Mathias Hariyadi

Worshippers attending a church inside a military air base were stopped because some did not wear shoes. For base commander, there was a “communication error”.

US authorities have raised the alarm over five Indonesians raising funds for terrorist activities. While two are already under arrest, the other three remain at large, possibly in Syria. Indonesia said it was ready to try them at home if they are caught.

The event, organised by the Association of Journalists, was attended by more than 2,000 people. Archbishop of Jakarta, Card. Suharyo: "Seeing the congregations led by our compatriots is a source of great pride".

According to health authorities, the disease of unknown origin affecting children has been reported recently in the United States and Europe and is now in Southeast Asia (Indonesia and Singapore) as well as Japan and the Maldives.

Despite pandemic restrictions still in place in Indonesia, the ordination ceremony took place as usual. Archbishop Yohanes Harun Yuwono imparted the sacrament of priesthood. Malang and Merauke are getting new deacons and priests.

President Joko Widodo announces a ban to ensure the availability of food in the country. However, the measure risks driving up the price of vegetable oils even more. Small local producers will be the main losers.

Mgr Senno Ngutra, 51, is the new bishop of Amboina, scene in the past of sectarian violence and now a model of coexistence. The Indonesian minister of Religious Affairs was also present at the event. The new bishop urged him to support grassroots social outreach rather than conferences in hotels.

General Perkasa ends the legal ban on children and grandchildren of PKI members. The party was dissolved in 1966. Dictator Suharto engaged in “propaganda war” against his political opponents. Even now, public service jobs can be denied on allegations of communist ties.

Located just 20 kilometres from Jakarta, the city has become an extremist hub thanks to local authorities. For Ismail Hasani of the Setara Institute, “only civil society groups can help Depok transform itself into a tolerant city.”

Raised by a music teacher, he touched the lives of dozens of kids by teaching them how to play an instrument. Almost all the organists who now accompany the liturgies in Indonesia have been his students.

The announcement came from Indonesia’s Religious Affairs Minister Quomas. Last week, Vatican sources confirmed a papal visit to Timor-Leste. For the Bishops’ Conference, “interreligious dialogue is fundamental”.

A memorial Mass was held in Wisaksana’s honour last week. He funded several Catholic schools and initiatives for the blind and visually impaired. His father lost his sight working in a mine. For years, he promoted corporate and personal social responsibility.