Robbers break into Bogor Cathedral

Robbers break into Bogor Cathedral

Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Bogor

Burglars broke into the Bogor Cathedral early on Thursday,
making away with an invaluable gold-plated monstrance and six
holy cups worth tens of millions of rupiah.

They also stole sound system equipment valued at Rp 25
million, a Rp 35 million CCTV and an as yet unknown amount of
donations from the congregation.

"The monstrance is priceless, a holy item from Europe," said
Viktorianus, head of economic and social development at the Bogor
Cathedral.

The robbery was discovered by the cathedral's keeper, Alfius,
30, at about 4 a.m. when he was cleaning the sacristy in
preparation for 6 a.m. mass.

"When I entered the sacristy, I was surprised to find that the
light was turned off and the cupboard was in a mess," he said.

The monstrance, the cups, the sound system and the CCTV, all
of which were kept in the cupboard, were gone.

Alfius said the robbers gained entry to the cathedral by
breaking a window in the sacristy.

The robbers also damaged the altar in an effort to steal the
tabernacle, where the Communion host is kept. But they failed to
open the box, which is about 100 years old.

They then forced the donation box open and stole the money
inside before fleeing out the sacristy door.

Viktorinus said that just before Easter in 2000, the cathedral
had between Rp 6 million and Rp 7 million in donations stolen.

He said petty thefts also frequently occurred in the
cathedral, usually students having their bags stolen.

A few months ago, a journalist had her mobile phone stolen
while she was praying in the church.

"The security guards at the cathedral are not watchful," he
complained.

He said that on Sunday, the church council held a meeting to
discuss efforts to enhance security and decided to no longer keep
the main gate open 24 hours a day.

The case is being handled by the Central Bogor Police.