Jakarta (AsiaNews) - The new president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Indonesia (KWI), Mgr Ignatius Suharyo, launched an appeal for sustainable development and green policies to protect the environment and preserve natural resources for future generations. He made the plea on behalf of the country's bishops to the central government and to local as well as foreign companies operating in Indonesia. Recently, the prelates met for their annual assembly, which lasted about ten days, in Central Jakarta. At the end, they met the press to present their new initiatives, leaders, and guidelines for the future.
Mons. Ignatius Suharyo, who is also the archbishop of Jakarta, said that conserving natural resources is "one of the most important issues" facing the country and the Catholic community.
In the past six years, the bishops looked at environmental issues in greater depth and gained greater understanding of the problems associated with them, this in a "rapidly growing" nation that is prone to natural disasters.
The 'green economy' and the difficulties related to resource conservation were among the topics discussed at the annual meeting. for the bishops, too often resource development policies do not take a long-term view.
In addition to 37 Indonesian bishops, dozens of priests, nuns and members of the laity, not to mention environmentalists and political leaders, including former Environment Minister Emil Salim, were at the meeting.
In his final address, the archbishop of Jakarta renewed his appeal, calling for an 'eco-pastoral' ministry that pays attention to the needs of nature to safeguard the future of "new generations".
Addressing the government, Indonesia's bishops also called for changes to laws that fail to protect the environment but allow permit the "intensive exploitation" of resources.
In order to improve understating of 'green' issues among the clergy and ordinary Indonesians, the Church will promote initiatives that increase information, knowledge and education about the issue.