Indonesian bishops call for ecological conversion and social justice in 2025 Lenten message

Indonesian bishops of the Ecclesiastical Province of Ende have issued a compelling Lenten pastoral letter urging urgent action on a range of environmental, social, and humanitarian issues affecting communities across Flores, Lembata, and Denpasar.

The message, released during their annual synod on March 13, 2025, calls the faithful to deeper reflection, sincere conversion, and concrete action rooted in Gospel values.

Signed by Archbishop Paulus Budi Kleden, SVD of Ende; Bishop Silvester San of Denpasar; Bishop Fransiskus Kopong Kung of Larantuka; Bishop Siprianus Hormat of Ruteng; Bishop Edwaldus Martinus Sedu of Maumere; and Bishop Maksimus Regus of Labuan Bajo, the letter draws inspiration from John 10:10, where Jesus says, “I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.”

Together, these bishops minister to more than two million Catholics across their respective dioceses—approximately 1.9 million in Flores and Lembata, and around 50,000 in Denpasar—spanning a culturally rich yet ecologically fragile region of Indonesia.

The bishops voiced strong concern over the continued push for geothermal energy projects in Flores and Lembata. 

While acknowledging the need for development, they cautioned that “unwise exploitation harms the environment, food security, social balance, and cultural sustainability.” 

They questioned whether such projects are truly building a better future or “instead destroying it,” warning that geothermal energy is “not the right choice for the context of Flores and Lembata,” given the island’s mountainous terrain and limited surface water sources.

The bishops emphasized that such extractive approaches “conflict with the region’s vision for development as a hub for tourism, agriculture, and marine resources.”

They urged decision-makers to pursue environmentally responsible alternatives, such as solar energy, in line with Pope Francis’s encyclical Laudato Si’, which underscores the interconnection between ecological and social justice.

The pastoral letter also highlights the growing tragedy of human trafficking, particularly involving women and children. 

The bishops described it as a “wound on humanity” and called on government agencies, civil society, religious communities, and traditional leaders to unite in prevention, protection, and eradication efforts. 

“The Church cannot remain silent,” they wrote, emphasizing the importance of education and awareness at the family and community level.

Stunting—chronic undernutrition among children—was identified as another critical issue threatening the future of the region.

The bishops stressed that stunting is not merely a health problem but also a manifestation of social injustice. They called for stronger education programs for parents, targeted support for low-income families, and comprehensive nutrition initiatives to ensure that every child receives the care and nourishment they deserve.

In addition, the bishops raised alarms about ongoing outbreaks affecting crops and livestock—such as African swine fever and plant diseases—that pose serious risks to local food security and family livelihoods.

They urged authorities to adopt science-based and sustainable approaches in assisting farmers and herders and to prioritize agricultural research and policies that uplift rural communities.

The bishops appealed to Catholics and all people of goodwill to become responsible stewards of creation and committed advocates for justice. 

They urged the public to reject environmentally destructive practices, actively oppose human trafficking, support child welfare programs, and engage in initiatives promoting sustainable and inclusive development.

“Our Christian hope calls us to be actively involved in healing creation and addressing the wounds of our world,” the letter affirms, echoing the call for ecological conversion issued by the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) in its 2025 pastoral statement.

The statement was delivered after the Annual Synod of the Bishops of the Ecclesiastical Province of Ende, held from March 10 to 13, 2025, at St. Peter’s Major Seminary in Ritapiret, Maumere, Flores.