Catholic journalists' body awards Indonesian priest for bridging faiths through dialogue
The Indonesian Catholic Journalists Association (PWKI), based in Jakarta, has awarded a Catholic priest for promoting interreligious dialogue.
Under the embrace of the Roman sky and in the symbolic heart of global Catholicism, a moving moment unfolded at St. Peter’s Square. Father Markus Solo Kewuta, SVD—a humble Divine Word Missionary priest from Flores, Indonesia—stood with gratitude etched on his face as he received the Terimakasihku Kepadamu (My Gratitude to You) award from the Indonesian Catholic Journalists Association (PWKI).
The recognition, simple in form but profound in meaning, was not only for a man—it was for a mission: a life devoted to interreligious dialogue, peacebuilding, and the patient labor of building bridges in a fragmented world.
From Flores to the Vatican
Born in East Flores, a Catholic heartland in Indonesia, Father Markus joined the SVD in 1988. He later pursued higher studies in Austria before beginning one of the Church’s most delicate and crucial ministries—fostering dialogue across religious lines.
Since 2007, he has served at the Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue. Today, he is the Desk Officer for Islam in Asia and the Pacific and Vice President of the Nostra Aetate Foundation. Through these roles, he has helped shape international efforts to promote greater understanding between Christians and Muslims.
Despite the global scope of his mission, Markus remains deeply rooted in humility and service. “God has given me so much freely, so I must give back even more freely,” he once said—a reflection of his heart for selfless dedication.
A Recognition Delayed, but Not Diminished
The PWKI initially planned to present the award at its 18th annual New Year Gathering in Jakarta on January 25, 2025. However, due to scheduling constraints, the honor was handed personally to Markus at the Vatican on March 19 by fellow Indonesian priest, Father Riston Situmorang, OSC.
“I deliver this award from the Bishops’ Conference of Indonesia, entrusted by Father Aloysius Budi Purnomo, to Father Markus Solo Kewuta, SVD. May it be a blessing for us all,” said Father Riston during the intimate ceremony.
For Father Markus, the recognition was more than personal. “This honor is not only mine,” he reflected. “It belongs to all those who believe in the power of dialogue to bring about peace.”
A Recognition Delayed, but Not Diminished
The PWKI initially planned to present the award at its 18th annual New Year Gathering in Jakarta on January 25, 2025. However, due to scheduling constraints, the honor was handed personally to Father Markus at the Vatican on March 19 by fellow Indonesian priest, Father Riston Situmorang, OSC.
“I deliver this award from the Bishops’ Conference of Indonesia, entrusted by Father Aloysius Budi Purnomo, to Father Markus Solo Kewuta, SVD. May it be a blessing for us all,” said Father Riston during the intimate ceremony.
For Father Markus, the recognition was more than personal. “This honor is not only mine,” he reflected. “It belongs to all those who believe in the power of dialogue to bring about peace.”
A Voice for Peace in a Fragmented World
Among his most significant contributions was the historic Jakarta–Vatican Declaration, signed by Pope Francis on August 21, 2024, following an audience with leaders from Indonesia’s major interfaith youth organizations. The declaration committed to peace was rooted in dialogue, inclusivity, and mutual respect.
He was also instrumental in another milestone: the Istiqlal Declaration, jointly signed by Pope Francis and Dr. Nasaruddin Umar, Grand Imam of Jakarta’s Istiqlal Mosque, during the Pope’s visit to Indonesia in September 2024. Both declarations reflected Indonesia’s unique capacity for religious pluralism—and Father Markus’s pivotal role in elevating that model on the global stage.
In his speech during the Jakarta event, Father Markus highlighted the link between peace and justice:
"We must prioritize food justice and interreligious harmony if we wish to live in peace." These are the two pillars of a prosperous nation.”
This year’s PWKI gathering carried the theme “Food for All,” a reminder that peace is not forged by diplomacy alone, but by the dignity of every citizen having enough to eat. PWKI founder A.M. Putut Prabantoro captured this spirit by reimagining the old Roman phrase Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum (“If you want peace, prepare for war”) into Si Vis Pacem, Para Panem—“If you want peace, prepare bread.”
“True peace comes not from conflict,” said Prabantoro, “but from shared prosperity.”
For Father Markus, the connection was clear: “Without bread,” he said, “there is no celebration, no community, no peace.”
A Blessing and a Mission
Markus was not the only one honored. PWKI also recognized seven interfaith youth leaders from Indonesia’s major religions—Islam, Catholicism, Protestantism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. They included Addin Jauharudin (GP Ansor), Dzulfikar Ahmad Tawalla (Muhammadiyah Youth), Stefanus Asat Gusma (Catholic Youth), Sahat MP Sinurat (GAMKI), I Gede Ariawan (PERADAH), Wiryawan (GEMABUDHI), and JS Kristan (GEMAKU).
These young leaders, co-signatories of the Jakarta–Vatican Declaration, represent the future of peacebuilding in the region.
“Let this experience be a beginning,” said Stefanus Gusma of Catholic Youth. “We are committed to continuing this journey—to grow further and to bring peace wherever we are.”
Reflecting on his journey, Father Markus described the award not as a conclusion but as a commission:
“This is not the end of a chapter,” he said. “It is a Gabe—a gift—and an Aufgabe—a task. It reminds me that I’m not walking this path alone.”
He dedicated the award to his late father, who had once discouraged him from pursuing interreligious work. “Now I can say: this work is a blessing to many.”
Through his ministry at the Vatican and his unwavering belief in dialogue, Father Markus Solo Kewuta has become a light for a world too often divided—proving that when faith, fraternity, and compassion walk together, peace becomes not just possible, but real.
