Indonesian Bishops Renew Commitment to Just Economy and Environmental Care

The Indonesian Bishops’ Conference (KWI) has renewed its commitment to promoting a just economy, protecting the environment, and defending human dignity, calling on the Catholic Church to translate these priorities into concrete action across the country’s dioceses.

The commitments emerged from the Second Annual Assembly of KWI 2026, held from November 4 to 10 under the theme “Building a Sustainable Economy and Common Home.” The gathering concluded with a Eucharistic celebration at the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, Jakarta Cathedral, presided over by Apostolic Nuncio to Indonesia Archbishop Walter Erbi.

Speaking at a press conference at KWI headquarters on November 10, KWI President Bishop Antonius Subianto Bunjamin, OSC, said the assembly continued the discussions initiated during the bishops’ Study Days in July.

He said the gathering reviewed the implementation of commission programs over the past year and identified concrete steps to strengthen the Church’s contribution to Indonesian society.

“The Church cannot simply issue statements or develop programs,” Bishop Antonius said, emphasizing that commitments must be reflected in practical initiatives.

He stressed that economic development should serve human dignity rather than prioritize profit, with particular attention to poor and vulnerable communities and people excluded from development.

The bishops also discussed the impact of natural disasters, including forest fires, floods, and landslides. KWI continues to support communities affected by earthquakes in Flores, in eastern Indonesia, and humanitarian initiatives for disaster victims, including the construction of houses of compassion in Sibolga, North Sumatra.

The conference also plans to strengthen assistance through the Lenten Development Action, known in Indonesia as Aksi Puasa Pembangunan (APP), by encouraging proposals that respond to the specific needs of disaster-affected communities.

The assembly reaffirmed the importance of fraternity, listening, dialogue, and shared responsibility in building social cohesion.

A meeting with the Sant’Egidio Community, an international Catholic movement known for its peacebuilding and interreligious initiatives, reinforced the bishops’ commitment to friendship across religious and social boundaries.

The bishops also examined the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on education, communication, and pastoral ministry. While recognizing its potential, KWI stressed that technology must respect human dignity and serve the common good.

“AI must not enslave humanity but should instead become a tool that serves human beings,” Bishop Antonius said, noting that the discussions also considered ethical boundaries for its use.

Preparations for Indonesian Youth Day (IYD) 2027 in Sorong, Southwest Papua, scheduled for late June, were another priority. KWI Secretary-General Bishop Adrianus Sunarko, OFM, said young people should be prepared through pastoral accompaniment and live-in experiences rather than treating the gathering as a ceremonial event.

“We go to Sorong or Seoul not as tourists, but as pilgrims,” he said, referring also to World Youth Day in Seoul, South Korea.

KWI plans to hold an assembly in Papua after IYD 2027 to deepen its understanding of local communities and their challenges. Bishop Antonius said the Church seeks to work with residents and government authorities to promote peace, human dignity, and dialogue amid continuing concerns over violence in the region.

In his homily at the closing Mass, Archbishop Erbi invited the bishops and faithful to draw inspiration from Pope St. Leo the Great, who led the Church during the fifth century and was known for his defense of Christian doctrine.

Reflecting on the uncertainties and divisions facing the contemporary world, the nuncio recalled that St. Leo's pontificate, which began in 440, also unfolded amid political instability and theological disputes.

Quoting the saint’s exhortation, “Christian, remember your dignity,” Archbishop Erbi said believers must ensure that their words, decisions, and conduct reflect the faith they profess, including in their use of social media.

In his concluding remarks, Bishop Antonius called on Catholics to express their identity as disciples of Christ through lives marked by love and service.

He said the commitments made during the assembly should lead to concrete pastoral initiatives in dioceses throughout Indonesia, strengthening the Church’s presence in society and its cooperation with people of goodwill for the common good