Indonesia

by Mathias Hariyadi | INDONESIA

The 85-year-old entrepreneur had transformed the Djarum cigarette factory he inherited from his father into an economic giant with operations in various sectors, including the country’s leading private bank. A Catholic, he was known for his extremely simple lifestyle. Through his foundation, he always showed great commitment to humanitarian causes.


A billion-dollar deal between Fincantieri and the Indonesian holding company Republikorp. A confirmation of President Prabowo's investments in defense and the army, which goes hand in hand with operations abroad such as sending soldiers to Gaza. The vessel will be used for rescue and emergency response operations, but it will also be able to carry armed drones.

| 26/02/2026
| INDONESIA
by Mathias Hariyadi

Sister Fransiska Imakulata was contacted by a woman held captive in a nightclub in Maumere. She and Sikka police freed the victims, who were found without papers. After their release, the women were taken to a safe house run by TRUK-F, an NGO of which the woman religious is president, before they were returned to their families in West Java.

| 23/02/2026
| INDONESIA
by Mathias Hariyadi

A small Smart Air plane was hit by gunfire after landing on a remote airstrip in Indonesian Papua. The two pilots, wounded while attempting to escape into the forest, died. The incident rekindles concerns over air travel security in the "red zones" of the region’s interior, where armed separatist groups operate.

| 14/02/2026
| INDONESIA
by Mathias Hariyadi

Indonesia's most important moderate Islamic movement celebrated its centenary. President Prabowo Subianto was present at the event. Nahdlatul Ulama remains committed to peace and interfaith coexistence in the country with the largest Muslim population in the world, built and founded on the principles of compassion and brotherhood.

| 11/02/2026
| INDONESIA

A delegation from UNIAPAC, which brings together 45,000 entrepreneurs from around the world in the name of the Church's social teaching, is meeting with Catholic colleagues from Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam to establish new contacts. The goal is to develop businesses that put people, not profit, at the centre, in places where GDP growth too often fails to address inequality.

| 03/02/2026
| THAILAND
by Mathias Hariyadi

Prayers, thanksgiving and a traditional kethoprak performance marked the celebrations for the archbishop's half-century of priesthood. A tribute to local culture and a profound reflection on the mission of a pastor. The Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs was also present, along with hundreds of faithful.

| 27/01/2026
| INDONESIA
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