Following attacks on Christian churches and schools in Indonesia, Catholic bishops and representatives of other religious communities have appealed to the government to tackle the pressing issue. "We must take decisive action against anyone who adopts intolerant behavior, even more so when it is accompanied by violent acts that constitute criminal offenses," the Indonesian Bishops' Conference told the central government in Jakarta in an Aug. 7 appeal. "No one should go unpunished for committing anarchic acts, especially when they interfere with prayer and worship anywhere in Indonesian territory," reads the appeal. It followed several "attacks" on places of worship and institutions linked to ecclesial communities in recent months. The document was presented at a press conference held at the headquarters of the Indonesian Catholic Bishops' Conference and was also signed by other organizations, including the Supreme Council of the Confucian Religion (MATAKIN) and Buddhist and Protestant groups.