Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Archdiocese of Jakarta
Rome (Agenzia Fides) – “Social justice is one of the central themes today for a great nation like Indonesia, an emerging nation on the international scene. It is also a crucial issue for the Church’s mission in Indonesia. And we see that Pope Leo XIV, inspired by his predecessor Leo XIII, the Pope of Rerum Novarum, has placed the theme of social justice among the central points of his vision and action.
This can also be of help to us,” says Father Alfonsus Widhiwiryawan, a Xaverian missionary originally from Java and National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) in Indonesia, in an interview with Fides.
Fr. Alfonsus recalls Pope Leo XIV’s recent speech to the Diplomatic Corps, in which he stated that “the pursuit of peace requires the practice of justice.” And, evoking Leo XIII, he added that "in the era of change we are experiencing, the Holy See cannot fail to make its voice heard in the face of the numerous imbalances and injustices that cause, among other things, undignified working conditions and increasingly fragmented and conflict-ridden societies. It is also necessary to correct global inequalities, where opulence and poverty leave deep gaps between continents, countries, and even within individual societies." "This need is felt in Indonesia, a nation characterized by a great diversity of regions, cultures, religious contexts, and socio-economic situations. The risk is fragmentation, even within the Church itself," the missionary emphasized. "That is why our national motto is unity in diversity, and we are called to practice it every day also within the Church," added the national director of the PMS. Social justice, he recalls, "is also one of the fundamental principles of Pancasila, the five-principle charter that is the basis of the Indonesian nation, and is a particularly relevant issue for many Muslim organizations."
The Indonesian bishops have clearly expressed their commitment in this area. For example, the prelates of the Flores region, in their message for Lent 2025, issued a joint appeal for "justice for the poor and a renewed commitment to Gospel values." In particular, they expressed concern about the development of geothermal projects, which, they noted, "harm the environment, food security, social balance, and cultural sustainability." They also denounced the persistence of chronic malnutrition, which continues to affect many young children, stressing that "this is not simply a question of health, but of justice." "All children deserve food, love, and dignity," they wrote, encouraging targeted support for vulnerable families and the implementation of solid nutrition education programs. It is in this context that the debate surrounding the economic policy of the new President, Prabowo Subianto, is taking place. In keeping with his campaign promises, he has launched an ambitious program to support school canteens and a budget efficiency plan. However, the latter has sparked protests over job cuts and the suspension of scholarships until 2025. Fr. Alfonsus comments on this: "Instead of allocating public resources to welfare measures that bring easy consensus, the government should consider and implement policies capable of stimulating economic growth, combating unemployment, and promoting authentic and sustainable development." Social justice was also the central theme of Pope Francis' first speech during his trip to Indonesia, on September 4, 2024, at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, before both the outgoing President Joko Widodo and President-elect Prabowo Subianto. On that occasion, the Pontiff called for a "true and far-sighted commitment" to achieving social justice, so that a substantial part of humanity is not left "on the margins, without a dignified existence and without any defense against the serious social imbalances that trigger acute conflicts." "In a rapidly changing society," concludes the National Director of the PMS, "the Indonesian Catholic Church is called to understand and expand its mission, reflecting and actively engaging in the field of social justice." (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 21/5/2025)
