Saturday, 30 September 2023, the “Soft LaunchingBookIdentity: Identified’’ at Wisma Argo Manunggal, South Jakarta. This book launch activity is an introduction or awarenessto various parties, especially young Catholics. According to data from the Ministry of Health, there are 6.2 per cent of young people (15-24 years old) in Indonesia who are recorded to have depression, which when it reaches the most severe level, people who are experiencing depression tend to want to hurt themselves or commit suicide.Suicide.to various parties, especially young Catholics.
In 2021 there are 8.4 million Catholics in Indonesia and 2 million of them are young people. This means that according to data from the Ministry of Health, 6.2 per cent of the 2 million, or 120,000 young Catholics, are depressed. Out of this concern the New Zealand Bible Institute published the book Identify: Identifiedin English which was then translated and adapted by the Indonesian Bible Institute (LAI) in collaboration also with the Indonesian Bishops Conference (KWI). “ In this case the role of LAI is to print and help spread it throughout Indonesia. ” explained Bardiyono Wiyatmojo in his remarks at the Soft Launchingthis.
Young people who are currently directly attached to internet technology and social media must be recognised that there are positive and negative sides to their use. “ (The internet is) a place where people do not become authentic,” said Romo Frans Kristi who was present as a guest speaker. He also quoted the words of Carlo Acutis, “ we are presented as original lest we die as a photocopy because it does not match the self-image. ” This is what makes the internet offer young people demands which then often make the young people feel left behind (fomo). “Young people always feel restless, experience self-confidence, experience loneliness because they feel left behind, and many new anxieties are caused by technological developments, ” continued Father Frans Kristi.
It is hoped that through this book the unrest of young people as a result of technological developments and also friendships between them will get answers. This book uses the basic text of the New Testament in which short articles with various special themes taken from the life experiences of young people are inserted. "The text and concrete experiences together support and answer the unrest of young people today," said Hortensius who attended as a guest speaker.
Soft launching was enlivened by talkshowwhich presented two speakers, namely: RD. Frans Kristi Adi Prasetya as the Secretary of the KWI Youth Commission and Mr Hortensius F. Mandaru as the LAI Translation Supervisor who also adapted this book into the Indonesian format. The event was also attended by representatives of the KWI Youth Commission (KomKep), Krismapedia Team, INSPIRE Domus Cordis, OMKnet, Young Catholics, and Life Magazine.
Soft Launchingthis event started from 10.00 am to 12.00 pm, beginning with a Welcome and Opening Prayer from LAI Johanes De Britto Bardiyono Wiyatmojo. The event was also attended by LAI Board member Helena Gunawan who is also the person in charge of the Identity: Identified. Then, Riko Ariefano as General Steward of Domus Cordis, who is also responsible for the launch and distribution of the book.
Through the activities Soft Launching this, it is hoped that more people will be aware of the publication of Identity: Identified. The publication and dissemination of this book for young people is also included in the programme of the KWI Youth Commission and LAI. May the book Identity: Identified can be well received by various parties, especially young people in 37 diocesan regions throughout Indonesia and those who support this programme. So that young Catholics (OMK) in Indonesia can get closer to God through the Word of God and get guidance through devotionals that can help answer the various life challenges they experience.(bonita-pp)
