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.