
Over 300 Islamic extremists attacked a protestant congregation gathered to celebrate Sunday service. The reason remains unclear. The Synod of Christian Churches expresses concern.
The leader of the nations’ largest Muslim organisation, Nahdlatul Ulama, attacks radical groups’ for their campaign to Islamify the country. Controversy sparked by the Islamic leader Bashir continues: “Without sharia, Indonesia will fall into foreign hands”. The concern of Catholics.
In a conference in Jakarta some members of the two biggest Muslim organisations in the country attack their “co-nationals fanaticism” and the idea of a caliphate: our society needs values, not Islamic norms.
About 50 religious leaders met in Porong in support of the victims of the homeless, still awaiting compensation from those held responsible for the ecological disaster, and speak out against the “immorality” of the authorities and the Lapindo Brantas.
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