Mathias Hariyadi

In his speech to parliament, the president highlighted savings in public spending, economic growth above 5 per cent, and new social policies, such as free meals and improved education. He reiterated his support for the Palestinian cause. But factory closures and low wages fuel doubts about the real value of the results of the president’s administration.

During a meeting hosted by the Indonesian Bishops' Conference, representatives of the country's main faiths expressed strong concern about the violence and restrictions suffered by religious minorities and called for a review of the 2006 decree on places of worship and decisive action by the government.

The president granted amnesty to Hasto Kristiyanto, secretary general of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP), and pardoned former minister Thomas Lembong in a sign of rapprochement with the opposition. Activists and lawyers slam a dangerous precedent and accuse the president of political opportunism, while PDIP leader Megawati Soekarnoputri announces support for the administration in parliament.

Indonesian Christians are concerned after intolerant Muslim neighbours attacked a house where Sunday prayers were underway last Sunday. The local mayor claims it was merely a "misunderstanding" among residents. In an open letter to President Prabowo, Rev Fu Kwet Khiong writes that the incident was an attack on the “nation’s conscience,” calling for “religious tolerance” to be “a real policy, not just rhetoric.”

Over 20,000 faithful participated in the grand celebration for the anniversary of the archdiocese, cradle of spiritual and social initiatives that have become a model for the entire Church in Indonesia. Cardinal Suharyo thanked those who worked in Semarang ‘for its living legacy of service and mission.’

The reference is to the ‘national tragedy’ that mainly affected Chinese-Indonesian women and ended with the resignation of then-President Suharto. For Fadli Zon, the allegations of sexual violence are ‘unproven’. Protests at home and abroad. The Commission recalls the findings of the investigation, which are ‘official documents’ of the state.

Indonesia has temporarily blocked activities in a natural paradise in West Papua after protests from local communities and environmentalists. Greenpeace reports serious violations and irreversible damage to the legally protected ecosystems of the small islands. The area is home to 75 per cent of the world's coral reefs and relies on ecotourism.

The Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) office of the Capuchins in Medan, North Sumatra, issued a strong appeal for the protection of the Lake Toba region. Speaking out against rising environmental exploitation and the threat to the rights of indigenous peoples, they ask the government to act and slam the devastation caused by business interests, in particular by Toba Pulp Lestari Tbk.

Disaster caused by improper mining techniques, according to investigations. Alarms had already been raised previously. The owner and chief engineer are suspected of negligence. Mining suspended on Mount Kuda and state of emergency declared for seven days.

The Indonesian president has welcomed his French counterpart on an official visit. Prabowo opens to normalising ties with Israel, but ties it to the establishment of a recognised Palestinian entity. A shared hope for a “just and lasting” solution in the region.

The Karina Foundation held its biennial meeting in Jakarta from 21 to 24 May at the headquarters of the Bishops' Conference. The event brought together operators, bishops and international partners to boost the commitment to cooperation and integral human development. Fr Fredy Rante Taruk highlighted “working closely with government stakeholders”.

In West Java province, an explosion occurred during the controlled detonation of old bombs. A group of civilians, present in the restricted area without authorisation, were caught in the blast—reportedly scavenging for bomb fragments to sell. The explosion is the latest in a long series of similar incidents; another occurred on 9 May. These events raise concerns over the security of military sites.