The Indonesian Catholic Community Forum (FMKI) has issued a Moral Appeal urging stronger protection of democracy, human rights, and social justice in Indonesia following its 13th National Meeting held in Klaten Regency, Central Java, from June 4 to 6.
The appeal was formally released on June 7 at the conclusion of the gathering, which brought together representatives from Catholic communities across Indonesia under the theme: “FMKI Rises and Moves: Safeguarding a Democracy Rooted in Pancasila Values.” Klaten is located in Central Java, between the cities of Yogyakarta and Semarang, in Indonesia’s main island of Java.
FMKI is a Catholic civil society forum representing lay communities from dioceses nationwide. The meeting included participation from Church leaders and officials, including Mgr. Antonius Subianto Bunjamin, OSC, chairman of the Indonesian Bishops’ Conference (KWI), and Mgr. Robertus Rubiyatmoko, Archbishop of Semarang. Delegates attended from across the archipelago, including Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Java, Bali, West Nusa Tenggara, East Nusa Tenggara, Maluku, and Papua.
The Moral Appeal draws on recent Church reflections, including the May 20, 2026 pastoral message of the Indonesian Bishops’ Conference and the outcomes of the 2025 Indonesian Catholic Church Grand Assembly (SAGKI). Both documents emphasized the protection of human dignity and social justice.
On legal and human rights issues, FMKI highlighted concerns over the rapid drafting of legislation with limited public consultation, reduced independence of law enforcement institutions, and the use of the Electronic Information and Transactions Law (UU ITE), which has been criticized for restricting freedom of expression.
