Mathias Hariyadi

As family members prayed, two people burst into their home saying that such a gathering had been banned. Yesterday’s incident and related videos posted on social media sparked interest among ordinary Indonesians.

Such cases are occurring in other parts of the country. Millions of people express their outrage online at such incidents. So far, 22 doctors and 10 nurses have died in the fight against the COVID-19 virus, from lack of necessary protections and overwork. The social situation is deteriorating.

The incident occurred in Maumere, Flores Island, where a ship was not allowed to dock. After 19 hours of negotiations, those on board were allowed to disembark, sent to local quarantine facilities. Indonesia’s Health Ministry imposed a partial lockdown on Jakarta.

Sisters warn that medical staff risk their lives. Only state hospitals and other public facilities are supposed to treat coronavirus patients. Catholic facilities will not turn away people who come for help. An Anti-COVID-19 Catholic Network is set up in Jakarta. Buddhists help. In Wedi, young parishioners hand out free packages.

Celebrations with people have been suspended because of the coronavirus outbreak. Three private TV channels will broadcast religious services live. Meetings and negotiations between the authorities and the Catholic association Komunitas Universal (KU) were crucial. Indonesian Catholics will not miss the universal prayer and Urbi et Orbi blessing tonight.

On Flores Island, Semana Santa events have been cancelled. Health takes priority over traditions. The Indonesian government is struggling to cope with the crisis. In Jakarta Catholics hand out soup and other food to the needy.

The ceremony took place this morning amid precautions against the coronavirus. Church leaders have been criticised for ignoring guidelines and not showing empathy towards a frightened population. An Islamic meeting was cancelled yesterday. Archbishop Olla notes that the number of participants was reduced from 7,000 to 1,500.

Prayers are offered for everyone affected by the contagion. Church is grateful towards the authorities and medical personnel. The country has reported 227 cases so far, with 19 deaths. Restrictions on internal movements and foreign arrivals have been imposed. Church activities have been limited whilst Mass is available online. Meanwhile, another danger looms: dengue fever.

The president calls on the population to remain productive and avoid panic. Transport minister Budi Karya Sumadi tests positive for Covid-19. No state of emergency: the president delegates the measures to the districts of the nation. The governor of Jakarta closes schools and reduces transportation.

For the mostly Christian ethnic group, pigs play a key role in their culture and economy. The ASF epidemic originated in China in August 2018. In Indonesia, it has killed up to 46,000 pigs.

Over the years, about 689 Indonesians have become members of the Islamic State group, mostly women and children. Minister warns their return could threaten 267 million people. The largest moderate Islamic organisation agrees with the government, noting that their decision to join a foreign jihad is against the teachings of Islam and the Qurʼān.

The local Catholic community has all the necessary permits to tear down the existing church and build a new, larger one. Muslim extremists are using spurious arguments and spreading baseless information to stop it. On 6 February, an Islamist protest turned into an attack.