Indonesia

The Karina Foundation held its biennial meeting in Jakarta from 21 to 24 May at the headquarters of the Bishops' Conference. The event brought together operators, bishops and international partners to boost the commitment to cooperation and integral human development. Fr Fredy Rante Taruk highlighted “working closely with government stakeholders”.

A process of revision of school textbooks has been announced to mark the eightieth anniversary of independence in August. Critics slam the initiative as an attempt to rehabilitate the late military dictator Suharto by omitting some controversial episodes involving the current president. The impact on the new generations is particularly worrisome since they have no direct memory of the regime's crimes and because of this, they tend to support Prabowo.

In West Java province, an explosion occurred during the controlled detonation of old bombs. A group of civilians, present in the restricted area without authorisation, were caught in the blast—reportedly scavenging for bomb fragments to sell. The explosion is the latest in a long series of similar incidents; another occurred on 9 May. These events raise concerns over the security of military sites.

The religious family to which the new pontiff belonged, and which he led as Prior General for 12 years, has a long history of missionary presence on the Asian continent, beginning with the Basilica of Santo Niño in Cebu. Fellow Augustinians in India and Indonesia describe him as "a deeply spiritual man, capable of truly listening." His coat of arms features a phrase from Augustine and the order's emblem: a burning heart pierced by an arrow above a book.

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”.

In Malaysia, the "journey of the Cross" has begun, set to end next year at the Pastoral Convention. In Negombo, young people and children put on a play centred on the Lamentations with local traditions and customs. Tens of thousands take part in a pilgrimage in Zamboanga to remember the sufferings of Jesus. In Labuan Bajo, the bishop brought the Way of the Cross among inmates.

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.

President Subianto's announcement came during his visit to the Turkish capital yesterday. Turkey’s first fighter jet is set to replace the F-16s. The Indonesian government also plans to participate in submarine development with Turkey. In February, in West Java, the two leaders signed several agreements on trade and defence.

The sector is growing rapidly in the country. Most of the patients come from Indonesia, but Kuala Lumpur aims to become a global medical hub challenging Thailand in Southeast Asia. To do so, it aims to optimise services, streamline immigration and invest in international partnerships.

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’.