VATICAN CITY, March 25, 2026 — Bahasa Indonesia has been formally added as one of the languages of Vatican News following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Dicastery for Communication of the Holy See and the Social Communications Commission of the Indonesian Bishops’ Conference (KWI).

The agreement, signed at the Dicastery for Communication in Vatican City, elevates the total number of languages available on the Holy See’s news platform to 57.

Bishop Agustinus Tri Budi Utomo, head of the KWI’s Social Communications Commission, described the signing as both an administrative milestone and a symbol of enduring ties between Indonesia and the Vatican.

“It is a celebration of enduring friendship and recognition of our national identity and a strengthening of the bridge of faith between Indonesia and the heart of the universal Church. This MOU is signed at a significant time,” he said.

Connecting Indonesian Catholics Directly to the Pope

The move is expected to provide Indonesian-speaking Catholics with direct access to official Church information, including messages from the Pope, in their native language. It also benefits Catholic communities in neighbouring Malaysia.

“Speaking in one’s mother tongue is one of the most effective ways to communicate,” said Paolo Ruffini, Prefect of the Dicastery for Communication. He noted that the decision reflects the Vatican’s effort to better serve Indonesian audiences.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to promote inclusivity, enhance pastoral communication, and strengthen the relationship between the Vatican and local Catholic communities.

Indonesia’s Ambassador to the Holy See, Michael Trias Kuncahyono, welcomed the development, calling it a historic achievement after a long process of preparation.

“I think this is why, as I said, this is a historic moment for us, for the Indonesian people, for the Church of Indonesia also. It opens the door to further progress,” he said.

He added that the next phase will require sustained commitment, including financial and technological support, to ensure effective implementation.

Including Bahasa Indonesia is expected to improve access to Vatican news and foster closer engagement between Indonesian Catholics and the global Church. It will also reinforce shared values such as peace, fraternity, and religious harmony.

Written by Sr. M. Angela Siallagan FCJM, edited by Yesi Theresia Purba, S.Pd.