Mathias Hariyadi

Police arrest a Malaysian citizen and search for accomplices in Indonesia. Potential victims - especially young women - are chosen in poor and remote villages in the archipelago. Attracted by the prospect of a job in the Middle East, they end up becoming prostitutes. Yesterday the appeal of Pope Francis against human trafficking.

Leaders of the Palestinian extremist movement visited the Indonesian capital and met with senior officials of the government and Parliament. The Parliament Speaker open to the possibility of a "Hamas branch office" in Indonesia. But the main movements and moderate Muslim leaders are opposed: there is already the Palestinian embassy, risk of a diplomatic and institutional conflict with Fatah.

The newly elected Jokowi orders the cancellation of the infamous Ktkln, a mandatory document for workers abroad. Back at home it was a source of harassment and extortion at the hands of corrupt officials. Hundreds of cases every year. Unemployment and low labor supply feed emigration.

The Bishops' Conference stands for civil rights, in particular with regard to mixed marriages. Muslims, Hindus and Confucians oppose changes to existing legislation that bans mixed marriages. Even members of the Constitutional Court are opposed to changes. For the Catholic Church, it is a fight for "human rights".

Red tape, graft and malfeasance have pushed up prices. Oil and gas sector comes under closer scrutiny. Despite its huge reserves, Indonesia has to import energy to meet its needs. Transparency and a crackdown against mafia infiltration have become necessary.

In a pastoral letter, the country's Catholic bishops highlight the example of priests, religious or nuns. A children's book with information about all the religious orders and congregations is planned. The country has at least 6,800 seminarians.

In a break with tradition, Tjahaja Basuki Purnama was sworn in today by President Jokowi, his predecessor as Jakarta governor, at the Presidential Palace, and not by the Home Affairs Ministry. Extremist groups call for the ouster of the new governor. Thousands of police have been deployed to enforce security.

The Bishops' Conference renews the pastoral and missionary journey along the lines laid out by Pope Francis. Multiculturalism, interfaith dialogue and commitment to the poor and marginalised are the priorities of the local church. The bishops also express hope to see an apostolic visit during Indonesian Youth Day in Manado in 2016.

Members of the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) and Formasi blocked the celebrations of 9 November. The Pastor of St. Odilia avoids the devastation of the place of worship by removing the sacred objects in time. The Protestant community previously targeted. First challenge in terms of religious freedom for the reformist president Jokowi.

Promoted by Gotaus, a lay movement, the initiative is aimed at financing the education of poor students. Some 5,600 students are enrolled in 37 minor seminars in Indonesia, and at least 3,600 of them need financial help. Thousands of the faithful respond to the call.

After years of abuse and violence under President Yudhoyono, the new head of state Jokowi and his government announce changes. Religious Affairs minister plans to adopt new legislation "within six months" to remove barriers to freedom of worship by non-Muslims. Interior minister plans to remove religious affiliation from identity papers.

The Indonesian Bishops' Conference is underway until 13 November with all 37 diocesan bishops present. Following Pope Francis' lead, the prelates are focusing on sensitive social issues. A Muslim scholar, who praises the country's multicultural nature, is also present.