Religious Violence Flares in Indonesia as Mob Torches Aceh Church

Authorities tear down a church in Aceh Singkil, enforcing a
decree from the local Muslim-dominated religious harmony forum.

THE GUARDIAN: Muslim vigilante is shot dead as small Protestant house of worship attacked and authorities move to ‘ensure security’ – by demolishing more churches

Indonesia is struggling to live up to its national motto “unity in diversity” after a mob attack on a church left one dead and the authorities responded by demolishing more churches.

The attack took place in the conservative province of Aceh, the only region in Indonesia that has sharia law and where religious tension has been brewing for months.

A mob wielding sharp weapons torched the small Protestant church in the district of Aceh Singkil last week, saying it lacked an official permit. One Muslim vigilante was shot dead in the attack, while thousands of Christians fled to a neighbouring province.

Bishop Elson Lingga visited Aceh Singkil the day after the attack and said there was a deep sense of unease in the villages. “After the event everyone is suspicious of each other, thinking, ‘Are they the ones that reported us?’ They are afraid of their Muslim neighbours,” he said. » | Kate Lamb in Jakarta | Friday, October 23, 2015