Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Jakarta (Agenzia Fides) - Christians and Muslims greet each other with smiles, they respect and think highly of each other, and live together in harmony: this is what happens in Bekasi, with over 2 million inhabitants, it is one of the largest suburbs of Jakarta. Local Christians tell Fides an experience that brings a glimmer of hope in Bekasi, the scene of conflicts and tensions between radical Muslim groups (such as the Islamic Defenders Front) and Christian communities of the protestant galaxy.
In Kranji, in the Bekasi district, the restoration of the church of San Michele has recently been completed. To reach the church you must go through a street inhabited by Muslim families. On Sunday, when the Christian community goes to church to participate in the liturgy, Christians and Muslims greet each other with respect, friendship and good feelings. Near the church stands a small mosque. During the Christian celebrations, the mosque, respectfully, does not diffuse Islamic chants and prayers at high volume.
The church of San Michele has recently reopened, and during the period of restoration, Christian leaders sought dialogue and relations with the Muslim population of the district, to establish good relations. The attempt was successful and today the climate of tolerance and harmony between Christians and Muslims from Kranji is an example to Bekasi. Through this experience, the fundamentalist groups have not found fertile ground here.
A Christian leader from Belasi comments to Fides: "This happens when there is a desire to approach and understand the other, to respect religious freedom. This is the principle of Pancasila (the law of the "five principles") expressed in experience".
Bekasi came into the limelight for the Islamic militants campaign against the supposed "mass conversions" organized by the Christians. In recent months there were several episodes of Christians beaten, community of prayer meetings interrupted, obstacles to the construction of churches and often the intervention of civil authorities and police was required. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 8/6/2011
