Mathias Hariyadi

Inspired by the theme of ‘light and salt of the earth’, Catholics celebrated the foundation of St Theresia’s Parish. The first baptism dates back to 1932. Three years later the first priest arrived, and another 30 baptisms. The mission remains actively involved in education and health care.

The Support Group and Resources Centre (SGRC) wants to have an office to engage in Sexuality Studies at the University of Indonesia. "Members of the LGBT community are not authorised to engage in cultural activities on any university campus run by Ministry of Research, Technology and Higher Education," said the minister. However, “Their rights as citizens must be protected by the state.”

The members of Gerakan Fajar Nusantara, a sect considered heretical by mainstream Islam, have been expelled from their homes. In 2007, the group’s founder was convicted for declaring himself the last prophet. As a result, the authorities have organised the relocation of the refugees to Java. "We must punish the movement’s false doctrine, but when its members are in danger, the state must intervene,” a government minister said.

Catholic couples take part in a retreat to talk about married life and approach reconciliation together. The exercise includes Eucharistic adoration, prayer and confession, followed by a moment of "public confession". For one participant, learning new things from friends was a moment of great joy.

Muslim, Catholic, Protestant, Buddhist, Hindu, Confucian, and Taoists leaders join high-ranking government officials to reiterate that Indonesia "will not give in to the threat of terrorism." For Defence minister, "Every religion teaches the fundamental principle of love,” whilst “Every act of terror goes against the true values ​​of every faith and for this reason we reject them." The death toll rises to eight. The authorities have 12 suspects under arrest.

Indonesian Special forces go after militants linked to the Islamic state. The authorities identify a number of radical websites hosted in Indonesia and abroad. Four of the five Jakarta bombers were identified yesterday.

So far 7 reported dead: two foreigners and five Indonesians. Police station and shopping centers in Sarinah, then at Cikini and Palmerah targeted. A suspected terrorist was killed; two others are on the run. Police and army launch manhunt. Pain of President Widodo.

Two terrorists blew themselves up. Three were killed in a gun battle with the police and soldiers. Two civilians, a Canadian and an Indonesian were killed. The group’s leader, Bahrun Naim planned the attack to draw ISIS caliph al-Baghdadi’s attention so that he can become ISIS regional leader in Southeast Asia. For Jakarta Police Chief Karnavian, ISIS is changing modus operandi, expanding its operations to Paris, in North Africa, Singapore, Thailand and European countries. Meanwhile, Indonesian security services foiled terrorist attacks at Christmas and New Year.

Since number of participants is limited, pilgrims can wait up to 10 years to leave for Mecca and must the amount pay in advance to the government. Prosecutors had asked for 11 years for Suryadharma Ali. The politician was also chairman of the moderate Islamic party of the country.

"Hidup" (life) was founded on Jan. 5, 1946 by a Dutch Jesuit, missionary in Jakarta. Since then it has always been the benchmark for Indonesian Catholic news, building a bridge between the church leadership and congregations. Free online version launched three years ago.

The country's largest Islamic movement is organising an interfaith gathering for 17January. Some 10,000 people are expected. "With this mass rally we want to bring the message that diversity should be the strength of the nation. We have to show that peaceful coexistence is possible,” said a Bishops’ Conference official. For a Muslim leader, the goal is to promote “in a predominantly Muslim Indonesia moderate ideas that embrace religious tolerance.”

Located some 400 km from the provincial capital, the one-thousand strong community of St Michael’s in Pakak gets a priest only for a day of the year because of its remoteness. Older couples renewed their marriage vows and young people went to confession and asked for advice.