The Hindu [India], Monday, June 7, 2004 : 1230 Hrs
Mobs attack four churches near Indonesian capital
Jakarta, Jun 7. (AP): Mobs armed with sticks attacked four churches close to the
Indonesian capital, injuring a minister and damaging pews and windows, police said
today.
The churches were attacked yesterday while services were taking place in some of
them, said Capt. Hamdani, who goes by a single name. All of the churches were in
buildings earmarked for use as shops.
Hamdani declined to speculate on a motive for the attacks in Tangerang on the South
western outskirts of Jakarta. Media reports said the churches were targeted because
they were established without permission of the local government.
The mobs caused minor damage to pews and windows in the apparently coordinated
attacks, Hamdani said. A minister was punched on the head, but his injuries were not
serious.
Similar attacks on "wild churches," as some Muslims refer to unauthorised churches,
have taken place in the past.
Christians make up about 10 per cent of Indonesia's 210 million people. More than 80
per cent are Muslims, making it the world's largest Islamic country.
Christians often complain it is difficult to receive permission to build new churches,
and so erect them in shopping malls and business districts in violation of planning
regulations.
Muslim organisations accuse some Christians of overly aggressive missionary
activities, and question the need for churches in Muslim-majority areas.
Copyright © 2004, The Hindu.
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