On 15 August 2026, a 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Flores, causing 103 deaths and leaving over 82,000 people displaced. Relief efforts in the affected areas have been co-ordinated, providing medical assistance, psychosocial support and essential supplies. Indonesian bishops have praised the organisation for its prompt response.
In Boyolali last week, dozens of farmers used it to ‘take a bath’. Behind the discontent is the unresolved issue of quotas. Today at least 80% of the raw material comes from abroad. For years there has been a demand for a law to regulate the sector.
From the island of Flores, where 10 people lost their lives in the November 3 eruption and thousands more are displaced by the continuing phenomena, the message of Msgr Kopong Kung: ‘It is a marvellous mountain formed by a pair of two peaks that the local people call “the husband” and “the wife”. The devastation is serious, we are deeply saddened'. Catholic communities throughout Indonesia are mobilising and raising funds.
Around midnight, large boulders ejected from Lewotobi Laki-laki, hitting buildings up to 6 kilometres away. The victims - among them Sr Nikolin Padjo, Missionary Servant of the Holy Spirit - were caught in their sleep by the fiery lapilli. In the Minor Seminary in Hokeng, roofs were destroyed and structures burned, injuring 14 people. Caritas Indonesia is coordinating aid with the dioceses of Larantuka and Maumere.
After more than a year of sede vacante, Pope Francis appointed Fr. Agustinus Tri Budi Utomo to lead the diocese in East Java. The local community celebrated the announcement with a solemn mass. Fr. Didik, as he is nicknamed by the faithful, returns to his Church of origin after having been a missionary in a more remote area of the country
During a recent meeting in the Indonesian capital, Caritas Internationalis Secretary General Alistair Dutton highlights the devastating effects of climate change on vulnerable communities. Caritas Indonesia, which was set up in response to a natural disaster, as Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo said, continues its commitment against malnutrition and human trafficking.
Reactions in Indonesia to the choice of the bishop of Bogor who asked Francis to be removed from the list of bishops who will receive the purple on 7 December. Bishops' Conference president Antonio Subianto Bunjamin: “Bishop Paskalis knows what is best for him, for the diocese and for the Church”.
President Prabowo Subianto, a 73-year-old former general, chose 48 ministers and 58 deputies, in line with the figures who were part of the cabinet of his predecessor, Joko Widodo. In his inaugural address yesterday, he promised poverty eradication and nonalignment in foreign policy. In the coming gioani the “red-white” administration will be engaged in a three-day retreat at a military academy.
Tomorrow the handover of power between Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo and the former general elected in February. Mixed reactions in Indonesian society, where many remember the heavy nationalist past. The biggest unknowns concern support for the new capital Nusantara and the economic management of the country. Meanwhile, the number of government ministers will increase from 30 to 46, raising concerns about government spending.
Among the 21 new cardinals announced by Pope Francis is Bogor Bishop Paskalis Bruno Syukur. The three predecessors were all linked in various ways to the archdiocese of Semarang. A Franciscan friar, an authoritative personality with a low profile and a smiling face.
After TikTok Shop, Jakarta banned the Chinese giant that arrived in Southeast Asia in 2023. Its business model violates Indonesian regulations, due to the absence of intermediaries and distributors. Small and medium-sized enterprises are at risk. For Minister Budi Arie Setiadi, digital space should make “society more productive and profitable.”
Protests mounted by a local politician in Pare-Pare against the opening of a new school. The Gamaliel School's Foundation: We have all the permits and our classes are open to students of all denominations. Muslim influencer in defence of the school appeals to President Joko Widodo: ‘Show that unity in diversity paraded in front of Pope Francis are not just words’.
The outgoing president has lifted a ban that had been in place for more than 20 years and was introduced to protect the ecosystem and the land. In justifying the decision, he speaks of a ‘correction’ to the previous rule: it would not be sand, but ‘ocean sediments’. Former fisheries minister Susi Pudjiastuti expresses her ‘deep concern’.
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