Mathias Hariyadi

Meeting with Bill Gates, President Prabowo Subianto expressed gratitude for the aid, which the foundation began to give in 2009. The Indonesia leader also pledged to award the US philanthropist Indonesia’s highest national honour. In addition to health, the money has been used in agriculture and technology. Indonesia's PT Bio Farma produces up to two billion doses of vaccine every year, distributed in over 40 countries benefitting more than 900 million people.

Archbishop of Jakarta since 2010, now approaching 75, he welcomed Pope Francis to the country on his trip a few months ago. Among the initiatives he has promoted is a diocesan fund that supports the sick and bereaved families: ‘Concrete moments in which to show ourselves to be brothers and sisters to all.’

From Jakarta, moderate Islamic movements and political leaders express their sadness for the death of the pontiff, a man of great stature for the faithful of other religions as well. Signing the document on Fraternity with Grand Imam of al-Azhar was a high point. For the bishops of Indonesia, which he visited last September, the pope’s values of love, solidarity, and partiality for the marginalised are “timeless”.

Two Indonesian SCJ missionaries bear witness to their ministry among Catholic communities in the Diocese of Timika, hours by boat and foot from the parish headquarters. Celebrating the Eucharist of Palms Sunday amid extreme hunger, one asked: “If Jesus were the one coming here, what would He do?” The generosity of those who have nothing is a tangible sign of Christ's love.

Archbishop emeritus of Kupang passed away at the age of 78. President Prabowo - who knew him well because he came from the same region - also wanted to personally pay his respects to his remains. Fr Mangkey tells AsiaNews: ‘Called to be part of the Commission for Truth and Friendship, he made a decisive contribution to healing the wounds of the conflict with Dili’.

Senior officials from the Ministry of Energy met with Monsignor Kleden to discuss development projects. The prelate confirmed the Church's opposition, to protect the population and the territory. In the area, 80% of the inhabitants are farmers. Behind Jakarta's pressure are the interests of multinationals.

Rosalia Rerek Sogen, 30, from the diocese of Larantuka, was shot in an attack by a group of militiamen along with other colleagues and health workers. The rebels consider them to be ‘undercover soldiers’ in the Yahukimo region, where tension with the army has skyrocketed. Dozens of people have been evacuated to Jayapura for fear of possible similar actions.

Gerakan Nurani Bangsa, which brings together several prominent figures in Indonesian society, has asked parliament to block the revision of the law on the armed forces, which would bring the military leadership back into government ministries and agencies. ‘There is no urgency; the law undermines the professionalism of the military and democracy,’ warned the opponents. According to experts, President Prabowo aims to recreate a military chain of command.

By opening a nunciature in the Southeast Asian country in 1950, the Holy See made a great contribution to the development of the post-colonial world, and unity among the country’s many religious communities. For the Indonesian ambassador to the Holy See, the two parties “share a common perspective on many global issues,” as Pope Francis’s trip showed.

Extremists target a facility built by a Catholic priest in Arcamanik claiming that it should be exclusively for social purposes, not religion. In fact, it has been used for some time for weekly services, although it is open to other activities. As the local Catholic community grows, so do its needs, which is why local Church leaders want the building to be officially designate as a place of worship.

The island of Java is the most affected, where there has been a significant impact on the production sector. Among the companies in crisis is the clothing giant PT Sritex, with about 11 thousand layoffs in various departments and the non-payment of compensation since last August. The government is promising action but the 5% growth target for the first quarter of 2025 could be missed.

The state-owned oil giant is involved, with billions in losses. The Attorney General's Office has revealed a fraud related to the blending of fuels. Thousands of vehicles may have suffered serious damage. The malfeasance stems from serious lack in transparency and heavy political meddling.