With new agreement, Indonesian becomes an official language of Vatican News
The agreement was signed at the Indonesian embassy to the Holy See in Rome, making Indonesia’s official language the 57th language of the Vatican News portal. The result of persistent diplomatic work, revitalised by Pope Francis's visit in 2024, it represents a new opportunity to bring Indonesian traditions to the world.
Rome (AsiaNews) – On Wednesday, the day of the Annunciation of the Lord, a cooperation agreement was signed with Vatican News, making Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia), the official language of Indonesia, the 57th language of the news portal of the Holy See.
The signing took place at the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia to the Holy See in Rome, marking a key diplomatic milestone, one that is much more than adding another language to a news portal.
It is the fruit of a long journey, characterised by resolute diplomacy, quiet commitment, and a profound desire to ensure that the voice of the Church and the face of Indonesia would be more visible globally, underscoring the bond the Vatican continues to nurture with Asian countries.
Indonesia's Ambassador to the Holy See, Michael Trias Kuncahyono was present at the meeting, as were Bishop Agustinus Didik Budi Utomo, the president of the Commission for Social Communications of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Indonesia (KWI[*]), as well as representatives of the Indonesian Catholic Journalists’ Association (PWKI[†]), AM Putut Prabantoro, Mayong Suryolaksono, Ovier, and Jumartana.
The idea of adding Indonesian to Vatican News had been in the works for years. Since 2022, the PWKI had been wondering why a language spoken by hundreds of millions of people was still not included in official Vatican media.
A request was made through diplomatic channels with Amrih Jinangkung, a former Indonesian Ambassador to the Holy See, as one of the main promoters of the agreement until his successor continued his work.
With dialogue kept going, even "gently” nudging the Dicastery for Communication at every meeting, the path was eventually cleared.
Pope Francis's visit to Indonesia in September 2024, the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and the Holy See in 2025, and the spirit of the 2025 Jubilee Year of hope contributed to the agreement being finally signed.
For the Catholic Church in Indonesia, this step has major significance that goes far beyond technical and linguistic issues. According to Bishop Didik, the presence of Bahasa Indonesia offers the faithful a broader understanding of the life of the universal Church, removing the language barrier.
From the remotest villages to the largest cities, Catholics can now follow the Pope's messages, Church teachings, and world events in their country’s language. Indeed, Vatican News not only transmits information: it helps build an image of a peaceful, non-provocative Church, committed to universal human values.
For the Indonesian government, this achievement also represents a strategic step in global diplomacy.
With the Holy See's diplomatic network extending to more than 180 countries, the presence of Bahasa Indonesia opens new opportunities to present Indonesia's identity – culture, national values, and the spirit of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (unity in diversity) – to the international community. "Language connects and informs nations," said Ambassador Trias Kuncahyono.
Through Vatican News, stories from Indonesia – from traditions like the Holy Week Festival in the Diocese of Larantuka to the life of faith in remote areas – can now reach a global audience.
While the cooperation agreement has been signed, the real work is just beginning.
The KWI, together with its partners, will develop editorial staff, translators, and technical infrastructure to ensure the proper functioning of the Indonesian-language service.
Catholics can also contribute to this dissemination through their writings. Looking ahead, the involvement of the faithful, particularly journalists and collaborators, will play an important role in bringing the service to life.
The content will focus on universal values: peace, justice, interreligious dialogue, and human stories.
Now the greatest challenge ahead is not merely introducing Bahasa Indonesia, but ensuring that it remains alive, active, relevant, and meaningful.
Bishop Didik emphasised that Church media must become the "face and voice" that brings truth and peace to a world often filled with divisive information. For Ambassador Trias Kuncahyono, the signing represents a first step.
[*] Konferensi Waligereja Indonesia.
[†] Paguyuban Wartawan Katolik Indonesia.
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