Catholics number about 1.7 million on the Indonesian side of Borneo Island, which is divided into eight ecclesiastic districts. Promoting environmental protection is one of the most important aspects of pastoral care. In two weeks, Indonesians will choose their new president, vice president, and lawmakers.

The patriarch criticised in particular the delay in implementing reforms required by the international community, "which is more concerned about Lebanon than its political leaders". Reforms can be summed up in spending cuts and an austerity plan whose costs no minister, the patriarch said, seems willing to pay.

"God wants fraternity between us and especially with our brothers and sisters children of Abraham. We must not be afraid of differences”. "Sport is a universal language that embraces all peoples and helps to overcome conflicts and bring people together".

Developing interfaith harmony is a project involving the residents of various villages near Negombo. For Seth Sarana director, getting the trust of the various communities was not easy. Buddhists and Muslims call for action “for future generations”.

Garbage collectors are hard to retain because of low wages. Residents and NGOs want the only waste collecting company replaced. The authorities blame the problem on the area’s rapid development and on residents’ poor awareness of waste disposal procedures. In 2017, 170 tonnes were collected every day rising to more than 300 tonnes in 2018. And the amount keeps on rising each month.

The former ordinary bishop, now reduced to auxiliary bishop at the request of Pope Francis, will not be able to celebrate the Chrism Mass. The Religious Affairs Office will not recognize him as a bishop unless he joins the Patriotic Association. All unofficial priests are required to register and support the "independent Church". If they register they receive an award of 200 thousand yuan (26 thousand euros). The ambiguity of Msgr. Zhan Silu, who from formerly excommunicated, is now the ordinary bishop of the diocese.