Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Jakarta Archbishop Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo said a series of natural disasters across Indonesia carries a national message for ecological repentance, urging collective reflection on how humans treat the environment, during Christmas celebrations on Thursday (25/12/2025).

“Environmental destruction that leads to disasters must become a shared reflection on what we need to change in the way we treat nature,” he said at a Christmas press conference at Jakarta Cathedral as reported by antaranews.com

The Archbishop explained that floods and landslides in Aceh, West Sumatra, and North Sumatra in late November highlight that disasters are not caused by natural factors alone, but also by irresponsible human behavior. He said that Christmas this year cannot be separated from the suffering experienced by affected communities.

Archbishop Suharyo called for ecological repentance to be understood as a shift in mindset and lifestyle, starting with simple daily actions such as reducing waste, using resources wisely, and avoiding excess. Suharyo also urged national leaders to act responsibly and honestly for the common good to ensure environmental sustainability for future generations.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)