International Christian Concern | Dec. 19, 2018
In Muslim majority community Purbayan, the top of a cross on a deceased Catholic’s tomb was cut off by local Muslims, while the mourners were banned from having prayers at the deceased’s house and had to take place at a nearby church.
The deceased Christian, Mr. Albertus Slamet Sugihardi, was a resident of Purbayan, home to some 150 families, 147 Muslims and three Christians. He worked as an ambulance driver for the Red Cross until he died of a heart attack on Monday. He was buried at the Jambon public cemetery.
However, based on local community standards, it is not permitted “to place religious symbols in the cemetery”.