Exclusive, Vicar General of KAJ Samuel Pangestu Calls for Ecological Conversion for Natural Damage

Natural damage has been seen everywhere. Aceh, North Sumatra (Sumut), and West Sumatra (Sumbar) are examples that have caught the attention of the moment. Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Jakarta (KAJ), Pastor Samuel Pangestu, called on all parties who have contributed to natural damage - which resulted in floods, landslides, and other disasters - to repent ecologically. In the atmosphere of Christmas 2025, he appealed to the people who celebrate to empathize with those affected by disasters.

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For the Christmas celebration in 2025, the Federation of Churches in Indonesia (PGI) and the Indonesian Bishops' Conference (KWI) have set the theme: "God is Coming to Save the Family". This theme adopted from the verse of Matthew 1:21-24 is considered very relevant if correlated with the situation of the country which is currently experiencing disasters.

According to Pastor Samuel Pangestu, all parties must care about those affected by the flood disaster in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra. "In the context of natural disasters that are happening today, we must empathize with those affected. We must be concerned with the suffering experienced by our brothers and sisters who are affected by disasters, who are sick, and so on," he said.

"The manifestation of our concern is, for example; if you usually welcome Christmas by buying some new clothes, this year you don't need much, or if you need it, don't buy new clothes first. Look again at the collection in the closet; if there are still good ones, there's no need to buy new ones. Stay happy because it's similar to Jesus Christ, and you can share with anyone, especially those who are suffering from various things, flood disasters, landslides, and others," he continued.

What has happened cannot be changed, but in the future everything must be improved. According to him, there must be an ecological repentance for the damage to nature that has occurred.

"For this matter, there are laws that regulate it. Whoever destroys the forest has a penalty; law enforcement must act. Now the world is experiencing an ecological crisis because humans do their own will, not do God's will. Law enforcement should not hesitate to implement the law. If indeed someone is proven to destroy the forest, then just punish them, don't choose," he said to Edy Suherli, Bambang Eros, and Irfan Meidianto from VOI who met him at the KAJ Secretariat, Central Jakarta, Tuesday, December 16, 2025.

How do you interpret this Christmas when many of our brothers and sisters are experiencing disasters in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra?

We refer to the 2025 Christmas theme of PGI and KWI: "God is Coming to Save the Family". The meaning of "family" is very broad, including anyone. Including those who are experiencing disasters in Aceh, North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and other areas.

"On behalf of KAJ, I express condolences and sorrow for the disaster that occurred. May those who experience flood and landslide disasters be given strength. The government and social organizations have worked together to alleviate the suffering of our brothers and sisters who have been affected. My brothers and sisters who have been affected by disasters, do not feel alone. God is present through the government, volunteers, and others. Hopefully this situation can be overcome well.

What pastoral message do you want to convey so that the people still experience the joy of Christmas but still empathize with the victims of disasters?

God came into this world for all people through Jesus Christ, His Son. This has a great impact on the Catholic family. Hopefully, with God's presence, we can still rejoice in this Christmas. We are not alone because God is in the midst of us. We are grateful for this life despite the many challenges. We feel God's presence in every second of life.

God's will is to save, both ourselves, our families, and our fellow human beings. In the context of the natural disasters that are happening today, we must empathize with those who are affected. We must be concerned about the suffering experienced by our brothers and sisters who are affected by disasters, who are sick, and so on.

So, please rejoice in celebrating Christmas, but don't get too excited?

The form of our concern, for example; if you usually welcome Christmas by buying some new clothes, this year you don't need much, or if you need it, don't buy new clothes first. Look again at the collection in the closet; if there are still good ones, there is no need to buy new clothes. Stay happy because it is similar to Jesus Christ, and we can share with anyone, especially those who are suffering from various things such as flood disasters, landslides, and others.

What steps have the Church, especially the Archdiocese of Jakarta, taken to help victims of the disaster? Is there a fundraising or volunteer?

The Catholic Church is famous for its established structure. We have 39 dioceses throughout Indonesia, each of which is well connected. The coordination is carried out through KWI, Caritas, and other institutions. There is indeed a fund for disasters that is collected from year to year. So, this movement is not sudden, but has been carried out throughout the year.

At KAJ, there is a second collection every Saturday and Sunday, the collected funds are dedicated to natural disasters in Sumatra. There is also crowdfunding that is dedicated to natural disasters. The Indonesian government has also experienced handling natural disasters. We have BNPB (National Disaster Management Agency) which has been tested in handling earthquakes, floods, landslides, volcanoes, and so on. Hopefully the funds collected can be managed well and reach the victims.

Specifically for Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra, which areas have the Church touched?

"I haven't received detailed reports about this. Usually, assistance programs are coordinated through the nearest diocese because they know more about the conditions of their area, and the existing assistance has been safely distributed. In each diocese there are also volunteers who help disaster victims.

Around Jakarta, flooding disasters also often occur and we have helped people who are affected. Friends in the nearest diocese have inventoried what the victims need, such as blankets, medicines, staple foods, and others.

Many parties suspect that this massive flood occurred because of a damaged environment and rampant illegal logging. Do we need to hold those suspected of destroying forests accountable?

For this matter, there are already laws that regulate it. Whoever damages the forest has a penalty; law enforcement must act. Now the world is experiencing an ecological crisis because humans do their own will, not do God's will. Law enforcement should not hesitate to implement the law. If indeed someone is proven to damage the forest, then just punish them, don't pick and choose.

Do you, the pastors, and other Church parties also call on the congregation not to destroy nature?

The Catholic Church is very concerned (careful) with the preservation of nature. Next year, for the fifth time, a movement will be held with the theme of caring for the integrity of God's creation. The Church also pioneered a movement to save the environment. Every member of God is invited to really take care of this universe as his brother. So, this nature must not be destroyed.

Protecting nature is not easy. There must be awareness from everyone to protect; don't just rely on the government, environmental care organizations, and others. There must be an ecological conversion for nature that has been damaged. We should not add garbage that can burden nature. Don't throw food. According to the late Pope Francis, throwing food also damages ecology. Farmers have worked hard to plant, we even throw food. The basis of all this is respect for human dignity, and this must be voiced constantly.

What is the role of the family in preserving nature?

The big movement must start from small things. In this context, the family plays a role in cultivating the spirit of protecting nature. Such as the theme of Christmas 2025: "God is Coming to Save the Family". Every family member must have the awareness to save nature. After our family, other families also. So, not only his own family is saved, while the other family is not.

In the midst of wars in various parts of the world, how does Christmas invite people to fight for peace and solidarity?

What needs to be realized is that this earth belongs to us together. If one of its inhabitants is at war, it will affect the other inhabitants. We must have empathy and concern for the war that is happening because there are victims. The role of leaders is very important; they are the ones who declare war and declare peace. The people can usually only voice the call for peace. Leaders must have the awareness to reconcile the world. This world belongs to us together. We must serve the people so that they feel peace in whatever corner they live.

Currently, one country cannot monopolize what exists in this world. They must work together with other countries. So, the strength must be together (rame-rame), not the strength of one alone. The cooperation that must be built is a win-win solution, not one profit and the other is a loss. New colonialism in this world - such as in the fields of economy, technology, military, and so on - must be eradicated from the face of the earth. Indeed, peace is not easy, especially if it has been hurt. But we must continue to give hope to all parties, especially those who are at war, that peace exists and can be achieved together. We must bequeath good things to our children and grandchildren, not bequeath disaster. We must be at peace on earth and at peace in heaven in our respective faiths.

The Pope called for a two-state solution for Palestine to have peace. What is your appeal to the people related to this crisis?

Reconciliation and respect for human dignity cannot be done by one party alone; it must be both parties. The same is true of mutual love. Why not just admit it and live side by side for peace? Why must we eliminate each other? Do humans have the right to eliminate the rights of a nation? For believers, the view is that all rights belong to the One Above (God). Sometimes the world leaders go beyond His authority on this earth, as if he were the "God" for this world.

"What is worrying, the UN seems unable to overcome this problem in Palestine. What is your opinion?

I don't know much about the role of the UN in this context. What is clear is that the UN is supported by the United States and other countries. In the future, the UN must be independent and self-sufficient even though it receives donations from a country. There must be a mutual commitment that the UN institution must be independent and capable. Donations from other countries can be accepted, but they must not bind policies.

How do you evaluate the religious, political, and legal situation in Indonesia throughout 2025?

I can't answer specifically, yes. But from the Christmas message of KWI and PGI it can be seen that during 2025 there are good things and there are bad things. We have to see the good, not just see the bad. The bad we forgive and forget, so the way of looking at it must be positive. The news that is reported should also be good, not mutually insulting. Tired if the focus is only on the ugly.

If good things are developed and all parties do it, we will have a common awareness. If we start from there, our faith becomes "ringing" and plays a role in changing people to transform, both in the scope of ourselves, society, and the state. Moreover, we have the target of Indonesia Gold 2045. When disasters hit, the most affected are children and the elderly. Again, we must bequeath something good for our children, not disaster. The future must be better than today.

"In the context of environmental rescue, what is the implementation like?

The message of environmental rescue must start from the smallest scope, namely individuals and families. Don't add to the damage that has already occurred; what must be done is to stop the damage. Ecological education is indeed not easy, but it must be continued throughout life.

What should be done so that in the future it can be better?

The Indonesian nation is religious. By believing in God/God, we can realize a glorious future. The way is through love and forgiveness. I appeal to all parties, especially Catholics, to do so so that the atmosphere can be better and develop as expected.

Then, we must perform ecological repentance for the damage to nature that has occurred. We must plant trees, ensure that no food is wasted, save water, save electricity, and use renewable energy. The government, entrepreneurs, and the general public have their own roles. The goal is for the environment to be better and nature to be sustainable. The three pillars must synergize so that everything goes well. We must remind each other and not be quick to get angry. If you are wrong, don't be shy about apologizing.

According to a survey, this Indonesian nation is religious, but there are also many crimes and corruption. What is wrong with this?

It must be examined again whether the data is correct so that such conclusions arise. Indeed, many people are in prison, but there are many more who are not. Our way of looking at things that must be straightened out, that the positive things are actually more. Can we not see that it is the work of God's salvation? That is, God is present. I ask the media and social media to spread these positive things, even though they may not be as popular as readers. So, the good things we highlight, while the bad ones are forgiven and corrected.

"The officials who were caught by the KPK seem to have no end, what is your appeal?"

"We have to sit down together to solve this problem. In Catholicism, the term is "Joint Affirmation in the Holy Spirit". So, what does God really want? Remember, there are still those who are more powerful than me, namely God. I as one of the leaders in the Church also have to listen to the input of the congregation. What God wants is peace. If war, fighting, or destroying nature, it is clearly not God's will.

On this occasion, to those who celebrate, I wish you a Merry Christmas 2025 and a Happy New Year 2026. May God always be present in our lives, to all families in the world, especially in Indonesia.

After carrying out his main duties at the Church, Pastor Samuel Pangestu who also serves as the Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Jakarta (KAJ), carries out his hobby: exercising and enjoying art. Through this activity, he can refresh. When the time comes to meet the congregation again, he is also fit and fresh.

"I usually swim and walk. I used to have a badminton hobby, but I stopped for the last two years. I'm afraid of getting injured if I play again, because my age is not supportive. I have to be careful in choosing sports," said the man born in Jakarta, November 5, 1961.

Outside of his main duties and sports, he usually watches movies and theater. "I can relax by watching movies like Agak Laen and Menyala Pantiku," he said. "I also like horror movies, like The Conjuring," added the man who never knows weekends off.

For the theater, Romo Samuel really likes Koma Theater. "If they put on a show, I usually watch it," he admitted. By watching movies and theater, he feels entertained.

As for music, he is more inclined to easy listening. "I like pop music; jazz is still okay for me as long as it's not too complicated," he said.

"Even for songs whose lyrics are touching, I can make them an inspiration for sermons. For example, the song Precious Treasure (Keluarga Cemara) or Tegar (Rossa). Sometimes I sing a little, then preach," said this connoisseur of songs by Elvis Presley, Céline Dion, The Beatles, Sting, Queen, and KLa Project. "I like the song Yogyakarta, because I used to study there," said this alumnus of the Faculty of Theology, Wedabhakti, Yogyakarta, for S1 and S2 levels.

When he was young, Samuel really liked the world of sports. "When I was in SMP, I joined the UMS club, my coach was Mr. Endang Witarsa. At that time I had to stop smoking because I was an athlete. The point is that the breath is noisy if you keep smoking," said Samuel, who also joined the volleyball club when he was in high school.

The habit of exercising is still maintained until now. "Actually I still want to run, but I don't dare anymore. Now the choice is walking or swimming. That's the safest for my age now," he explained.

Most importantly, advice from Father Samuel, for those who want to pursue sports is not to forget themselves after achieving certain achievements. Training must continue to be carried out, even improved. "There is a phenomenon in our athletes, after winning, they forget themselves, their performance drops. Therefore, coaching is very important." He also noticed the rapid development of two young badminton players, Alwi Farhan and Moh. Zaki Ubaidillah.

The ups and downs of Indonesian football achievements are also not spared from his attention. "When I was 14 and 17 years old, it was good, but the next coaching was not optimal. Even the U-23 national team also had a stagnant performance. A coach, if his students are not better than him, his name has not succeeded. That is what needs to be the spirit for sportsmen," he said while adding that sportsmen must be facilitated so that they can focus and continue.

Young people, according to Father Samuel, should not be allowed to grow on their own. "Young people must be guided until they find their true self. Young people must also understand the good and bad sides of themselves. Then he must accept God," he said while emphasizing that the key word is "acceptance" in finding one's true self.

The role of parents is also equally important. "Sometimes parents are proud of their children who are successful, while those who are less prominent are forgotten. In fact, he could be successful in other fields, for example non-academic. Everything must be facilitated so that children have resilience," he advised parents.

The state must also be present in helping children find their identity and achieve success. "Education is important. The state through the BOS fund (School Operational Assistance) needs to continue to develop education. Human resources or qualified teachers must be built. Learn from other countries that respect teachers and lecturers," he advised.

What is clear, said Father Samuel Pangestu, in faith nothing is impossible. "Nothing is impossible for God. There is no cost for school, there are many scholarship opportunities now. If it is not in the country, you can hunt abroad. It is not that you do not love the country, but an effort to advance. Unless the country and the business world here have prepared enough scholarships," he said.

"New colonialism in this world, such as in the fields of economy, technology, military, and others, must be eradicated from the face of the earth. Indeed, peace is not easy, especially if you are already wounded. But we must continue to give hope to all parties, especially those who are at war, that peace exists and can be achieved together. Because we must bequeath good things to our children and grandchildren, not bequeath disaster. We must be at peace on earth and at peace in heaven in our respective faiths,"

Pasto Samuel Pangestu