The 6th JPIC Asia-Oceania Continental Meeting Opens in Jakarta

Jakarta, Indonesia, June 23, 2026 – With the participation of animators of Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) from Franciscan Provinces and Custodies across Asia and Oceania, the 6th JPIC Asia-Oceania Continental Meeting officially opened in Jakarta. The gathering is being held from June 22 to 27 under the theme “Caring for People, Caring for Creation.”

The meeting brings together Friars Minor from more than a dozen Franciscan Entities across the continent with the aim of strengthening reflection, formation, and collaboration in addressing the challenges of human dignity, peacebuilding, and care for our common home.

The opening day began with the celebration of the Eucharist, presided over by Br. Agustinus Lorensius Nggame, OFM, Minister of the Province of St. Michael the Archangel of Indonesia. In his homily, he emphasized that justice, peace, and the integrity of creation are not merely programs or activities, but a way of life that flows from an encounter with God. “For Saint Francis, JPIC was not a program. It was a way of living the Gospel,” he reminded the participants.

During the opening ceremony, Br. Agustinus also extended an official welcome on behalf of the host Province. “The gathering of brothers from different countries, cultures, and languages is a sign of fraternity that transcends borders,” he said, expressing his hope that these days would not only provide an opportunity to share experiences and projects but also deepen Franciscan identity and strengthen the common commitment to justice, peace, and care for creation.

Participants then received a message from Br. Ignacio Ceja, OFM, Vicar General of the Order, who recalled that the promotion of justice, peace, and care for creation is not a secondary activity but an essential dimension of Franciscan evangelical life.

In his address, the Vicar General highlighted that this meeting takes place during a particularly significant moment for the Franciscan Family as it commemorates the eighth centenary of the Transitus of Saint Francis of Assisi. Inspired by the witness of the Poverello of Assisi, he encouraged participants to cultivate a spirituality of contemplation, solidarity with the poor, simplicity of life, and collaboration in response to the challenges faced by the peoples of Asia and Oceania.

During the opening session, Br. Daniel R. Blanco, OFM, Director of the General JPIC Office, presented the objectives of the meeting and offered a historical overview of the continental gatherings held since 2008. In his presentation, he recalled that, for nearly two decades, JPIC animators in the region have sought to answer a common question: “What does it mean to be Franciscans in Asia and Oceania in the face of the challenges of justice, peace, and creation?”

In the afternoon session, Br. Taucen Girsang, OFM, Vice Director of the General JPIC Office, presented a synthesis of the journey undertaken by the Order in the field of Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation. Drawing on the declarations of the International JPIC Councils held in Petropolis (2022) and Assisi (2025), he invited participants to strengthen continental cooperation and renew the Franciscan commitment to vulnerable peoples and to the care of creation. His presentation served as a bridge between the global experiences of the Order and the concrete challenges facing the Asia-Oceania region today.

The first day was also marked by the presentation of reports from the various Franciscan Entities of Asia and Oceania. These reports highlighted the richness and diversity of JPIC ministries and initiatives throughout the region. From the defense of Indigenous peoples’ rights and accompaniment of displaced communities in Papua, to initiatives promoting interreligious dialogue, migrant outreach, peacebuilding, and environmental protection in countries such as Myanmar, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunie, Sri Lanka, India, Japan, Vietnam, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, Timor-Leste, and Indonesia, participants shared experiences that demonstrate a Franciscan presence deeply rooted in the realities of local communities.

Among the experiences presented, particular attention was given to the eco-pastoral initiatives developed in Timor-Leste and Indonesia, where Franciscan fraternities accompany rural communities through programs in organic agriculture, sustainable livestock farming, and ecological education. These initiatives seek to strengthen local economies, reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers, and promote a more harmonious relationship with creation, integrating environmental stewardship with the human development of vulnerable communities.

The reports also revealed a number of common challenges across the region. The defense of human rights and Indigenous peoples, the accompaniment of migrants and refugees, the consequences of armed conflicts, environmental degradation caused by extractive industries, and the effects of climate change emerged as recurring concerns. At the same time, participants shared signs of hope arising from collaboration with civil society organizations, local communities, other religious traditions, and various sectors of society.

The 6th JPIC Asia-Oceania Continental Meeting will conclude with the approval of a final document outlining the principal challenges, commitments, and orientations for JPIC animation in the region over the coming years.

As the continent faces increasingly complex challenges—from poverty, migration, and social conflict to the ecological crisis—participants seek to renew the Franciscan commitment to be signs of hope, reconciliation, and care for creation.