A Catholic-led initiative aimed at restoring dignity and compassion for the elderly was launched in Yogyakarta on July 26, marking the global celebration of the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly.
The program, called Wredaloka—from the Javanese words wreda (elderly) and loka (place or space)—was initiated by the KarinaKAS Foundation, the humanitarian arm of the Archdiocese of Semarang.
KarinaKAS is the locally based Caritas network operating under the Catholic Church’s social mission in Central Java.
The launch event was held at the Belarasa KarinaKAS Facility and gathered 93 senior participants from 11 parishes across the urban and East Sleman vicariates.
Some elderly attendees arrived unaccompanied by family, a gesture that organizers saw as a testament to their independence and enthusiasm for social engagement.
“Elderly health is not just about the body, but also about the heart—feeling loved and appreciated,” said Father Bernardus Himawan Pr, director of KarinaKAS.
He emphasized that the initiative reflects a faith-based and humanitarian commitment to holistic care.
Wredaloka offers a range of services through five specialized areas: registration, health checks, senior-friendly exercise, dementia screening, and spiritual and psychological counseling.
It is envisioned not only as a venue for service delivery, but also as a space of encounter.
“This program is designed as a prototype of elderly ministry that can be replicated in parish settings,” Father Bernard said.
“It is our hope that parishes in the Archdiocese of Semarang will draw inspiration from Wredaloka to develop sustainable, community-based elderly care centres. We plan to hold the event again in the next three months,” the priest added.
The program also served as a platform for elderly participants to engage with one another across parish communities.
Organizers said the initiative encouraged mutual support, sharing of life experiences, and social interaction among attendees.
KarinaKAS described the event as a model that could be replicated in parish settings and a reminder that caring for the elderly is not merely a social responsibility but a tangible expression of love.
