UCA News
Contribute

Religious leaders want rebuke for SBY

President under scrutiny for failing to stop anti-Christian violence
Religious leaders want rebuke for SBY
Father Antonius Benny Susetyo
Published: February 16, 2011 10:02 AM GMT
Updated: February 18, 2011 04:30 PM GMT

Dozens of religious leaders and rights activists have urged Indonesia’s People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR), to reprimand president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono following recent attacks on Ahmadiyah followers and on churches in Java. A warning is needed so the government can re-focus on national principles, Father Antonius Benny Susetyo, executive secretary of the bishops’ Commission for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs, told MPR Chairman Taufiq Kiemas at a February 14 open meeting. The assembly is Indonesia’s judicial branch of government. The priest said the recent attacks highlighted the need for the MPR to remind the government that it needs to take “concrete action.” Three Ahmadiyah sect members were brutally killed during an attack by over 1,000 orthodox Muslims on worshippers at a house in Banten on February 6. Two days later, in Temanggung, mobs ransacked three churches after a court jailed a Christian for five years for insulting Islam. The mobs had demanded the death penalty. “We hope the MPR is brave enough to warn president about his failure in enforcing the law and protecting citizens,” Father Susetyo said. In reply, Kiemas promised he would meet the president to discuss the attacks. “Violent acts must be stopped,” he said, “and the government must play a significant role in preventing these acts from happening.” Related reports Java security 'nowhere to be seen'State security inadequate – forumReligious leaders in Indonesia launch national party IJ13311.1641

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia