Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Jakarta (Agenzia Fides) - Indonesian police have arrested ten radical Islamic militants, accused of attacking two Christian leaders last Sunday in the suburb of Bekasi, part of the megalopolis of Jakarta. The parish priest, Luspida Simandjunktak and the elderly Hasean Lumbantoruan Sihombing were stopped, beaten and stabbed by a group of at least seven men, as they were going to church at 9 am. The two were taken to hospital and the elderly man is in serious condition.
The police investigation, prompted by the Christian community and also by other Indonesian political leaders, is now up against the Islamic fundamentalist groups that have already previously attacked places of Christian worship or promoted anti-Christian demonstrations, inciting religious hatred. Among the ten arrested in fact, is Murhali Barda, leader of the radical movement, “Islamic Defence Front” (FPI) in Bekasi. He is accused of inciting the militants to attack.
The incident confirmed the data of a survey published recently by “Setara”, the Institute for Democracy and Peace, the independent think-tank based in Jakarta. The survey recorded the views of 1,200 people of diverse religious communities in Jakarta, in the suburbs of Bekasi, Bogor and Depok and in the town of Tangerang, places where there have been incidents of religious intolerance in recent months.
According to the data sent to Fides, 49.5% of respondents would not accept the construction of a place of worship in their neighbourhood, if it is of a faith different to their own; 84% do not like that a member of family embraces a different religion to their own.
According to the Institute, in 2010 at least 64 incidents occurred of a religious nature such as assaults, attacks on places of worship, and raids to prevent prayer meetings . In 2009, says Setara, there were 18, and only 17 in 2008. Therefore, growth in religious intolerance is emerging, especially in the area of “greater Jakarta”, the researchers conclude.
Speaking to Fides, sources in the Indonesian Church express concern, “especially with regards to the suburbs of Jakarta, where social problems, unemployment, poverty, and immigration are found, the products of uncontrolled urbanisation, foreshadowing social unrest. In this context, the religious element is a source of identity and coagulant for all communities, both for Christians and for Muslims. Here radical groups like the FPI thrive and are free, proposing a fundamentalist vision of Islam.”
Recently, in an interview with Fides (see Fides 25/10/2010), Archbishop Johannes Pujasumarta, Secretary of the Bishops' Conference of Indonesia, had signaled an escalation of attacks against the Christian Churches. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 02/12/2010)
