Release International

Christians in Indonesia were braced for possible retaliatory attacks amid reports that three Islamist radicals were to be executed 'within days'.

The three militants convicted of the Bali bombings in 2002 filed an appeal against the death sentence last week – but officials ruled out any further delay to their execution.

At the time of writing, the executions were expected imminently. Already radical groups have threatened attacks. Security at potential targets such as churches is tight. In Poso, Central Sulawesi, police have found bomb-making material, according to AsiaNews.

Several members of a new terrorist group calling itself Tauhid Wal Jihad were arrested in Kelapa Ganding, North Jakarta, last month. Police said the group was planning attacks on church leaders and religious figures committed to interfaith dialogue.

Meanwhile, in East Jakarta, students and staff from the Arastamar Evangelical School of Theology have been rehoused in an abandoned mayor's office. They were forced to leave their campus in Kampung Pulo in July after a mob brandishing machetes raided the college (7x7, September 2, 2008). Since then students and staff have been living in a range of temporary accommodation – from a campsite to the lobby of the Indonesian parliament.

Jakarta's state governor has now offered the former mayor's office as a temporary refuge – but it lacks even basic amenities. Students have to bring water from a well for showers, laundry and cooking. College principal Matheus Mangentang is still refusing to pay campsite fees of about £36,000, calling on the governor's office to foot the bill.

(Sources: AsiaNews, BBC, Compass Direct)

Pray for Matheus Mangentang, his staff and his students as they struggle to continue their work in difficult circumstances. Pray for a new home for the college.

Pray that Christians in Indonesia will not fear but trust God as their sovereign Lord.

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