Indonesia

For years, a battle has been raging between local people and the pulp and paper giant PT Toba Pulp Lestari (TPL). Yesterday, a rally turned violent after heavy-handed police intervention. Religious leaders raised the issue in parliament. Biodiversity and natural ecosystems are at risk.

The pontiff met with a delegation from the community today at the Vatican, mentioning Francis’s 2024 visit, the Istiqlal “Message of Hope”, and 75 years of diplomatic relations with the Holy See. Leo expressed gratitude for the "strong ties" between “Christian and non-Christian neighbors alike,” noting that welcoming migrants is an example of a "culture of encounter”.

The provision is contained in the new presidential regulation, with updates on government work for 2025. The development of the new capital, inaugurated last year but incomplete, enters its second phase (2025-2029). Cuts in public spending are a cause for concern, while the authorities deny any interruptions and are focusing on private funding.

Representatives from 16 countries met in Jakarta to take stock of the initiatives promoted by the network of religious women against this ‘crime against humanity’. Among the priorities are the growth of the Youth Ambassadors experience for the prevention of the phenomenon among the younger generations and interreligious collaboration in victim support networks.

Bali Governor Wayan Koster announced a moratorium on farmland conversion to tourist and commercial use. Every year, about 1,000 hectares of rice paddies and green spaces are lost, with extensive damages to the island’s traditional irrigation system. According to the Environment Ministry, only 3 per cent of the Ayung River Basin is still covered by forest, far from the minimum standard of 30 per cent.

The government, through the Ministry of Finance, has allocated more than $12 billion to five credit institutions. The funds will be provided through a ‘demand deposit’ scheme and will also apply to Islamic finance. Scepticism and doubts about the real effectiveness, the logic of the measure and the real impact on the economy.

In Dili, hundreds of thousands celebrated the first anniversary of their meeting with Pope Francis, on his 45th apostolic journey outside of Italy. In Indonesia, currently shaken by violent social tensions, local bishops call for “repentance” and “listening”. In Singapore, the archdiocese launched its 2025-2035 Pastoral Plan inspired by synodality.

The city of Denpasar and other districts have been affected, with significant damage to numerous buildings. No foreign tourists involved. State of emergency declared for one week.

Religious leaders and intellectuals from the National Conscience movement speak out in a country engulfed in protests and unrest, while President Prabowo threatens a harsh response. Cardinal Suharyo calls on Indonesians to have the courage to acknowledge weaknesses and errors in every branch of government (executive, legislative, judicial). The demands of the people must be met and elite privileges must be challenged.

Faced with a wave of demonstrations marking the first real crisis of his government, the president has cancelled some of the controversial measures approved by parliament, but at the same time is crying conspiracy. The Bishops' Conference: ‘Any policy or plan that burdens society and undermines justice should be reconsidered or cancelled. And the security forces should act as protectors of all.’

Triggered by an allowance increase for parliamentarians, the protests were exacerbated by a harsh police crackdown, during which an armoured vehicle ran over a motorcycle taxi driver. In South Sulawesi, the regional parliament is set on fire. The backdrop to the discontent was Prabowo honouring certain prominent individuals. A retired general blames foreign forces. The Catholic NGO slams violence against protesters, calling for action “to restore democracy to its rightful course”.

Indonesians are shocked and astonished by the possible move by the Prabowo administration, which is seeking a 51 per cent stake in the country’s largest private financial institution. Industry experts say plans appear to be ready. The institution offers a wide range of services for individuals and institutions. The news quickly shook the stock market.