Mathias Hariyadi

Many Indonesians are expected to return to their villages and cities of origin for the holidays, but the rising number of coronavirus cases is worrying. Yesterday hit a record. For doctors, the situation is "really worrying". The pandemic’s collateral damages are a blow to tourism in Bali, where unemployment and acute chronic malnutrition are up.

The Christmas Cross Challenge 2000 opened with a solemn Mass on Tuesday. Several Catholic associations and at least 3,000 people have joined the initiative, including 900 priests and religious. Sporting events and competitions throughout December include running, walking, and cycling.

Since Monday, columns of smoke and ash have risen up to three kilometres. For experts, this is an ever-increasing threat. Requests for masks and emergency equipment come from the affected areas. With many villages evacuated, the situation remains precarious.

The Indonesian president said that "there is no room for acts of terror on Indonesian soil". Card Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo, president of the Bishops' Conference, also calls for national unity to fight terrorism. Special forces are in the Siji region to hunt down terrorists.

Attacks against Christians in this part of Indonesia have historical, geographical and economic roots. Arab merchants settled on the coast; the Dutch Protestant missionaries evangelized the plateau; different ethnic groups have often clashed with each other. At the turn of the year 2000, the arrival of jihadists from the Philippines stocked tensions in the region. Islamist terrorism resists, but the people seem to desire to live in peace.

East Indonesia Mujahidin (MIT) is linked to the Islamic State. Their leader, Santoso, was killed last July in an all-out police and army operation. The current leader, Ali Kaliora, allegedly was the author of the murder of one of the victims and the one who gave the order to burn Christian homes. Some houses were used as places of worship. The condolences of the religious communities and the silence of President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo.

The victims are a couple, their daughter and her husband, all members of the Salvation Army. Sulawesi police inspector general denies church burning. Relations between Christian groups and Muslim extremists are tense. In 2005, three Christian teenagers were beheaded. In 2006, three Catholics were sentenced to death.

SOS Papua and 20 other organisations appeal to President Widodo. Military and police operations against rebel groups have displaced tens of thousands of people, Catholics included. The constitution and the rights of the local populations must be respected. Ending hostilities is a priority.

Attacked by a crowd and handed over to the provincial police authorities. The province is governed by Islamic law, which prohibits homosexual relations. If convicted, the two men will be flogged in public.

Pandji Wisaksana is 95, but for him age is but a number. COVID-19 prevents him from going to the gym, but he is still active in his daily chores with his 90-year-old wife and still handles his business affairs. His father went blind in a mine, inspiring him to help restore the eyesight of the poor. Since it was founded more than ten years ago, his charity has paid for at least 6,000 free cataract operations.

A few days ago, Indonesian President Joko Widodo said vaccines by China’s Sinovac would arrive in Indonesia by this November. He later stated that after arriving in Indonesia, they will have to be inspected by Indonesia’s state-owned Bio Pharma.

Plans to turn Komodo Island into an Indonesian Jurassic Park for tourists is raising concerns among environmentalists. The project is already underway as new construction replaces older structures.