Indonesia's police examines the church after the attack on February 11 (Photo: AFP/VNA) Jakarta (VNA) – Indonesian President Joko Widodo during a government meeting on February 21 instructed the National Police to take a firm action over recent attacks on religious figures.
According to Antara News, the president also urged the National Police to immediately settle 21 cases of attacks on religious figures in different parts of the country in recent months.
It is the responsibility of the National Police to maintain security and public peace and order, particularly to protect all citizens, he said.
Of the 21 attacks on religious figures between December 2017 and February 2018, 15 involved abnormal signs, said Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Wiranto.
Churches are a common target for Islamic militants in Indonesia. On February 11, at least four people were injured during a machete attack at a church in Indonesian’s Yogyakarta province.
[Indonesia: four injured in church attack]
The injured included a police officer who tried to subdue the attacker, where about 100 churchgoers were present. Although the assailant was arrested, the reason for the attack was not disclosed.-VNA
