5. 1. 2026 Prayer for Indonesia

Indonesia is a country that is hard to fit into one definition. Spread over more than 17 000 islands between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, it is the fourth most populous country in the world with a populationof almost 280 million.The capital is Jakarta, a vibrant megapolis that is gradually relinquishing its role to the newly built capital of Nusantara on the island of Borneo due to overpopulation and declining subsoil.

Indonesia is a land of extreme contrasts. There are active volcanoes, dense tropical forests, but also modern financial districts and a rapidly growing middle class. Among the greatest natural and cultural treasures are the Borobudur Temple, the traditional culture of Bali and the unique fauna, including the Komodo dragon. The country is also a major world producer of palm oil, nickel and coal, bringing economic growth but also environmental burdens.

Indonesia's biggest problems include deforestation, ocean pollution, social inequality and corruption. Maintaining national unity is also a challenge, as Indonesia is extremely ethnically, linguistically and religiously diverse. Yet it has managed to maintain stability over the long term thanks to the state's Pancasila ideology, which emphasises faith in God, humanity and social cohesion.

In religious terms, Indonesia is the largest Muslim country in the world, yet it is not an Islamic state. In addition to Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism and Confucianism officially exist here. Catholics make up approximately 3% of the population, or about eight million people. The Catholic Church in Indonesia has a solid structure of dioceses, schools, hospitals and charitable institutions and is generally respected outside its own faithful.

The Catholic Church in Indonesia is known for its commitment to education, social outreach and interfaith dialogue. In many regions - such as East Timor, Flores and Papua - it plays a key role in preserving the local identity and dignity of the people. Despite occasional tensions, Indonesia remains an example that religious diversity can be a source of stability, not conflict.

Indonesia is thus not just an exotic destination but a laboratory for the coexistence of modern society, faith and tradition - a world that is distant yet in many ways inspiringly close.

An evening dedicated to Indonesia - 5 January 2026:

17:00 Mass with intentions for Indonesia, 17:45 presentation of background information (Matěj Mosler), historical and religious context(P. Miloš Szabo) and monitoring of current events in the country(Jiří Václavek)