Mathias Hariyadi

Choirs from across Indonesia competed in Ambon (Maluku). Government officials, civil society groups and the Bishop’s Conference were part of the organising committee. "Let us build together national unity and take care of a pluralistic society,” said Bishop Suharyo.

Agents arrest transsexuals at Labuhan Jungkung beach during an operation to "maintain security and public order". Before their release, they were subjected to ghusl, a "mandatory bath" to eliminate their "impurities" and prepare them for reintroduction into society.

The prelates of the country’s 10 archdioceses and 27 dioceses are meeting in the West Java capital. For the archbishop of Jakarta, “The presence of the Catholic Church is sustained in spirit by the apostolic exhortation 'Gaudete et Exultate' of Pope Francis. Bishops are essential to protecting national unity, Religious Affairs Ministry official says.

Founded in 1928 as Poesara Wanita Katholiek, the Catholic Women's Association of Indonesia held its first national conference on 22-25 December of that same year. Indonesian President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo also spoke at the opening ceremony of the 20th congress. Government ministers were also present.

Tuti Tursilawati had killed her employer's father to escape sexual violence. Indonesian President Joko Widodo presents a complaint and demands explanations. The Office for the Care and Protection of Migrants: "The Saudis do not intend to shed light on violations of human rights". In total, since 2011, at least six Indonesian citizens have been executed in Saudi Arabia.

"Pesparani is not just a singing competition between choirs, but it is a moment when we are called to strengthen our union," said Mgr Suharyo, president of the Bishops’ Conference. In recent history, the island saw violent sectarian clashes between Muslims and Protestants. In a video message, Indonesian President Widodo asked Catholics to "maintain the integrity and harmony of the religious community, in order to achieve true brotherhood among the children of the nation".

The Cengkareng control tower lost contact with the JT-610 flight at 05.46 this morning, about 13 minutes after take-off. On the flight there was also a small child, two newborns, two pilots and 5 flight attendants. The plane had had a technical problem on a previous flight, but all had been solved according to the procedure.

37% percent of Islamic teachers admit to making hostile gestures to people of different faiths. 34% would disagree with the establishment of a non-Islamic educational center. H. Moch Qasim Mathar, from the Islamic State Alauddin University of Makassar: "Concern for a phenomenon that the government must fight in a serious and rapid manner".

Launched in 2015, an artistic competition gave Our Lady more "familiar" features for Indonesian Catholics. Robertus Gunawan, a Catholic from Jakarta, won the competition. In January 2018, the archbishop of Jakarta adopted the image as a symbol of national unity.

The earthquake caused landslides in at least 16 locations. On the field there is a task force that brings together various organizations. The story of an expedition to bring aid to the villages of Kulawi, about 85 km south of Palu. In the remote village of Sangali, 30 Catholic families in desperate need of assistance reached.

The bishop of Ketapang stressed the important role young people played in the birth of Indonesia. For him, diversity is “our cultural heritage and a great blessing for the nation." The Indonesian Church is for inter-faith dialogue and harmony. Young Muslim woman recalls her participation in pre-Synod meetings.

About 7,000 people will take part in the first edition of a sacred music festival. Indonesian President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo and Vice President Jusuf Kalla will attend. Muslims and Protestants support the event. For Mgr Petrus Canisius Mandagi, the festival will allow everyone to admire the true face of Indonesian society.