Ni Nyoman Sriwedari, known as Ruth, serves as a Sunday school teacher at GBI ROCK Tabanan in Indonesia. Despite a three-hour travel distance to the remote village of Seraya, she and her team reached 47 children initially, a number that grew to 80. Using the Superbook curriculum, they taught biblical stories through picture cards and group screenings. The program fostered curiosity and faith among the diverse community. Ruth highlighted the effectiveness of the materials in engaging children amidst digital competition, noting the positive impact on the local village.
Translated from Bahasa Indonesia
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Ervin Erviansyah on UnsplashGood news
Tommy Lengkong, leader of PGLII, announced a partnership with CBN Indonesia to strengthen family discipleship in Indonesia. Speaking at CBN's office on June 6, 2026, Lengkong emphasized that churches must move beyond traditional services to equip households. He noted that digital challenges require media expertise, which CBN provides. The collaboration aims to support local congregations in nurturing youth through programs like Super5. This initiative seeks to address the urgent need for early spiritual formation in homes to ensure future generations remain grounded in faith amidst modern societal shifts.
KatolikanaTV and Veritas Indonesia hosted a talk show in Indonesia titled “Di Mana Kita dalam Film Pesta Babi?” to discuss the documentary “Pest of Pigs: Colonialism in Our Time.” Panelists including director Cypri Jean Paju Dale, human rights activist Fransiska Gondro Mahuze, and church representative RD. Marthen L.P. Jenarut addressed the marginalization of indigenous Papuans due to resource exploitation. They argued that large-scale development destroys local ecosystems and causes systemic poverty. The discussion emphasized the need for ecological justice and urged the Catholic Church to side with victims rather than remaining neutral. The event highlighted the “Red Cross Movement” as a form of spiritual resistance against land grabs in Papua. (Katolikana)
Jakarta Cathedral donated a Simmental cow to Istiqlal Mosque and two goats to the Sawah Besar police station on May 27, 2026, for Eid al-Adha. Church representative Susyana Suwadie stated the gesture symbolizes interfaith brotherhood and humanitarian solidarity. Pastor Macarius Maharsono Probho led the delegation to deliver the livestock, which weighed approximately 860 kilograms. The Ministry of Religion noted that non-Muslim contributions also enriched the celebrations. This annual tradition highlights religious tolerance between the two adjacent places of worship in Central Jakarta, demonstrating that shared values transcend religious differences.
According to Jawaban.com, modern church music has transformed into a global phenomenon driven by professional production and digital distribution. Seven influential worship groups are highlighted for their worldwide impact. Hillsong Worship from Australia pioneered the movement with hits like 'What a Beautiful Name.' Elevation Worship and Bethel Music from the United States are noted for their emotional and intimate styles. Passion Music targets youth, while Indonesian groups JPCC Worship, GMS Live, and NDC Worship have gained significant traction locally and internationally. These groups have helped spiritual songs reach millions of listeners across different cultures and generations through high-quality audio and visual content. The article attributes this success to the professionalization of worship music production.
Tommy Lengkong, head of the Indonesian Evangelical Church Fellowship (PGLII), warns that Indonesian churches risk losing young people due to a widening generational gap. Speaking to CBN Indonesia, he explains that rapid technological and AI advancements have fundamentally altered how youth process information and communicate. Lengkong argues that many congregations still rely on outdated service models, leading to misunderstandings of young believers' creative and critical perspectives. He urges church leaders to adapt their approaches to better include and understand this digitally native generation, ensuring they remain active participants in the faith community.
The CBN Humanitarian Team, operating through Obor Berkat Indonesia, is strengthening community health efforts in Nias, Indonesia. On May 25, 2026, local health cadres conducted educational sessions on Mpox in the Gekari Haleluya community. The initiative targeted parents and children from local learning centers to explain symptoms, transmission methods, and hygiene practices. According to the outlet, this community-based approach leverages local cadres to bridge the gap between medical professionals and residents. The program aims to improve public awareness and prevent disease spread through consistent, direct engagement with families across different age groups.
The XIII National Catholic Social Communication Week began on May 26, 2026, in Pontianak, Indonesia. Hosted by the Archdiocese of Pontianak, the event welcomed hundreds of participants with a Dayak cultural ceremony called 'pancung buluh muda.' Archbishop Agustinus Tri Budi Utomo cut a bamboo stalk with a traditional sword to symbolize openness. The gathering, running until May 31, focuses on the theme 'Keeping the Voice and Face of Humanity.' Organizers emphasize preserving human dignity amid artificial intelligence advancements. Local leaders highlighted the need for honest communication that strengthens fraternity rather than dividing communities.
The Bishop of Labuan Bajo, Mgr. Maksimus Regus, visited the Al Munawwarah Terang Grand Mosque in West Manggarai, Indonesia, on May 23, 2026. He presented a sacrificial cow to the local Muslim community ahead of Eid al-Adha 1447 Hijriah. The visit, accompanied by diocesan leaders, aimed to strengthen interfaith brotherhood. Mosque Imam Ruslin expressed gratitude, noting the gesture reinforces long-standing harmony between Catholics and Muslims. The event also included symbolic tree planting to promote environmental care. The diocese states this tradition reflects its commitment to tolerance and social cohesion in the region.
Indonesian police mediated a dispute in Bantul after Islamic group FJI protested the first service of GMS church on May 24, 2026. Authorities halted the gathering due to alleged incomplete permits. Following mediation, officials required GMS to finalize all administrative documents before resuming worship at the site. Local government confirmed the church held a reporting certificate but noted pending clarifications. The governor emphasized religious tolerance, while police warned against intolerance. Worship remains suspended at the location until legal requirements are fully met.
Veronica Tan, Indonesia's Deputy Minister for Women's Empowerment and Child Protection, addressed the 2026 National Pastoral Convention in Manado, North Sulawesi. She urged approximately 800 churches to actively strengthen protection for women and children starting at the family level. Tan emphasized that strong families prevent violence and injustice. She also highlighted economic empowerment programs, such as local food gardens in East Nusa Tenggara, as tools for female independence. The event aimed to foster collaboration between the government and religious leaders to create safer communities for vulnerable groups. (Source: Jawaban.com)
Translated from Bahasa Indonesia
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Simon Spring on UnsplashGood news
The Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture announced that the 14th National Church Choir Festival (Pesparawi) will take place in Manokwari, Papua Barat, from June 18 to 28, 2026. Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar stated the event will focus on environmental sustainability and religious brotherhood. Approximately 8,000 participants from 38 provinces are expected to compete in 12 categories. The kickoff ceremony occurred in Jakarta, emphasizing that religious activities should contribute to nature conservation. Officials hope the festival strengthens national unity and interfaith harmony through musical collaboration.
The CBN Humanitarian Team, operating through Obor Berkat Indonesia, provided free medical services to 224 patients in Bandung, Indonesia, on May 9, 2026. The event took place at STT Inti Kota Bandung as part of the G-1000 movement. The team collaborated with GKPB Fajar Pengharhope and other NGOs to address healthcare access gaps. Three doctors and pharmacy students treated the majority of patients, who suffered from common lifestyle-related health issues. The initiative aims to improve community health awareness and provide sustainable support for those with limited medical resources. According to the outlet, the program highlights the importance of cross-sector collaboration in humanitarian missions.
Five young Christian content creators in Indonesia are leveraging their digital influence to foster faith-based communities rather than seeking mere views. Jourdan Kamal, based in Bali, established The Filled Network to connect Christian entrepreneurs in prayer and discipleship. Pauly Long, also residing in Bali, launched the Joggin with Jesus movement in early 2026, inviting participants to combine exercise with spiritual conversation. According to the outlet, these initiatives demonstrate how social media platforms can serve as gateways for tangible spiritual growth, discipleship, and community building across regions like Jakarta and Bali, moving beyond entertainment to eternal impact.
Bishop Bernardus Bofiwos Baru of the Diocese of Timika celebrated Pentecost and his first year as bishop in Fakfak, Indonesia, on May 24, 2026. The event at the Holy Trinity Station in Sakartemen village included Mass and communal meals. According to Katolikana, Muslim residents from nearby villages attended, demonstrating interfaith tolerance. The bishop expressed gratitude for the inclusive atmosphere, noting that such cooperation strengthens brotherhood in Papua. He also highlighted the emergence of new local priests and religious orders serving the community. The gathering served as a symbol of unity among diverse religious groups in the region.
Five churches in Indonesia are implementing Eco-Church concepts to protect the environment, inspired by Pope Francis's Laudato Si' teachings. Jakarta Cathedral uses solar panels and composting. The HKBP synode promotes tree planting near Lake Toba. GKI Kebonjati in Bandung employs green architecture for energy efficiency. GKJW churches in East Java focus on organic farming for food security. Santo Lukas Sunter in North Jakarta converts used cooking oil into biodiesel. These initiatives demonstrate how religious communities are actively combining faith with practical environmental stewardship across the country.
On May 22, 2026, thousands of Catholics and Muslims in Fakfak, Indonesia, participated in a historic procession to commemorate 132 years of Catholic mission history in Papua. Led by Bishop Bernardus Bofitwos Baru, the event began in Kampung Sekru with traditional Islamic rituals honoring the arrival of the first missionary, Pastor Le Cocq d’Armandville. Participants carried a statue of the Virgin Mary through Kampung Sekru, Kampung Raduria, and by sea to Pulau Bonyom. The outlet reports that the event highlighted interfaith harmony, with Muslim residents joining the Catholic faithful to celebrate shared history and religious tolerance in the region.
Caritas Internationalis and Caritas Indonesia have strengthened their humanitarian partnership with the Diocese of Labuan Bajo in Indonesia. The collaboration aims to ensure that rapid tourism development in the Super Premium Tourism Zone does not marginalize local communities, including farmers, fishers, and vulnerable groups. Bishop Maximus Regus and Cardinal Tarcisio Kikuchi emphasized that progress must include social justice and environmental protection. Delegates visited organic farming communities to support economic empowerment. The initiative seeks to balance investment growth with the dignity and well-being of indigenous and local residents in the region.
Janisya, a young woman in Indonesia, was asked by her mother to remove her cross necklace or leave home. This ultimatum followed Janisya's recent conversion to Christianity, which brought her peace but caused family conflict. Despite having only 500,000 rupiah and no job, she refused to abandon her faith. She informed her mother she would be baptized soon. Janisya shared this struggle on the Superyouth podcast, questioning if her decision was right while facing potential family breakdown. Her story highlights the personal cost of religious conversion in some Indonesian households.
Translated from Bahasa Indonesia
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