Mathias Hariyadi

Kristopel House in Jambi held a meeting to strengthen Catholic morality and raise awareness of the true love of Jesus. About 250 young people from many parishes in the province took part in the event. Fr Christopher Wahyu Triharyardi told AsiaNews that spiritually participants were made aware of the real presence of God as well as love for family and neighbours in everyday life.

She won in Singkawan (West Kalimantan) defeating three competitors. She follows Confucianism. The city is majority Chinese, where everyone speaks the Hakka language.

In the first round the outgoing governor "Ahok", a Christian at the center of a story of a blasphemy case, won 43% of the votes. His rival Baswedan, a Muslim, just below the 40% threshold. Decisive 17% of the votes won by the eldest son of former President Yudhoyono. The vote took place without incident. Second round to be held on 19 April.

Local elections are set for Wednesday. Some associations call for a “choice based on the interest of [. . .] the nation,” and the defence of a pluralistic state.

Local elections are set for 15 February in Jakarta, the provinces and regencies in a country where tensions are rising due to campaigns and protests promoted by extremist Muslims. The capital’s Christian governor is one of their target. For Mgr Suharyo, the Church is nonpartisan, but it defends the fundamental values ​​of the state.

Palestine’s diplomatic mission warns against any improper use of the Palestinian flag in marches and demonstrations. Such use “cannot be accepted". Many Indonesians often identify the Palestinian flag with Islam. For Indonesian minister, the embassy’s request "must be respected by all Indonesians, including Muslim groups."

The traditional event held in the city by the Chinese community was renamed "Imlek Festival", the local nickname for the Lunar New Year. The agreement is the result of a meeting between the Islamic forum, which originally wanted to cancel the event, and its coordinator.

Muslim student groups and Islamic organisations slam the event, want its cancellation. They demand respect for the "religious" feelings of the Muslim community. However, the event has been celebrated for years by the city’s large Chinese community without causing any problems.

Indonesia’s president met the leaders of the Synod of Protestant Churches (PGI) to discuss the growing threats that endanger "tolerance, peace and unity". Widodo reassured them that the state is not "passive" towards radical groups as it was in the past.

General Karnavian warns against infiltration of MUI. Edicts and declarations are "manipulated" to promote a violent and radical ideology. Among the recent cases, the attempt to block the re-election of the governor of Jakarta because "Christian." MUI President denies the charges.

A group of people in traditional outfit and wielding traditional weapons "invaded" the Sintang airport runway to prevent Tengku Zulkarnain, MUI deputy secretary, from deplaning. The Muslim Islamic leader was set to meet the local Muslim community. He had previously described the Dayak as "infidels." In fact, the indigenous group has always promoted an atmosphere of harmony and dialogue with other faiths and ethnic groups.

Together with the bishop, Mgr Pius Riana Prapdi, AsiaNews’s correspondent visited the most remote and isolated communities of the diocese of Ketapang. To reach them, they had to travel rough by car and, where the river is navigable, by boat. The advent of modernity has upset the ecosystem and the traditional lifestyle. For the bishop, strong motivation and will can overcome "unimaginable" challenges.