ABC AUSTRALIA, 07/06/2004 22:25:58
Mobs attack Indonesian churches
Indonesian police say mobs attacked and vandalised four churches during Sunday
services and injured a priest.
They say about 12 people attacked the Ellem church at Ciputat, southwest of the
capital Jakarta.
A priest who attempted to intervene was beaten up. Police say the priest was not
seriously injured but the attackers wreaked havoc inside the church, damaging the
pews and windows.
Four people have been detained over the incident.
Mobs also attacked three churches in neighbouring Pamulang on Sunday.
The Media Indonesia newspaper says the churches at Pamulang were attacked within
30 minutes of the attack at Ciputat.
It says the mobs vandalised the buildings but did not harm anyone.
Many killed in Papua violence
At least 49 people have been wounded in a battle between tribesmen in Indonesia's
easternmost province of Papua.
Police say most of the injured had been hit by arrows and spears
Timika district police chief Paulus Waterpauw, says the battle between the Nduga
and Damal tribes follows a clash on Saturday in which two people were killed.
Mr Waterpauw says police have been able to separate the two camps but could not
yet bring rival representatives together because tension remains high.
The weekend battle follows a dispute about two months ago in which one Nduga
tribesman was killed.
The AFP news agency says local tradition dictates that a death should be avenged by
a death in the rival camp, unless compensation, usually involving livestock and the
hosting of a feast, can be negotiated.
07/06/2004 22:25:58 | ABC Radio Australia News
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