Mgr Riana Prapdi: Radicalism and work, the challenges for young Indonesians
According to government data, those aged 15 to 29 number over 62 million. Out of seven million Indonesian Catholics, two are young. "We realise that they are a 'small flock',” said the bishop of Ketapang, but “they are the missionaries in today's world". Training, leadership, environment and interfaith dialogue are the focus of the Indonesian Church.
Vatican City (AsiaNews) – Mgr Pius Riana Prapdi (pictured), bishop of Ketapang (West Kalimantan province) and president of the Youth Commission (KomKep) of the Indonesian Bishops Conference (KWI), told AsiaNews that education, work, the fight against intolerance and environmental protection are the main challenges of the future that young Indonesians face.
Mgr Riana Prapdi is one of the two Synodal Fathers chosen by KWI for the Synod on Young People, set to end in two days time. The other is Mgr Adrianus Sunarko, bishop of Pangkal-Pinang (Bangka-Belitung).
Indonesia, the fourth most populous country in the world with about 260 million inhabitants, is going through a demographic transition.
In the coming years, the younger segment of the Indonesian population will continue to grow, albeit a slower rate than that of their parents. According to government data, at present those aged 15 to 29 number more than 62 million.
"We are grateful for so many young people,” said Mgr Riana Prapdi. “However, the country is called to provide them with an adequate education, with the same quality both in the more developed regions, such as Java and Sumatra, as well as the less prosperous regions, like Papua and Kalimantan ".
A young and growing labour force will need quality jobs, which makes vocational training crucial. "It would be a disaster if young people were not qualified and had a weak mindset", the bishop stressed.
Young people in the most populous Islamic country in the world are also threatened by Islamist pressures.
For the prelate, "relations between the different communities are good", but it is necessary to "recognise that radical groups operate in society, promoting intolerance with considerable attraction for youth."
Economic development also cannot ignore environmental protection. Mgr Riana Prapdi calls for a "serious commitment to nature" through programmes and initiatives that counter consumerism and the problems it creates, such as monocultures, excessive use of plastic and paper, deforestation.
In Indonesia, out of about seven million Catholics, two are young. "We realise that they are a 'small flock',” said the bishop of Ketapang, “but we can face the challenges knowing that they are the missionaries in today's world".
In several of the country’s 37 dioceses and also at the national level, the Church offers young men and women different programmes aimed at business training, leadership, environmental protection and interfaith dialogue. "This way, they can participate in the building of the Church and of society", Mgr Riana Prapdi noted.
Thanks to him and to Mgr Adrianus Sunarko, the Indonesian Church’s commitment to the young has found expression in the Synod dedicated to them, according to Pope Francis’s wishes.
"This event will allow the Church hierarchy to be more present in the life of the new generations,” the bishop said. “It will be possible through greater understanding, deeper listening, and more effective communication.”
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