The Indonesian Bishops’ Conference (KWI) has called on the Catholic Church to move beyond pastoral statements and programs and take concrete action to address poverty, environmental degradation, and other challenges facing the country.
The bishops made the call following their Nov. 4-10 plenary assembly, which focused on the theme “Building a Sustainable Economy and Our Common Home.”
At a press conference at KWI headquarters on Nov. 10, the bishops stressed the need to translate Church teachings and pastoral commitments into practical initiatives that respond to the needs of communities.
The assembly reviewed commitments made during the 2025 Indonesian Catholic Church General Assembly (SAGKI) and the KWI pastoral note issued Aug. 17, 2026.
The bishops assessed the implementation of pastoral programs and renewed their commitment to addressing economic inequality, environmental concerns and the challenges posed by emerging technologies.
KWI President Bishop Antonius Subianto said economic development must prioritize human dignity rather than financial profit alone.
He emphasized that economic growth must be accompanied by social justice and environmental sustainability, particularly as vulnerable communities face the consequences of environmental destruction and natural disasters.
The bishops expressed concern over forest fires in Kalimantan, which have affected public health, and disasters that disproportionately affect poor and marginalized communities.
KWI called for stronger humanitarian assistance through the Lenten Development Action (APP) and the Commission for Socio-Economic Development (PSE).
The conference identified continued assistance to disaster-affected communities, including those in Sibolga and parts of Flores, as a priority.
The bishops also stressed that humanitarian assistance should reach people regardless of their religious, ethnic or social backgrounds.
Artificial intelligence and its potential impact on society also figured prominently in the assembly’s discussions.
While recognizing the benefits of artificial intelligence for education, communication and pastoral ministry, the bishops warned against its misuse in online fraud, misinformation, identity manipulation and deepfake content.
KWI called for stronger digital literacy programs, particularly for young people and vulnerable communities who face greater risks of online exploitation.
The bishops maintained that technological development must serve human dignity and should not become a means of manipulation or exploitation.
The assembly also examined how the Church could strengthen participation among lay Catholics and marginalized groups through synodality, a process emphasizing dialogue, shared responsibility and participation in Church life.
KWI called for greater involvement of women, young people, persons with disabilities and marginalized communities in the Church’s activities and decision-making processes.
The bishops highlighted the role of lay Catholics in advancing the Church’s mission through their professions and daily responsibilities, including work in education, health care, journalism and business.
They also encouraged stronger cooperation among religious communities to promote peace, dialogue and mutual understanding.
The bishops said the Church must remain engaged with the broader challenges facing Indonesian society rather than concentrate solely on its internal affairs.
Preparations for the third Indonesian Youth Day in 2027 were also discussed during the assembly.
The gathering is scheduled for late June in Sorong, Southwest Papua, where young Catholics are expected to participate in activities aimed at strengthening their faith, solidarity and social responsibility.
Organizers plan to include live-in programs that will allow participants to experience local community life and learn about Indonesia’s cultural and social diversity.
Following the youth gathering, KWI plans to hold a bishops’ assembly in Papua for the first time.
The conference described the initiative as an expression of solidarity with the Papuan people and a commitment to promoting dialogue, peace and respect for human dignity.
The bishops expressed hope that the decisions reached during their 2026 plenary assembly would lead to concrete initiatives in individual dioceses, responding to the social, economic and environmental needs of local communities.
