Sunday Bloody Sunday JAKARTA (JP): At least 15 people were killed and dozens others injured when bombs exploded almost simultaneously in or outside churches in various towns on Sunday night, as Indonesia's minority Christian community was preparing to celebrate Christmas.

Religious leaders appeal for calm JAKARTA (JP): Religious leaders on Monday were in shock over the bloody Sunday night bombings and immediately focused their efforts on appeals for everyone to remain calm and unprejudiced to avoid reprisal which could impair the already fragile situation.

Gus Dur condems attacks as barbaric JAKARTA (JP): Denouncing the Christmas eve attacks on churches as barbaric acts, President Abdurrahman Wahid on Monday said they were aimed at destabilizing the nation just as it is about to embark on a new era of economic revival and democracy.

Analysts point to the 'usual suspects' in bombings JAKARTA (JP): Politicians and observers pointed to a well- organized and affluent group with political ambitions as the perpetrators of the Christmas eve bombings, with some even directly suggesting that forces loyal to the New Order regime were responsible. Apart from expressing horror and condemnation, various comments on the bloody Christmas bombings were united in their belief that the attack was politically motivated.

Special Edition In view of the tragic events that erupted in Jakarta and other cities in Indonesia on Christmas Eve, The Jakarta Post is publishing this special edition to keep readers informed of the development in Indonesia and elsewhere in the world. The newspaper will resume with its regular editions after the holiday on Friday. -- The publisher

Gus Dur offers freedom but not independence JAKARTA (JP): Visiting President Abdurrahman Wahid said in Irian Jaya on Monday that Jakarta would allow "peaceful freedom of expression" in the province, but warned against any attempt to secede from the republic. Speaking during a Christmas celebration in the provincial capital of Jayapura, Abdurrahman said that "Irian Jaya must remain part of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia".

Idul Fitri falls on Wednesday JAKARTA (JP): The government announced on Monday that Idul Fitri falls on Wednesday and that the Ramadhan fasting month will last the full 30 days and not 29, Antara reported. The announcement came after various sighting posts reported that they could not see the moon's crescent, which would have meant the start of the Islamic lunar month on Tuesday.

Christians celebrate Christmas nationwide JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian Christians celebrated Christmas in solemn but peaceful apprehension Monday following a series of bombing throughout the country on Christmas Eve that left at least 15 people killed. In Jakarta Archbishop Julius Cardinal Darmaatmaja urged the government to take serious measures to deal with the bomb blasts befall seven provinces.

Susilo warns of more bombing attacks JAKARTA (JP): Coordinating Minister for Political, Social and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono warned here on Monday that bomb attacks on places of worships in the country would continue in the next few days. "Intelligence information which has been obtained by the police said that there are still efforts to launch similar actions in other houses of worship," Susilo told a snap press briefing at his office.