Indonesia’s Digital Laudato Si’ Catechism Keeps Ecological Formation Alive Without Reprinting

The Indonesian Laudato Si’ Catechism, a concise reading guide to help Catholics understand Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’ on care for the environment and humanity’s common home, is now available in digital form after about 2,000 printed copies were distributed.

Fr. Ismartono SJ, one of the initiators and compilers, said the resource was never intended to replace the original encyclical. Rather, it was developed as an accessible companion for readers seeking to understand its main ideas.

“This book was not intended to stand on its own or replace the text of Laudato Si’. It is more of a tool to help people read it,” said Fr. Ismartono, director of Sahabat Insan (Friends in Humanity), an apostolic ministry serving Indonesian migrant workers and victims of human trafficking.

The pocket-sized resource was launched during the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si’. Fr. Ismartono said the intention was not simply to introduce readers to the encyclical but to encourage them to read and understand it.

The Indonesian edition of Laudato Si’ is relatively lengthy, he noted, making a shorter companion useful, especially for people beginning to explore the encyclical’s message.

Fr. Ismartono personally developed and compiled the content, with colleagues assisting with editing, layout and preparation for publication. The resource later became part of the Laudato Si’ Formation Program organized by Sahabat Insan, where participants are encouraged to read it before beginning deeper formation.

All approximately 2,000 printed copies have now been distributed, and the team does not plan to produce another print edition.

Fr. Ismartono said the decision also reflects the ecological principles promoted by Laudato Si’. Producing educational materials, he argued, should itself be considered in light of care for the Earth.

“If we talk about caring for the Earth as our common home, then the production of books also needs to be considered from an ecological perspective,” he said.

He cautioned against repeatedly printing educational materials while encouraging others to reduce their environmental impact.

“We should not talk at length about protecting the environment while continuing to print more and more books every time we need learning materials,” he said.

The digital edition allows the resource to remain available for formation without additional printing. For Fr. Ismartono, however, the book remains only a means toward a larger goal.

“The goal is for people to read Laudato Si’, understand its message, and then take action,” he said.

He described the intended journey as moving “from knowledge” to awareness, ecological conversion and finally concrete action.

The digital edition of the Indonesian Laudato Si’ Catechism is available for free download and use as a learning resource.

Download the digital edition of the Indonesian *Laudato Si’ Catechism*