Mathias Hariyadi

The Vatican Secretary of State met with Indonesia's Foreign Minister in Jakarta. Talks focused on inter-religious coexistence, cultural cooperation and education. Cardinal says every effort must be taken to avoid aggression and accept differences." On August 15, the Cardinal will be in East Timor to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the evangelization of the country.

Opponents argue that the faithful do not have a building permit. In reality, the permit was obtained, after 17 years. The church should serve 9 thousand faithful. The Bekasi mayor gives in to protesters' demands. Religious intolerance is one the rise in the country and there is a certain "impotence" of the government in curbing Islamic Extremists. A long list of churches blocked or scrapped.

This follows the burning of two Protestant churches in Central Java, ostensibly sparked by an arson attack against a mosque in Papua during celebrations marking the end of Ramadan. Mainstream and social media have failed to report that a 15-year-old Christian boy was killed by police in the latter incident. The government urges people not to give in to provocations.

A church in Purworejo and a prayer house in Bantul (Yogyakarta), central Java, are attacked in incidents connected to an arson attack against a small mosque in Papua that killed one person and wounded 12 others. For an Indonesian priest, a "thorough investigation" is needed to find the culprits and defuse sectarian tensions.

A Christian of Sino-Indonesian heritage, Ahok slammed recent attacks against the minority in the capital. On 10 July, Islamic extremist groups disrupted a prayer service in a place of worship they were able to shut down. For the governor, the principle of religious freedom applies to everyone. Indonesia "was not born under the tyranny" of the majority, "but based on the Constitution”.

Dust, lava and lapilli have forced the closure of airports; grounded many passengers traveling to the festive Ramadan. Yesterday more than 220 flights canceled or suspended from Surabaya. Main roads and highways blocked.

Lanny Jaya and other areas of the eastern province of Indonesia affected. Overnight temperatures (averaging over 35 degrees) plummet to zero with heavy hail showers. The cold snap also kills animals and vegetables. Fears for the survival of the local people.

Thousands of police officers deployed for Eid al Fitri, which marks the end of the Islamic holy month of fasting and prayer. In recent days, a bomb exploded in a shopping center, without causing casualties. Fears of attacks by local cells affiliated to the Islamic State. Not just foreigners, but Indonesians themselves are being targeted.

According to the police chief at the time there are no specific ties that link Ridwan Agustin and Tommy Hendratno to the jihadist movement. An Australian police report stated that the two are in Raqqa, the capital of the Caliphate. In fact have both posted declarations of "support" for IS on social media.

Boys and girls from 24 parishes take part. Pdyd director Fr. Prasetyo describes it as a "great opportunity" to "motivate" the young people to be "agents of love and compassion." A solemn Mass celebrated by the bishop closed the four days. The next edition scheduled in 2018.

Organised by an Indonesian Protestant group for the period of 1-5 July, the gathering was shut down on its second day following a raid by Muslim fundamentalists. For a radical Muslim leader, Christians were not authorised to organise an event that violates the sacredness of the Islamic month of fasting and prayer.

Sister Alphonsa Triatmi, a bio activist, urges the Indonesian Church to organize courses and seminars on “Laudato sì". The female religious battles against "evil and destructive" lifestyles. The encyclical gives "great support" for the struggle in defense of nature.