Mathias Hariyadi

The Mass led by Cardinal Gracias opened the 12th Plenary Assembly. In it the pope's special envoy encouraged delegates to seek new and creative ways of building peace and fraternity across the continent. For Cardinal Ferrao, diversity is not an obstacle but a gift.

FABC leaders held a press conference in Jakarta at the start of the 12th Plenary Assembly. For Cardinal David, Indonesia is a model of unity in diversity, while the Church must overcome clericalism. Cardinal Suharyo calls for joint action “to promote human dignity, solidarity, social justice, and the care of our common home.”  

About 150 Catholic bishops from across the continent will gather tomorrow to elaborate new guidelines for missionary action. Leo XIV named Card Gracias as his delegate. The Imam of the Istiqlal Mosque was pleased that this meeting carries on the spirit of Pope Francis’s visit.

The eight main local Christian denominations have issued a joint appeal for an end to the violence which, in the first six months of 2026, has already claimed 59 lives, the majority of whom were civilians. Tens of thousands have been displaced: “Let us defend human dignity, dialogue and justice, not militarisation”

The bishops of this remote region have condemned the death of Captain Nicholas Francis Goselin. The bishops highlight the “essential” service provided by AMA, an organisation founded by five Catholic dioceses. They have indignantly rejected allegations that the aircraft were transporting Indonesian army personnel and equipment.

Nicholas F. Goselin of Associated Mission Aviation was on one of the essential shuttle flights serving the most isolated communities. He was fatally shot after landing; the seven Papuans on board were unharmed. The West Papuan National Liberation Army has claimed responsibility for the attack.

In a document issued in Yogyakarta, the Association of Catholic Higher Education Institutions has called for collaboration during a period of change and new challenges for the country. “Political leaders must commit to promoting transparent and accountable governance.”

Former Education Minister Nadiem Makarim has been sentenced to ten years for corruption. Meanwhile, five people have died during military training imposed on new rural cooperative managers. The way the government is managing the economy is increasingly criticised, especially regarding the opaqueness surrounding the Danantara sovereign wealth fund, which is expanding its reach.

Job losses stem from weakening exports, rising costs, soaring gas prices, an influx of imported products, and uncertainty in the global economy. The central government is preparing mitigation measures. Observers and experts are calling for collaboration between the government, employers, and trade unions to safeguard sustainability.

Eight years on from the 2018 disaster, a new 6.7-magnitude tremor has claimed at least one life and caused damage to dozens of homes. It is worth noting that the Central Sulawesi region, situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, is among the areas in Indonesia most at risk from earthquakes. This has raised questions about the effectiveness of mitigation measures and building inspections.

Faced with a wave of share sell-off and a currency that has fallen to historic lows against the dollar, Prabowo supporters blame Singapore and turn to social media with the hashtag #buyIndonesia. Students are taking to the streets against rising fuel prices and subsidy cuts, riled by the president's costly free school lunch programme.

Dadan Hindayana, who headed the agency for two years, has been jailed, along with Sony Sonjaya and Lodewyk Pusung. The prosecution cites “solid” evidence supporting the charges, whilst the investigation continues. The agency’s new head announces a radical change: the target of reaching 83 million people is no longer a priority