Mathias Hariyadi

A poem read on TV by a nationalist politician had caused the wrath of the Indonesian United Muslim Forum (FUIB). It turns out that poem was written in 1987 by an illustrious Muslim cleric, the ninth chief advisor to Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), the largest moderate Islamic organisation in Indonesia with over 80 million members. For analysts, radicals fear the NU the most.

For Sukmawati Soekarnoputri, the konde is more beautiful than the hijab. She also compared sharia to the way hairdressers tightly roll hair. Despite her apology, radical groups still plan to take her to court.

Most Churches stayed away from the religious event meant to boost support for Islamist governor among Christian voters. Critics attack the latter’s political use of Easter. Organisers had announced the presence of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference and the Protestant Christian Synod without their consent.

Many lay people take part in spiritual exercises in West Kalimantan and Tegal. The archbishops of Pontianak, Palembang and Semarang bring together the clergy for two-day retreats and Chrism Mass. Mgr Agustinus Agus focused on observing and experiencing “Christ’s love”. For Mgr Robertus Rubiyatmoko, “being compassionate towards others simply means” turning words into actions.

His accuser, Buni Yani, had been convicted of inciting hatred. He had tampered with the video on which the Christian politician had been convicted in May 2017. For his lawyer, the ruling was influenced by politics.

Two people, a 32-year-old plantation worker and a 34-year-old worker, have been killed. A special team is trying to capture the animal alive to move it to a nature reserve. The tiger has already escaped two attempts to capture it; it has also killed many domestic animals.

A group of six vandals entered the church, consecrated just last March 4, blowing a a hole in the wall. A statue of the Virgin smashed, chairs stacked and set on fire. The faithful rushed to extinguish the flames. Political analysts consider this type of incident "political warming" in anticipation of the upcoming elections.

Mgr Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo visits Cilangkap headquarters. The Indonesian Church is grateful to the Armed Forces for the construction of a chapel on the military base and for the closeness they expressed after the Islamist attack of 11 February against the chapel of St Lidwina in Yogyakarta.

Every year, during the festival, the city hosts lively and colourful parades, famous throughout the country. On the celebration’s eve a great parade of red lanterns takes place. The next day, the Tatung parade is held, with people possessed by gods or supernatural spirits called Lauya.

More than 35 people attended the event, mostly priests working in the communications field for their respective dioceses. A new leadership takes over for 2018-2022 as Fr Steven Lalu, of the diocese of Manado, becomes the new president. Young and women are encouraged to play a greater role in media and communications.

Dahlan Sili Tongga, 61, and Tjia Nyuk Hwa, 45, were convicted for breaking Islamic law. Aceh is the only territory in Indonesia to enforce Sharia. The couple chose corporal punishment over prison. Each lash is the equivalent to a month in prison.

Four people were wounded in the attack on 11 February. The 23-year-old Islamic extremist Suliyono who attacked the church armed with a sword has been forgiven. The Islamic organisations Muhammadiyah and Gus Durians show solidarity with Catholics.