Indonesia

On Independence Day, the Indonesian Bishops’ Conference issued this year’s Pastoral Letter, which outlines the steps towards “a path of hope”. Concerns over the centralisation of power and the shrinking space for civil society: “The Church is not partisan, but neither is it apolitical”.

The earth continues to shake off the coast of the Indonesian island. The latest death toll from the earthquake stands at 54, with at least 150 injured and thousands displaced. Pope Leo XIV’s telegram of condolence for the victims. Caritas director tells AsiaNews: “Acting in the name of Christian love and solidarity”.

The tremor struck the predominantly Catholic island around 5 am. The victims include a seminarian from the Diocese of Labuan Bajo. The quake brought back memories of the 1992 quake, when a tsunami with waves up to 26 metres high killed more than 2,500 people.

After five deaths on the Mutiara Sentosa II, a fire broke out on a ferry sailing between Bali and Lombok claiming one life and forcing the evacuation of 172 people. The discrepancy between the number of listed passengers and those rescued reignites the debate over safety controls in a country where sea transport is essential for millions of people.

The blaze in Tengger Semeru National Park is among the largest wildfires reported over the past week, with a burnt area of ​​more than 120 hectares. The prolonged dry season, exacerbated by strong winds, has increased risks across the country. Hundreds of firefighters have been mobilised, with state-of-the-art firefighting equipment. Tourist access is limited.

Formerly an assistant to the ambassador to the United Kingdom, with a promising career ahead of him, he chose to follow his vocation to the priesthood. Ordained recently in Yogyakarta, he continues to meet with his former colleagues. He is convinced that serving Indonesia and its people remains his life’s work.

Perry Warjiyo is leaving before his term expires following criticism of the currency's weakening and capital flight. The heads of the stock exchange and the Indonesian Financial Services Authority had already resigned six months ago. For President Prabowo, this is a delicate transition.

The full text of the final message issued today from Jakarta at the conclusion of the 12th General Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences. A handbook summarising the pastoral priorities that emerged during the discussions between bishops and delegates is due to be published next year.

Pope Leo XIV’s video message to the FABC Assembly meeting in Jakarta. The bishops are working on a final document to guide Asian Christians in facing challenges in today's rapidly changing continent. Cardinal Suharyo: “Synodality is also a message to political leaders”.

The synodal discussions at the meeting underway in Jakarta singled out aggressive nationalism and the crisis of the family as some of the problems, while the faith of migrants and new technologies are among the opportunities. Discussions also centred on the cooperation provided by German Catholic organisations as well as the progress towards WYD 2027 in Seoul, which is expected to draw about 500,000 from around the world.

Speaking at the FABC Assembly in Jakarta, Malaysian academic Choong Pui Yee urged Catholic communities to prevent national or ideological identities from prevailing over the common identity as believers in Christ. The secretary of the Catholic Biblical Federation said that synodality must begin again with the Word of God.

The pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelisation introduced the retreat for participants in the FABC Assembly underway in Jakarta today with a meditation. The members of the committees for the Document and the Final Message were elected. For Cardinal Ferrão, they will offer a practical “vademecum on Synodality in Asia”.