December 18, 2009 Alfian Church Attacked by Bekasi Mob Bekasi. Hundreds of people attacked a church under construction in Harapan Indah Housing Complex here on Thursday evening, police said on Friday.
The attackers arrived at the front gate of the housing complex in cars and motorcycles after attending a parade celebrating the Islamic New Year, which fell on Friday. No reason was given for the incident. During the attack, which lasted for around 15 minutes, the mob burned down a security post at the entrance gate of the Santo Albertus Church and an office belonging to the contractor, destroying office equipment, ceramics and roof tiles inside. They also uprooted trees and, according to news portal kompas.com, smashed newly installed lamps inside the church. Police said they arrested at least one person for the attack, which came just days before Christmas. Catholics in the area had planned to use the church for the first time to celebrate the holiday. "We will still hold our Christmas Eve mass as planned," Kristina Maria Rantetana, chairperson of the church construction committee, said. No one was injured in the incident. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
