Mathias Hariyadi

The small community, 700 people, 70 of which are Catholic, is isolated due to the collapse of a bridge. Food stocks are running out, impossible to go to work or school. Diocesan Caritas and promote a number of initiatives, including the establishment of a small market and the distribution of ropes and lifejackets to cross the river safely.

The experts are closely following the evolution of some eruptive phenomena in Sulawesi and East Nusa Tenggara. In North Sumatra is the funeral of the victims of Sinabung volcano, including four children. At least 22 thousand people displaced, the churches in the diocese have offered hospitality and shelter to survivors.

For the second time since the start of the year, heavy rains have paralysed the capital. The Indonesian Meteorology Agency issues weather warnings for the coming hours because of severe weather. The governor calls for collaboration and preventive measures, but clashes with the inaction of his counterparts in West Java and Banten.

For over 50 years, the Church's presence in this region of Central Java has been "insignificant." Now, a renewed commitment in favour of active witness begins with a new pastoral centre, backed by a website. With this in mind, a seminar focusing on interreligious dialogue and evangelisation through the web was held a few days ago.

The heavy rains of recent days have caused rivers to overflow. City of Manado and six districts of the province of North Sulawesi worst hit. The toll is provisional and likely to increase. Several churches flooded. Catholics have set up emergency shelters and provide food and shelter for victims.

They lack building permits and construction must be stopped. The latest case in Bungo district; local administration exclude reasons of "discriminatory" or "confessional" nature. The leaders of the Christian community explain: present since 2004 and so far "there have never been problems". Private homes instead of a place of worship.

After weeks of intimidation and (unfounded) accusations of proselytism, the Taman Bacaan Masyarakat is forced to cease activities . The Executive Director, a Catholic , says that "for some time" a fundamentalist wing has hindered his work on behalf of children in rural areas. An activity open to all, regardless of religious faith.

For the first time in the history of the province, people were not able to celebrate the arrival of the New Year. Firecrackers , trumpets and other "special items" associated with new year celebrations confiscated. The deputy police chief confirms the aim of "the full implementation of sharia".

A popular hotel in the province of Aceh has canceled a special evening of dance and concerts because of fundamentalist threats. Governor and police responsible for enforcing Islamic norms, including a ban on drinking alcohol. Concerts and dances "on any other day of the year", but not a "Christian holiday".

The leaders of the Islamic movement in Banda Aceh rail against the upcoming holidays, which are typical of "Western and Roman culture." Their nature "does not belong to the spirit of Islam." They also issue warnings to Christians, who must "respect" sharia, and hotels, which must not organise celebrations or balls.

The Archdiocese of Semarang produced ​​a documentary on the life of Austrian-born Jesuit Fr Y B Prenthaler, who played a leading role in the evangelisation of Java in the early 1900s. Some 133 Catholics and a 70-member crew took part "with joy and serenity" in the making of the docu-film. For an Indonesian priest, "it was an experience of faith." The film will be broadcast nation-wide.

Catholics are preparing to celebrate Christmas with a number of initiatives of charity and sharing. They include free mobile check-ups, blood donation drives, and providing help to the neediest. The Archdiocese of Jakarta is also preparing a Christmas thanksgiving dinner for a thousand orphans.