The Catholic Church in Indonesia marked the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’ with a renewed call for “new wine”: a transformation of attitudes, behaviors, and lifestyles toward an ecological way of life.
The Diocese of Bogor hosted the national celebration on Sept. 5–7 in Sentul City, Bogor Regency, bringing together about 200 participants from 11 communal regions across the country.
Religious sisters, diocesan and religious priests, and lay activists joined panel discussions, liturgies, workshops, an eco-friendly product exhibition, and a low-budget business expo.
Speakers, including Fr. Ignatius Ismartono, SJ, Fr. Marthen Jenarut, Pr, former Environment Minister Dr. Sonny Keraf, and Fr. Ferry Sutrisna Wijaya, emphasized that the Laudato Si’ Movement Indonesia (GLSI) represents “new wine” amid the climate crisis.
“GLSI is new wine that will be lost if poured into old wineskins—old habits, outdated programs, or exploitative economic practices,” Fr. Ismartono said.
Keraf stressed that the ecological crisis “poses a real threat to human survival,” adding, “The most fundamental solution begins with changes in behaviour and lifestyle, grounded in a new ethic that honours the Earth and life itself.”
Fr. Jenarut, representing the Bishops’ Conference of Indonesia (KWI), highlighted the need for pastoral collaboration so that the spirit of integral ecology in Laudato Si’ becomes part of the Church’s pastoral identity.
Fr. Ferry urged the training of more Laudato Si’ animators, noting that Indonesia has only about 300 animators for 12.5 million Catholics.
Organizers stress collaboration
Ignatius Harsono, chair of the organizing committee and a former Jesuit, told LiCAS News that environmental action “is not merely about producing eco-enzymes or managing waste.”
He said caring for the environment also “creates spaces for encounter, where humanity can work together to ensure our common home remains sustainable.”
Cyprianus Lilik Krismantoro, GLSI’s national coordinator, said online animator training will continue annually. “I will personally continue this commitment so that more capable animators emerge to carry forward this spirit of goodness,” he said.
Sr. Theresina “Oshin” CB, a nurse, expressed hope that more members of religious life will join the cause. “Over time, I pray that more members of religious life recognize the importance of participating in this common mission to save the Earth,” she said.
Education and government cooperation
At the event, Bishop Paskalis Bruno Syukur, OFM, of Bogor, and Sr. Vincentia HK launched Laudato Si’-inspired teaching modules for Catholic schools.
“This collaborative effort took eight months to prepare. We hope these modules will be integrated into Catholic school curricula so that students from an early age are formed with the spirit of Laudato Si’,” Sr. Vincentia said.
Dr. Rosa Vivien Ratnawati, director-general of Solid Waste, Hazardous Waste, and Hazardous Substances Management at the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, endorsed closer cooperation between government and Church initiatives.
Bishops affirm support
Bishop Syukur and Bishop Vinsensius Setiawan Triatmojo of Tanjungkarang voiced their support for the movement during the celebration.
“What has been carried out, and what will continue to be undertaken by this community of activists, is truly in harmony with the spirit of Laudato Si’ and deeply resonates with the spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi,” Bishop Syukur said at the closing Eucharist.
