Catholic bishops in Indonesia welcomed the country’s new leaders and urged them to embody ethical, servant-hearted leadership that prioritizes the welfare of the nation.
In a press statement issued on Nov. 12, the Indonesian Bishops’ Conference (KWI) announced that it is set to release a joint Christmas message with the Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI) expressing hopes for leaders who have “a servant spirit, are humble, not greedy and avaricious, live simply, and prioritize the interests of the nation.”
The message, themed “Let us go now to Bethlehem” (Luke 2:15), envisions Indonesia as a new “Bethlehem,” a place where leaders with integrity “are born and grow.”
Reflecting on the mission of the Church, the bishops emphasized that “all the apparatus of the Indonesian Bishops’ Conference are mobilized to carry out the mission of building the Church and the Indonesian Nation,” stressing the Church’s commitment to fostering peace and community welfare.
To achieve this vision, the bishops call for “a critical and sporting attitude based on love for the homeland and the Indonesian nation,” a reminder that ethical governance requires active participation from citizens and leaders alike.
They urge leaders to “protect all citizens without discrimination, enforce the law as fairly as possible, and…be present in the anxiety, fear, worry, and confusion of the community.”
Leaders, they said, should “lead and make policies using their conscience (cf. Rom. 13:5) and listen to the hopes and desires of the people with the ears of their hearts.”
By centering their message on ethical leadership and a commitment to justice, the bishops hope to inspire a renewed spirit of unity and accountability within the country.
In their words, “We hope that the government will protect all citizens without discrimination,” advancing Indonesia’s progress toward a fairer, more compassionate society.
