Mathias Hariyadi

From 26 May to 2 June, the Diocese of Weetbula, East Nusa Tenggara province, is organizing a week dedicated to radio, TV and internet. The event coincides with the 125th anniversary of the mission in Sumba. The participation of hundreds of faithful. Bishop Woga: "An opportunity to practice the Christian faith ."

A former vice-president during Yudhoyono's first term in office (2004-2009), Kalla is teaming up with Jakarta's outgoing governor. A prominent business leader, he was instrumental in solving political and social crises in the past. Markets and civil society groups react positively, albeit cautiously, to the announcement.

Popular among voters, Jakarta's outgoing governor remains the one to beat in July. Uncertainty about his failure to choose a running mate could weigh on the campaign though. In his first attack, Jokowi's main opponent Subianto calls him a "political puppet" in the hands of former President Megawati.

The seminar was attended by nuns, seminarians, high school and college students, the simple faithful. An opportunity for encounter and discussion, in a diocese that consists of only nine distant and isolated parishes. Sr. Mary describes the initiative as "a great inspiration"; for Sr. Stefani it is a means to "connect with the modern world".

The Ministry of Health sets up temperature scanners in the country’s 13 international airports. Rumors of deaths from coronavirus denied, but cases are being examined by the authorities. Particular attention paid to pilgrims returning from Saudi Arabia, the epicenter of the epidemic with 126 deaths and 463 infections.

In the past three years, the number of passengers passing through Indonesian airports has increased from 63.3 million in 2011 to 93 million in 2013. Plans are underway to expand existing airports and build new ones. However, funding remains a major obstacle. This is also true for Jakarta's monorail. Such problems will fill the plate of Indonesia's next president.

The bishop of Padang confirms to AsiaNews that part of the church of St. Mary of the Ascension has been damaged. The attacker is still unknown, but the police are on his trail. The place of worship is in a rural area of the province of West Sumatra , the second worst for “Islamic fundamentalism” after Aceh.

An initiative promoted by Bishop Julianus Sunarko, involving seven students from the diocese in a three-day events and prayer. A pilot project to strengthen vocations to the priesthood and religious life. National policy of "two children at most" and birth control have decimated vocations.

A parish of Semarang organised a day of reflection and action, with activities ranging from the provision of food and drink for the needy to the Eucharistic adoration. In the Marian grotto in Mojosongo, the faithful took part in vocational activities. The Archdiocese of Jakarta plans a "special novena" for business people and commuters at the end of working hours.

Francis Borgia Edgar, a 23-year-old Catholic from Yogyakarta, won the first prize in the short video category at the 2014 Signis World Congress. After a difficult childhood marred by his father's death and mother's illness, the young man learnt his way through life thanks to his friendship with Fr Noegroho Agoeng. Thrilled, he remembers shaking hands with Pope Francis.

The local Church held two events where John Paul II stopped during his apostolic visit to the Far East and Mauritius. The goal was to remember "that he was here, a modern saint who changed the face and spirit of the Church". About 2,000 people attended the services.

Many events planned for an "unforgettable" event. The Archbishop of Jakarta launches a celebration of prayer and thanksgiving, with 1,500 worshipers. The Catholic University of Atma Jaya celebrates a Mass to commemorate the Polish Pontiff. Pope John XXIII and the special bond with the first President Soekarno.