The Diocese of Palangka Raya in Indonesia marked the 25th anniversary of Bishop AM Sutrisnaatmaka’s episcopal ordination by reflecting on the growth of a local Church shaped by Indigenous culture, pastoral self-reliance, and ecological mission in Central Kalimantan.
The four-day celebration from May 7 to 10 commemorated the ministry of Bishop Aloysius Maryadi Sutrisnaatmaka MSF, who has led the diocese since 2001.
During the celebration, the Episcopus Delecto papal bull issued by Pope John Paul II was reread before the faithful. The document formalized Sutrisnaatmaka’s appointment as bishop of Palangka Raya.
After the homily, the bishop renewed his episcopal promises before the congregation, reaffirming his commitment to preserve the Catholic faith, shepherd the people of God, pray for the faithful, and remain united with the pope and the Universal Church.
Photo credit: Palangka Raya Diocese Social Communication Office via Fr. Gatot Wibowo Pr
In his reflection, Sutrisnaatmaka recalled the challenges facing the diocese during the early years of his ministry.
At the time, Palangka Raya had only 15 parishes, most of which depended on diocesan subsidies, and just 26 priests serving across the vast territory of Central Kalimantan.
Today, the diocese has grown to around 33 parishes, most of them considered economically and pastorally self-sufficient.
The number of clergy has also expanded significantly, with around 40 diocesan priests and more than 100 priests from various religious congregations now serving in the region.
Church leaders described the development as the fruit of solidarity among parishes and the growing maturity of pastoral ministry among the faithful.
Sutrisnaatmaka also highlighted the establishment of institutions that later became central to the diocese’s formation work, including the “Raja Damai” Minor Seminary and a pastoral education institution that developed into STIPAS, or the College of Pastoral Studies.
The bishop also recalled unstable social conditions in Central Kalimantan during the early 2000s, when the Church continued expanding its pastoral and social ministries despite limited resources.
One of the major projects mentioned during the celebration was the development of the “Betang Pambelum” Hospital in Palangka Raya, which now forms part of the Church’s healthcare ministry in the province.
Photo credit: Palangka Raya Diocese Social Communication Office via Fr. Gatot Wibowo Pr
“I travelled to Italy several times to seek funding assistance for the construction and procurement of medical equipment,” the bishop said in his homily.
Established in 1993 after separating from the Diocese of Banjarmasin, the Diocese of Palangka Raya covers the entire province of Central Kalimantan and is part of the ecclesiastical province of the Archdiocese of Samarinda.
The diocese has become known for promoting inculturation and dialogue with local Dayak communities, with liturgical celebrations and pastoral activities often incorporating Indigenous cultural traditions.
It has also expanded its work in education, healthcare, economic empowerment, and environmental advocacy.
Ecological concerns became a stronger pastoral focus after the first diocesan synod in 2018 adopted the vision of “A Self-Reliant, Missionary, and Environmentally Concerned Church of Palangka Raya.”
That vision continues to guide the diocese’s pastoral direction today.
