Mathias Hariyadi

Indonesia’s Attorney General Office has formally requested the reopening of the case involving the death in 2004 of Indonesian human rights activist Munir. An audiotape seems to implicate the secret services who however deny the charges.

After Sunni group ‘Hisbut Tahrir’ organises a pro-Caliphate pro-Sharia mega rally in Jakarta, a Muslim intellectual explains that such events “do not reflect the day-to-day problems most Indonesian Muslims have to deal with.” For some analysts ‘Hisbut Tahrir’ wants to become a political party to run in the next presidential elections.

Protest by radical Muslims in Bandung forces Miss Universe to cancel a charity evening. The protesters consider her “against Sharia”. Minorities and moderate Muslims warn: there is a growing campaign in act to unite Islam to the Arab world and create a state along Saudi lines.

The 7.5 ha magnitude quake shock the Indramayu district but was also felt in the capital, where people immediately poured onto the streets. Tsunami warning reigned in.

Tomorrow citizens in the capital will choose a new governor. On the eve of the vote, the Archdiocese’ Commission for Apostolate to the lay writes a letter warning of the risks of a victory of candidates linked to the PKS: “Although it has not openly declared its intent, the party aims to introduce sharia and uproot the principals of the Constitution”.

Sidney Jones, an expert of the International Crisis Group, described a lawsuit filed by a group of Muslim lawyers against Densus-88 as a useless maneuver. The lawyers are convinced that this special body of the police force use procedures that are contrary to human rights and should thus be eliminated. The case followed the capture of one of the leaders of the Jemaah Islamiyah, Abu Dujana.

Head of Jemaah Islamiyah’s military wing, Abu Dujana played key role in several attacks including Bali and the Marriot Hotel. Police today confirmed his identity five days after his capture.

Three days of debate, meetings and prayers, with the youth at the forefront to celebrate the foundation of the Archdiocese. Archbishop, Msgr. Sului hopes for a growth in faith and for greater collaboration between Catholics and the political authorities for the benefit of society.

Indonesia on Sunday remembered the victims of last year’s earthquake in Yogyakarta (Central Java). AsiaNews reports a year later from the affected areas. Tens of thousands of families have run of government aid and cannot rebuild their homes. Many live in temporary tents and children attend school in bamboo classrooms.

In a ceremony held in the capital to celebrate the anniversary, Jakarta’s archbishop, Cardinal Darmaatmadja, urges Catholics to promote pace and good moral values in society. President Susilo, who was present at the event, expressed his appreciation for the Christian witness in the country and calls upon the community to be an example of solidarity.

Yesterday, the Indonesian president announced new appointments and internal transfers in his cabinet. The Attorney General’s head has rolled, together with those of ministers involved in illicit dealings. Analysts see the initiative as proof of Jakarta’s commitment to weed out the plague of corruption.

Speaking before the Truth and Friendship Commission, former Indonesian army chief claims that he and his men are innocent. Violence in East Timor at the time of independence was caused by local militias. Bishop Belo’s testimony contradicts the general. After the referendum Jakarta’s soldiers destroyed the bishop’s residence in Dili and committed violent acts against the civilian population.