Caritas Indonesia, locally known as Karina KWI, reaffirmed its dedication to fostering the ‘Church of the Poor’ during its 18th anniversary celebrations.
The event featured a Holy Mass attended by Indonesian bishops, potential donors, and representatives from groups that have benefited from the agency’s aid.
Known for providing emergency response aid packages, Caritas Indonesia has been essential in directing funds from both local and international donors to those in need through a variety of programs.
Bishop Anton B. Subianto OSC of Bandung, president of KWI, highlighted the agency’s role during the celebration. “Today, alongside several bishops, we give thanks to the Lord for Karina KWI, our humanitarian agency, which embodies the compassionate spirit of the Catholic Church in Indonesia and abroad,” he said.
Bishop Subianto praised the unique motivation of Catholic donors, noting that their contributions are “driven by Christian faith and values, which we believe enrich our future lives with virtues.”
He also pointed out that Karina KWI’s humanitarian efforts have reached beyond Indonesia, referencing recent aid initiatives in Turkey and Bangladesh after severe earthquakes.
Bishop AM Sutrisnaatmaka MSF of Palangka Raya acknowledged the significant charity contributions. “Our donors promptly respond to disasters, reflecting the foundational spirit of Caritas Indonesia,” he remarked.
To improve transparency and accountability, many Catholic professionals have affiliated themselves with Karina KWI.
Mrs. Fransiska Mok, a notable banker, has significantly contributed to the agency’s credibility. “We adhere strictly to auditing protocols, ensuring everything is managed impeccably,” she declared.
Mr. HY Susmanto, former director of the Bank of Indonesia, supported the organization’s efforts to enhance its visibility. “This is an opportune moment for Caritas Indonesia to promote itself as a vital humanitarian arm of the church,” he said.
Mrs. Rina Bambang highlighted the collaborative nature of their mission. “We rely on the active participation of our congregation to implement our mission of compassion,” she said.
Fr. Freddy Taruk, executive director of Caritas Indonesia, clarified that the agency is part of Caritas Internationalis, which operates in 162 countries. “As a body of the church, we are committed to addressing humanitarian needs globally,” he said.
