Mathias Hariyadi

President Widodo is opposed but the government has not yet decided. One major issue is fighters’ legal status. Once home, they are expected to undergo de-radicalisation. For one scholar, “Extremism has already seeped deeply into some key institutions in society and the state”.

Dili had asked to quarantine them. The provincial authorities refused on the basis of considerations and contributions from various tour operators on the island. As of today, the suspension of flights to and from China enters into force.

Fighters and their families are trapped in Kurdish-controlled northern Syria. A de-radicalisation programme awaits them at home. For Religious Affairs minister, the decision is based on “humanitarian grounds”. For one expert, not all of them are “fundamentalists”.

The returnees will spend 14 days of quarantine in a military facility on the island of Natuna. For days the local population has protested against the government plan for fear of infection. Priest: "If someone gets sick, they are treated by the army and there would be no direct contact."

Rumours were flying around the country about a possible papal visit in September 2020. An unofficial letter of invitation has been circulating on social media signed by Indonesian President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo. Many people want to know as soon as possible when the solemn Eucharistic celebration led by the pontiff will take place.

Built in 1928, St Joseph’s Catholic Church needs to be renovated and enlarged. Originally it could accommodate 100 people, but now it has more than 700 members. Despite having all the permits, the project is opposed by a small group of young Muslims who threaten action against public order. For the first time, Indonesian Catholics openly criticise local authorities for their incompetence and inability to uphold the country’s values.

The Congregation of the Humble Sisters of St Joseph lacked the money to finish the construction of the hospital. After two years, Catholics from across the country expressed their solidarity. For a member of the organising committee, the event “was a true experience in discipleship.”

Since its release, the document signed by the Pope and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar has been widely circulated in Indonesia. In the world’s most populous Muslim country, Catholics are spreading its message of tolerance. For Bishop Sudarso, “fraternity is essential to guarantee pluralism.”

The Labuan Bajo facility is home to 13 people, three men and ten women. Three postulants and one aspiring novice are helping Sisters Matthew and Thomas. Daily life in the home is marked by great work and rigorous discipline. The South Korea-based community draws many hopefuls from Southeast Asia and is trying to open up to local Catholics.

The Archdiocese’s humanitarian response agency is coordinating aid distribution, such as medicines and basic necessities, via Internet and social media, to help thousands of displaced people. some 400,000 residents have been moved to temporary shelters, whilst over 35,000 have sought refuge on higher ground or roofs of government buildings or places of worship.

Exceptional rainfall floods Jakarta; South Tangerang, Tangerang City and Lebak (Banten province); and Bekasi and Bogor (West Java). Many call for the resignation of Jakarta’s governor.

The event, which was centred on the theme ‘Let’s be friends to anybody’ (Jn 15-14-15), saw the participation of President Widowo and other government officials. For the president, the state guarantees religious freedom.