05/14/2012 Indonesia (AsiaNews)  – Someone set fire to a local church in Picuan, East Minahasa (North Sulawesi). Scores of homes and cars were also torched. The incident took place on Wednesday but local media just reported it.

The small Protestant church is the only Christian place of worship in the area. Local authorities do not understand why it was the target of an arson attack. However, some residents blame Islamists coming from outside the area.

Dozens of car parked outside the local police station were also set on fire.

Picuan is located in a mineral rich area and is a strategic site for developing mining activity.

A new mine opened recently, generating tensions within the community, with Christians also caught up in the confrontation.