He had 90 years and was pastor of Saint Teresa’s, in Jakarta. His most important legacy to the Indonesian Catholic Church is garnering charism of thousands of lay Catholics who offer their ability and energy to the Church to expand the mission of evangelization.
The clergymen want the government to promote a culture of tolerance between different ethnic groups, and boost Papuan social inclusion through dialogue and education. Ethnic Papuans are often mocked as "monkeys". They also demand the release of Buchtar Tabuni and other political prisoners arrested in 2019.
The Justice Peace and Integrity Creation (JPIC) service of the Franciscan Capuchin Order of Pontianak undertook a major humanitarian initiative together with local partners.
To curb the spread of the pandemic, travel is prohibited, but there are millions who have escaped control to visit relatives. No religious parade at the end of the fast. Everyone is urged to pray at home. But in Tegal, Kudus, Ciamis, Sidrap will be prayed in public.
Ms Yatmi gave part of her pension for the sick. Elizabeth, a nurse, donated her salary for unemployed daily labourers. Ismanto donated his paintings. Yasmin Saman, 6, donated the money she saved in two years. Diego, a 12-year- old disabled, donated his savings.
The presence of thousands of passengers at an airport sparked a protest. Social distancing is being disregarded. The lack of discipline among Indonesians is causing more infections. Fears surround Eid al-Fitr. There are doubts about the actual numbers of cases.
“This is a problem for all humanity. Moreover, this global issue for humanity in the most critical moment of our modern history, means that everyone has a moral and religious duty to help and support each other ".
For Indonsian Muslims, the 14 May initiative will promote brotherhood among all human beings. Card Suharyo calls for tolerance and compassion for those suffering from COVID-19". The government will hold a special event next Satuirday.
Most are low-income wage earners and day labourers. Millions of migrants have become jobless. Thirty university students raise funds online. Indonesian nuns have made and handed out protective masks. Donations of food and sanitary items are pouring in.
People are avoiding human contacts, especially with doctors and medical staff. In one incident, three nurses were forced to leave their rented rooms by their landlady who feared they might be contagious. Towns and villages refuse to bury COVID-19 victims. The country is locked down with no air, rail and sea travel.
The government lockdown starts today until 1 June. Many fear being stranded away from home. Some rail and road links have also been closed. Restrictions were introduced to stop Mudik, but Jakarta has not imposed a full lockdown.
The government has banned the traditional exodus of millions of people returning to their hometown to celebrate both Eid and the family reunion. Recent research has said that around three million are expected to perform mudik this year. Last year, the total number of pemudiks (the people of the exodus) was around 18.3 million.
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