Royani Lim

An event organized by the Catholic Press Association highlights the value of the impact of the media on society. High government officials and members of the Episcopal Conference were present. Catholics "are Indonesian citizens, called to spread the truth and the good news". The fake news phenomenon and the risk related to hate speech.

Msgr. Suharyo’s invitation to 200 participants at the conference organized by the Catholic Women’s Association (Wkri). Compassion is part of the local culture, as shown by the bas-reliefs of the Buddhist temple of Borobudur. Christ did not present himself in a "glorious" manner but sought out the humble and marginalized.

Two ex-seminarians, now experts in finance, intervene in a debate on the monetary crisis in Indonesia. The rupiah is at its lowest level in 17 years. According to economists, however, the situation is better than the crisis of 1998 and 2008: "We cannot predict when this situation will end, but fear should not slow down development."

The archbishop of Manila spoke at a conference organised by the Catholic University of Atma Jaya to mark 55 years since its founding. Speaking to college professors, he suggested building a personal rapport with students to make them aware of the common good.

Parahyangan Catholic University and a diocesan foundation organised a seminar against drug abuse. Students actively participated with their own reflections and analysis. The Diocese of Bandung is the only one in Indonesia with a facility for recovering addicts.

For the first time, the Commission for the Lay Apostolate of the Indonesian Bishops' Conference brings hundreds of Catholic scholars and intellectuals to the capital in order to create a space for networking on a regular basis.

Founded in 1924, the Indonesian Association of Catholic Women (WKRI) is active in promoting the dignity of women, according to the dictates of the Church. The movement’s goal is to tackle under-development and gender issues. Initiatives include, programs, female literacy, sewing classes and other training courses.

The German Bishops' Conference Organization for cooperative development supports projects to foster "democratic" development. It supports ideas and initiatives regardless of ethnic or religious affiliation. The purpose is to strengthen the ideal of "unity in diversity" that is the foundation of the state.

An initiative promoted by the Bishops' Conference was attended by bishops, priests, nuns as well as lay Catholics and Protestants. Speakers included experts in counter-terrorism and scholars of religion and society. Social injustice, poverty and propaganda feed extremism. We need moderate Muslim figures in the foreground, like former President "Gus Dur".

Fr. Guizot, Pontifical Council secretary on a visit to the country, says fear comes from "lack of shared knowledge and mutual understanding". The priest shows "appreciation" for experience "from which I experienced and receive much more than expected". Universities in meetings with representatives of the main religions.