The Indonesian government is preparing to extend its warmest hospitality to Catholic leaders from across Asia who will gather in Jakarta for the 12th Plenary Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC) from July 20 to 26, 2026.
Beyond ensuring the smooth organization of the week-long gathering, authorities are working to provide a safe, comfortable, and welcoming experience for delegates from the moment they arrive in Indonesia until their departure.
According to Indonesia's Ministry of Religious Affairs, delegates' well-being was a key focus during an inter-agency coordination meeting chaired by Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar on July 7.
"These participants are religious leaders, so we want them to experience peace and comfort throughout their stay in Indonesia," Umar said.
The meeting brought together government agencies and the local organizing committee to coordinate immigration services, security, transportation, public communications, and other logistical arrangements for the assembly.
The ministry said quality hospitality is an important reflection of Indonesia's role as host. With participants coming from diverse cultural backgrounds, organizers are carefully preparing every aspect of the event, including meals that accommodate dietary requirements and cultural sensitivities.
Preparations involve close cooperation among the Jakarta provincial government, the National Police, the Indonesian National Armed Forces, the Directorate General of Immigration, the Istiqlal Mosque management, the Archdiocese of Jakarta, and the country's public broadcasting institutions.
Particular attention is being given to the delegates' visit to Jakarta's Istiqlal Mosque via the Tunnel of Friendship following the closing Mass at Jakarta Cathedral on July 26. The visit coincides with the city's weekly Car-Free Day, making transportation and crowd management a key logistical priority.
Organizers plan to guide delegates through the tunnel in small groups while explaining its history and significance as a symbol of interreligious dialogue, fraternity, and peaceful coexistence in Indonesia.
Special arrangements are also being made for participants with limited mobility. Organizers have been instructed to identify delegates who require wheelchairs or other forms of assistance so that appropriate services are in place before the assembly begins.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs noted that Indonesia's preparations draw on valuable experience gained during Pope Francis' apostolic visit in 2024, when government institutions worked closely together to host the pontiff and thousands of pilgrims.
Officials acknowledged, however, that the FABC Assembly presents different challenges. Beyond logistical coordination, they see the spiritual atmosphere, pastoral hospitality, and attentive care for Church leaders as essential elements of the event.
"We want every delegate to experience Indonesia's hospitality from the moment they arrive. We are preparing every service with great care so they can fully participate in the assembly while witnessing firsthand Indonesia's culture of harmony and peaceful coexistence," Umar said.
The 12th FABC Plenary Assembly will bring together bishops and Church leaders from 29 Asian countries, along with invited participants from Europe, the Americas, and Africa. Indonesian authorities hope delegates will leave not only with the fruits of the assembly's deliberations but also with a lasting impression of a nation committed to religious harmony, hospitality, and unity in diversity.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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