Labor joins with the Indonesian people in condemning the horrific attacks on Christian churches in Surabaya.

Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attacks on three churches during Sunday morning worship which killed at least 13 people and injured 40 others. Local network Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD), which has pledged allegiance to Islamic State, is thought to be behind the attack. It is particularly concerning to hear reports of the attacks being carried out by a single family, which murdered its own children in this shocking attack.

Labor strongly endorses the comments of President Widodo that the actions of the terrorists responsible are "beyond humanitarian limits” and welcomes his commitment “to wage war against terrorism, radicalism that is against religious values, pluralistic values”.

An attack on any place of religion is an attack on freedom of religion everywhere and Labor expresses our support and deepest sympathy for the people of Indonesia, and in particular the communities in Surabaya directly impacted by this cowardly and criminal act. Such an attack has no basis in religion, and is an affront to peace-loving people of all faiths.