Blessing of new building marks Indonesian Bishops' Conference’s 100th anniversary celebration

The blessing of the Indonesian Bishops' Conference's (KWI) office building on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, marked the culmination of the celebration of its 100th anniversary.

It began with the curtain's opening, which covered the stone inscription attached to one of the walls in the main lobby, Floor 1 of the KWI Building. The Apostolic Nuncio, Msgr. Piero Pioppo opened the curtain. Cardinal Julius Darmaatmadja SJ continued by blessing the inscription in front of the bishops, priests, and the faithful.

"We are grateful to those who contributed to the construction of this office, both materially and materially. We will also bless the bishops and all who will work in this place,” said Cardinal Darmaatmadja.

Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo, the main celebrant, led a eucharistic celebration, which bishops and executive secretary priests concelebrated. Donors, commission administrators, KWI employees, and colleagues were also present.

The KWI building is slowly beginning to take shape after a turbulent period that began in 2017 when businessman Henry Soetio offered financing for building construction and its launch in November 2019. 

The COVID-19 pandemic, however, caused a delay in construction. "The development plan has been in existence since 2008. However, funding constraints have prevented its implementation, said KWI Chairman Bishop Antonius Subianto Bunjamin, OSC.

The prelate expressed his appreciation to all those who contributed to the construction of the edifice.

“Thank you to everyone who participated in this development process. Please continue to pray for us so that, with this building, we will be increasingly able to shepherd the Indonesian Church with a spirit of compassion, as Pope Francis shows in his works," said Bishop Bunjamin.

Father Siswantoko, KWI’s executive secretary, said that the new building has eight floors and consists of two sides. The first side is an office and the second is accommodation for the bishops, which consists of 51 rooms. Apart from the office, there is also a recreation room, sports room (gym), hall and chapel.

"With this new building, we hope to enhance the comfort of bishops in Jakarta, whether for KWI meetings, commission meetings, or other needs," said Father  Siswantoko. "We hope that this new building will enhance the KWI office's support for the Indonesian Church's bishops.-With inputs from Abdi Susanto/Mirifica News