Image of Jesus appears on Indonesian walls

People are flocking to see images of Jesus which are reported to have appeared on walls in a house in Jakarta.

Christians, Muslims and sceptics have been queuing until midnight to stare at the walls.

An older white-haired Jesus is said to appear on a wall made of grey cement while a young bearded Jesus appears on a nearby blue wall.

The images have become such an attraction, the Muslim who owns the site of the first apparition has locked up his house, and asked a friend to guard it.

Now the house, where the face first appeared earlier this month, has been closed to the public and is being guarded by a policeman and the neighbour.

But believers say the apparition has moved to two external walls, reports The Straits Times.

"I didn't believe at first that it was real," said Rida Ritonga, a Muslim. "But now, after I've seen it, I believe it's the face of Jesus."

Religious commentators say the sightings could be a form of escapism for Indonesians dismayed by the political and social crises rocking the country.

Other sociologists point to Javanese myths which talk of how in times of extreme chaos, a just prince or princess will arrive to save Indonesia.

The Association of Protestant Churches is concerned about the sightings. Mr Richard Daulay, the secretary-general, who went to see the walls for himself, believes there is no apparition but just a growing desire to believe in one.