Mathias Hariyadi

From June 26-30, thousands of Indonesian youth gathered in Palembang under the motto: "Rise up and become a witness of goodness." An appointment postponed several times in the past because of the pandemic. Moments of meeting and deepening on various topics, from the Bible to the care of creation according to the teachings of Pope Francis.

SATRIA-1 has been successfully put into orbit. Owned by an Indonesian communication company, the satellite was built in France for US$ 540 million. Two thirds of Indonesians have access to the online network, but connectivity is limited in the eastern islands.

For the past few years, the priest has been promoting spiritual retreats where through Scripture, stewardship of creation is promoted through conversion in one's lifestyles. A proposal that has already been joined by thousands of participants in different provinces of Indonesia including many non-Christians.

Opposition from radical Islamic groups blocked the construction of St Bernadette Parish Church. Despite intimidation, thousands of worshippers continued to gather for Mass. Cardinal Suharyo led yesterday’s service. “May it boost our Christian faith and generate many benefits for the people,” he said, speaking about the new church.

Novices took their vows in a service led by Archbishop Card Ignatius Suharyo of Jakarta. The prelate urged them to proclaim the Gospel like boat that sails and floats to remote areas. Founded in the Netherlands, the congregation is now headquartered in Indonesia. This reversal has been marked by the arrival of Indonesian Sisters in the Netherlands to breathe new life into the mission.

After various stops in Asia-Pacific region, Margaret Karram together with a delegation of the movement met several Indonesian groups. For many Indonesian Catholics, the event was an opportunity to learn about the spirituality of the Focolare movement, which has a chapter in Yogyakarta.

Johnny G. Plate, the only Catholic in Joko Widodo's cabinet, is a member of the NasDem party. He was arrested after he was questioned for three hours at the Attorney General's Office. Along with five other people, he is accused of misusing state funds for personal gain, causing a loss of more than half a billion dollars.

The Indonesian president closed the meeting of Southeast Asian nations at the seaside resort of Labuan Bajo. He stressed that dialogue with Myanmar’s military rulers does not imply recognising the regime. He highlighted economic challenges the regional bloc faces and stressed the need to prevent external interference.

The meeting of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations opens today until Thursday. Indonesian President Jokowi proposes a " forum for dialogue " to end violence in Myanmar (ex-Burma), which "harms innocent people". Indonesian and Singaporean diplomats fired upon in Shan State are unharmed.

Newly ordained Mgr Vinsensius "Avin" Setiawan Triatmojo, who is set to lead the diocese located in Lampung province, thanks his parents who passed Christian values on to him but also his Muslim relatives. He hails from “a Pancasila village”.

Announcing the choice of Central Java's governor for the February 2024 presidential election was the leader of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle, Megawati Sukarnoputri. At first it was thought she would choose her daughter, the current Speaker of the House. President Joko Widodo approved the decision. At the moment there are two other candidates.

The governor issued the permit in a ceremony ending battle that had lasted years. The laying of the foundation stone in September, on the feast day of the saint of abandoned people.