Mathias Hariyadi

The governor issued the permit in a ceremony ending battle that had lasted years. The laying of the foundation stone in September, on the feast day of the saint of abandoned people.

The building was handed over to the Indonesian Christian Church (GKI) on Easter Sunday, but some members of the congregation refuse to use it because it was not built at its original site. According to some members, local authorities disregarded court rulings while politicians are just trying to win votes ahead of next year's elections.

The Purwakarta district regent said that the place of worship had not obtained building permits. According to the opposition and local residents, other solutions were possible pending administrative requirements.

The island's governor has sent a letter to the Ministry of Youth and Sports against the participation of the Jewish State, supported by his own party's presidential election candidate. According to observers, this is a political move to gain support from the conservative fringes ahead of next year's voting.

The tragedy occurred after six days of heavy rains that disrupted communications. This explains why it was reported after a week late. Thousands are yet to be evacuated. The local Church has sent its first aid shipment, but the area where the disaster occurred is very remote.

Police questioned Fr Saturnus over human trafficking, which he has fought in the Diocese of Pangkal Pinang, a key point along illegal routes to Singapore and Malaysia. Sister Laurantina, also an anti-trafficking advocate, organised a rally in the clergyman’s defence. The authorities should protect him rather than defaming him.

A local village chief, Wawan, climbed over a fence to storm the Kemah Daud Christian Church during prayers. Local Church officials call on the authorities to treat the matter seriously. Just last month, Indonesia’s president slammed “violent” acts at a conference with district officials.

The State Islamic University Sunan Kalijaga honoured the president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue in a ceremony yesterday in the presence of several Catholic and Muslim officials who spoke about Indonesia’s particular religious and social characteristics.

Catholic leaders express appreciation for its contribution to good relations with minorities. Indonesian President Joko Widodo praises the group, which now has more than 95 million members. Its idea of Islam is one of dialogue and openness to the challenges of today's society.

Yanuarius Teofilus Matopai You replaces Bishop Leo Laba Ladjar. Bishops from Papua New Guinea and East Timor attended the ceremony. Scores of natives presented gifts and performed traditional dances.

Nine religious leaders met at a Catholic university in the capital, including Card Ignatius Suharyo. The final communiqué was delivered to the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

Thousands of residents have been forced to shelter on higher ground as rivers overflowed with water levels rising by more than three metres. Today more than 400 people were evacuated in Malaysia after their village was submerged.