Indonesian Bishops Urge Catholic Intellectuals to Defend Truth, Speak for Marginalized

The president of the Indonesian Bishops’ Conference (KWI), Bishop Antonius Subianto Bunyamin, OSC, has urged Catholic intellectuals to speak courageously for truth, defend Christian values and advocate for marginalized people as Indonesia faces complex social challenges.

Bishop Antonius made the appeal during a meeting with the Central Presidium of the Indonesian Catholic Scholars Association (ISKA), the steering committee of its 2026 National Congress and members of the ISKA Advisory Board at the KWI headquarters in Jakarta on August 18.

Indonesia, the world’s fourth-most populous country and Southeast Asia’s largest nation, is religiously diverse, with Catholics forming a small minority. In this context, Bishop Antonius said Catholic intellectuals have a responsibility to contribute their knowledge and moral perspective to public life.

“As Catholic intellectuals, ISKA must dare to say no and take a stand against anything that violates Christian values and the teachings of the faith,” Bishop Antonius said.

He added that saying “no” is not enough. Catholic intellectuals should also promote what is good and offer constructive alternatives, particularly in defense of people who are vulnerable and marginalized.

He urged ISKA members to use their intellectual abilities in service of the Church, society and the nation, and reminded them that intellectual engagement should continue throughout life.

“Never think of retiring as an intellectual,” Bishop Antonius said, encouraging members to continue growing in wisdom and contributing ideas even after leaving organizational positions.

His message comes as ISKA prepares for its 2026 National Congress, scheduled for September 11–13 in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan. The congress will review the organization’s 2022–2026 leadership, amend its statutes and bylaws, formulate a four-year program and develop recommendations on social issues affecting the Church, society and government. It will also elect a new presidium chairman for 2026–2030.

More than 250 delegates are expected to attend, representing ISKA’s Central Presidium, 28 regional boards and 152 local branches, with total participation expected to reach about 1,000.

The organization faces challenges in strengthening its presence across Indonesia and attracting younger Catholic scholars. ISKA Secretary-General Dr. Ch. Arie Sulistiono said membership remains largely composed of senior intellectuals, prompting calls for greater regeneration and efforts to make the organization more appealing to younger generations.

Bishop Antonius encouraged senior members to continue sharing their experience while remaining open to new ideas and perspectives.

The meeting also emphasized ISKA’s potential role in helping the Church understand developments in Indonesian society. Catholic scholars were encouraged to analyze social, political and economic developments and provide insights that could support pastoral planning and formation.

Participants also highlighted the importance of cooperation with intellectual organizations from other religious communities, reflecting Indonesia’s pluralistic social context.

As ISKA prepares for its national congress, Bishop Antonius called on Catholic intellectuals to combine knowledge with moral courage and service, urging them to remain committed to truth, love and the common good.