Jakarta (AsiaNews) - Catholics must engage increasingly in politics, especially in the most populous Muslim country in the world which - in 2014 - will go to the polls for the general election and the election for a new president. A presence that applies in particular to young people and university students, who are the future of a nation that declares itself multicultural in its constitutional charter but, in reality, is the scene of clashes and sectarian violence. Among the most inspiring figures is Fr. Beek, a Dutch Jesuit missionary who died in 1983, who contributed - according to well-informed sources - to the birth of the Golkar Party, which was in power under President Suharto for over 30 years.
These themes were discussed during a four-day conference in Jakarta (pictured), sponsored by the Committee for the Apostolate of the Laity (CAL) of the Indonesian Bishops Conference (KWI). After years of silence and emptiness, the prelates are re-launching the task of participating in the public life and governance of the country. Now the focus is on the education of Catholics, a journey which must be based on ethical values and commitment to the common good.
The 37 delegates representing their respective dioceses have discussed the problems and proposed ideas and projects, which show particular attention to young Indonesians. Active political work and the realm of government efforts constitute a new ground of "evangelisation" and promotion of Christian values and proposals even if Indonesia today lacks a true Catholic party.
Attention was focused on the elections next year, which could mean a decisive change after two terms of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono; considered a "moderate", he was unable to stop the Islamist drift which, in the last period, resulted in attacks and violence against minorities. Through pastoral letters, messages and documents, the bishops will accompany the faithful bishops up to the day of voting, asking for greater commitment in the name of growth and development.
