On November 5, the third day of the Fifth General Assembly of the Catholic Church in Indonesia (SAGKI V), held in North Jakarta from November 3–7, Church leaders, theologians, and lay delegates reflected on how the Church can continue walking with the nation in a spirit of synodality amid Indonesia’s changing social and political landscape.
About 400 participants attended the session, which featured insights from Bishop Adrianus Sunarko, OFM, of Pangkalpinang; Dr. Agustinus “Ico” Prasetyantoko, economist and former dean of Atma Jaya Catholic University, Jakarta; and Yunarto Wijaya, political analyst from Carta Politika.
Bishop Sunarko emphasized that a synodal Church is not merely an institutional idea but “a way of life for the People of God, listening to one another, being open to the Holy Spirit, and daring to live transparently.” The Church, he said, is called to be a prophetic voice that brings hope and reconciliation amid social divisions.
Dr. Prasetyantoko underscored social justice as the foundation of shared prosperity. “Justice is not just an economic issue but a moral and spiritual one. The Church is called to build solidarity, accompany vulnerable groups, and promote collective responsibility for the well-being of all,” he said.
Political analyst Yunarto Wijaya warned against growing disinformation and polarization, stressing that “the Church can serve as a moral space that preserves public reason and cultivates political ethics, especially among the young.”
The second session featured personal testimonies from Prof. Tri Budi Raharjo, gerontology specialist; Sunarman Sukamto, disability rights advocate; Monika Bataona, Catholic Youth representative; and Wima Chrisyanti, environmental activist. Their reflections highlighted that every person, regardless of age, ability, or circumstance, can be a sign of God’s presence in the world.
“The Church can be an age-friendly community,” said Prof. Tri Budi, while Sunarman declared that persons with disabilities “do not want pity but empowerment.” Wima added, “Faith witness does not always happen inside the Church; by being present in the wider world, we bring the light of the Gospel into broader spaces.”
Concluding the session, Archbishop Kornelius Sipayung, OFMCap, of Medan reaffirmed that SAGKI 2025 is “a moment for the Indonesian Church to renew its pastoral commitment, to be a sign of God’s liberating and life-giving love in the midst of the nation.”
Earlier on November 4, talking to the press, Archbishop Robertus Rubiyatmoko of Semarang reflected on the missionary roots of the Indonesian Church. He recalled how foreign missionaries from the Netherlands, Italy, Germany, France, Spain, and the United States laid the foundations for Catholic education, health services, and social works, which are now sustained by local catechists and lay leaders.
The Archbishop also noted present challenges, uneven faith formation, declining lay participation, and a need for greater accountability in parish governance, calling for “a deepening of the culture of synodality through integral formation, youth accompaniment, and lay leadership.”
As SAGKI 2025 continues, the Indonesian Church reaffirms its commitment to walk with the nation, sowing hope, building solidarity, and bearing prophetic witness through faith, justice, and dialogue.
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