Indonesia
2025.11.1-11.22
In the Beginning…
Before departing for Indonesia, we were more cautious than excited. We thought that bringing the WYD Cross and Icon to this land where Catholics are a minority might cause some issues with people who were unfamiliar with these symbols of faith. As such, our goal for this pilgrimage was to quietly observe how God was already at work in Indonesia, rather than show or explain anything. We set out on our journey praying that we might step back, allowing the Cross and Icon to speak directly to people's hearts.
Our Pilgrimage Together
At a gathering of past WYD participants in Jakarta, we saw Indonesians wearing treasured t-shirts from previous World Youth Days, leaving a deep impression on us. These young people were living out their WYD experience with deep faith, integrating those past experiences into their daily lives. They showed us that WYD is not just a single event, but a pilgrimage that continues throughout a lifetime. The young people we met in Jakarta quietly bore witness to what it means to be a pilgrim, living out past memories as present faith.
Before leaving for Indonesia, we had heard that the Cross and Icon encountered significant difficulties during customs clearance. Yet when the Symbols were finally enshrined in the church, we witnessed firsthand how they united the entire community as one. The silence of the faithful standing in front of the Cross in the church and school auditorium was a prayer that went deeper than words.
It was here that we realized that before we are sent off as messengers, we must be pilgrims who stay and learn from the cross first. Offering Mass with countless young people, we saw that the cross already dwells at the very center of their lives. This experience in Indonesia reminded us that World Youth Day is not a future event, but one that has already begun here and now.
Let’s Hear from the Locals
As the Indonesian committee coordinator for the WYD Cross and Icon, as well as a 2023 (Lisbon) alumnus, I felt an overwhelming sense of joy upon hearing the Symbols would come. I never imagined that the Cross given by St. John Paul II, which has accompanied countless young people, would finally arrive in Indonesia. Through the opportunity offered to the Youth Commission of the Indonesian Bishops’ Conference (KWI), this became a very important momentum, especially as we also celebrated the 40th anniversary of Indonesian Youth Day in 2025.
We faced many challenges with the pilgrimage. Yet we believed that all our efforts were offered solely for the greater glory of God, so that young Catholics could come to understand the depth of God’s love for them. Therefore, we entrusted everything into God’s hands. We believed that everything would work out, and indeed, through the power of prayer, all the challenges were resolved.
We were able to bring the Cross to the Plenary Assembly of the KWI, where all the bishops from across Indonesia, from the west to the east, were gathered. In total, 41 bishops and representatives of young people were present to witness the Cross and Icon. With only four weeks, it was not possible for us to bring the Symbols to every diocese. Yet God had another plan: instead of the Cross going to the people, the people were brought to the Cross. Without this plenary meeting, the pilgrimage would have only impacted one diocese. However, by the grace of God, the entire Church in Indonesia was able to encounter the WYD Symbols together.
The pinnacle of this journey was the Diocesan Day in Jakarta, where we celebrated the Eucharist with 2000 young people, together with young people from Korea, rejoicing in the powerful presence of the Cross among us. We continue to pray for the volunteers and the LOC of World Youth Day Seoul 2027, that they may carry out their mission faithfully, and we look forward to meeting again at WYD 2027.
(Archdiocese of Jakarta / Nathaniel Marvel Arifin)
I felt incredibly blessed for the chance to witness the World Youth Day Cross and Icon. As young Indonesians gathered together in the high school auditorium, I could tell that everyone was experiencing deep waves of emotion. Also, meeting Father Luke, Agnes, Bona, and Julianna from Korea was truly a highlight of the trip. I felt inspired by their faith and it ignited my passion for Catholic youth. My hope is that we’ll reunite again at WYD 2027!☺️
(Archdiocese of Jakarta / Audrey Utoyo/Eugenia)
Creating WYD Seoul 2027 Together
The WYD Indonesia team has been excitedly preparing, and the young people are expressing high expectations for spiritual growth and intercultural exchange. Back in November 2025, there was a series of activities to welcome the arrival of the WYD Cross and Icon. This was met with great anticipation from the crowds and young people alike. Furthermore, we also provide updates for the youth who are interested in seeing the developments of the 2027 WYD.
Several congregations have begun offering WYD travel packages and inviting Indonesian youth to participate. Together with the KWI Youth Commission, initial discussions on the Indonesian contingent have started, including an online press conference scheduled for 20 February. Preparations include cost estimation, itinerary planning, and logistical coordination for the pilgrimage to Korea.
(Archdiocese of Jakarta / Nathan & Audrey)
Text and photos: Agnes Seoyeon Kim, Bona Hyesoo Jo