Catholic shrine vandalized in Surakarta, priests call for calm
The Jakarta Post, Surakarta, Central Java
The Sendang Pawitra Sinar Surya Catholic shrine in Tawangmangu, Surakarta, Central Java, was vandalized by unidentified individuals on Wednesday evening.
A statue of the Virgin Mary was decapitated, several other statues were destroyed and a large crucifix was stolen, according to a priest.
Rev. Sunaryadi of Karang Anyar St. Pius parish church in Surakarta said the incident took place around 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
“Not only did the perpetrators destroy the statue of the Mother Mary, they also removed a 1.5-meter-wide cross and destroyed statues of angels and a holy water fountain,” Sunaryadi said.
“We have failed to find the head of the Virgin Mary statue,” he added.