Originally from Flores Island, until a few weeks ago Superior General of the Verbites, Mgr. Paulus Budi Kleden began his mandate as Archbishop of Ende on August 22. On the eve of the Pope’s arrival in the country, he told about his expectations for this visit. He is also the missionary face of the Indonesian Church, which today has its own priests and nuns at the service of evangelization in dozens of countries around the world.
Milan () – He began his ministry as archbishop a few days ago. He is the second Asian to lead the Verbites, the missionary congregation founded in 1875 in Germany by Father Arnold Janssen, one of the most present in Asia and which today has numerous vocations in Indonesia. Last May, Pope Francis chose Father Paulus Budi Kleden to lead the archdiocese of Ende, the metropolis of the island of Flores, the heart of Indonesian Catholicism. Aged 58, originally from the rural area of Larantuka, on Flores itself, and a priest since 1993, Monsignor Budi Kleden taught fundamental theology for a long time at Ledalero, the large seminary on this island, before serving as superior general of the Verbites from 2018 until last July. He was ordained bishop on 22 August in Ende, choosing as his motto “Persevere in brotherly love”, the verse that opens chapter 13 of the Letter to the Hebrews. And it is with him that – on the eve of Pope Francis’ departure for Indonesia – reflects on the meaning of this trip for this great Asian country and for the entire world.
Bishop Budi, what do you expect from Pope Francis’ visit to Jakarta?
«First of all, it should strengthen Indonesian Catholics in their identity as believers and in their contribution to the nation. Although small in number, Indonesian Catholics have played a key role in the development of the country. This role must be strengthened and continued.
Secondly, to promote interfaith dialogue in Indonesia. To help Indonesians of other religions understand that the Catholic Church is concerned about the problems of humanity as a whole and is open to collaborating with others to meet challenges.
Thirdly, to encourage the Indonesian government in its task of serving the Indonesian people, helping them to live peacefully with the differences, including religious ones, that exist among them, and to see these differences as a wealth that helps us grow.
Finally, I hope that after this visit, the Indonesian government will make it easier for Catholic missionaries from other countries to come and work in Indonesia.
During this visit, do you think that Indonesia’s experience can offer the whole world an example of dialogue between Christians and Muslims?
«My great hope is precisely this: that the Indonesian reality of mutual enrichment of religious communities will be an example and an inspiration for the world. People should see it. I myself felt very proud and at the same time inspired by the participation of my Muslim brothers and sisters and of other religions in my episcopal ordination, as on so many other occasions in the life of our communities here. It is also a call to all Indonesians to safeguard this way of living and working together.»
In his homily at the beginning of his ministry as Archbishop of Ende, he stressed the need to defend “social harmony” in Indonesian society: what is it that most endangers it today?
Yes, I have said these words. Social harmony, for example, is today in jeopardy because of some politicians who exploit religious issues or religious identity to get votes. Insensitivity to the construction of religious buildings where there are only a few believers of that religion is also a factor. As is the economic one: when inhabitants of a place who are believers of one religion see that their neighbours of other religions receive more privileges and help to start and run their own businesses, tensions arise.
Based on your previous experience as Superior General of the SVD, how do you see the contribution of Indonesian missionaries to the global Church today?
«As Indonesian Catholics, we can be proud to have become a missionary-sending country after having been for decades only a receiving country. If we look only at the verboten, there are more than 500 Indonesian missionaries ministering in 50 different countries around the world. Indonesian missionaries are characterized by their simplicity and their willingness to work even in the most remote places. Their experience of living with other religions, especially Muslims, is a very useful contribution to the other local Churches.»
(contributed by Mathias Hariyadi, photo by Hanafi Jo)
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