INDONESIA — A national seminar held in Malang in Indonesia has reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s call for families to serve as the “first and foremost space for authentic communication” amid the challenges posed by the digital age.
The event, held on June 13 at the Faculty of Theology Widya Sasana in the Diocese of Malang, was part of the 12th National Social Communications Day (PKSN), according to MIRIFICA News, the official news service of the Bishops’ Conference of Indonesia.
Carrying the theme “Becoming Communicators of Hope: Authentic Family Communication in a Digital Cosmetic World,” the seminar featured three speakers: Fr. Dr. Bobby Steven MSF, a scripture scholar from Sanata Dharma University; Prof. Richardus Eko Indrajit, a technology and education expert; and Lisa A. Riyanto, a communication practitioner and singer.
In his opening remarks, Bishop Kornelius Sipayung OFMCap, chair of the bishops’ conference’s Commission for Social Communications, emphasized the urgency of promoting gentle and truthful communication, echoing the message of the late Pope Francis.
“Our communication is becoming more aggressive—not only in tone but even in silence. Communication can become a weapon that wounds,” the prelate said.
He cited how harsh language and online attacks have fostered polarization and hatred. “That’s what the Pope identified as unhealthy communication, capable of destroying the world. His message, then, is to disarm aggression, let go of ego, and speak with gentleness.”
Bishop Sipayung also warned against the temptation of self-promotion in digital media, saying, “But we are called to proclaim God, truth, and goodness with humility. To build bridges, not walls—including within families.”
Fr. Bobby Steven pointed to Saint Joseph as a model of sincere and loving communication, especially in difficult situations. He said Joseph’s decision to quietly divorce Mary without disgrace was a reflection of restraint, dignity, and compassion.
“In a world quick to shame and expose faults, we’re invited to learn from Joseph: to practice restraint, uphold dignity, and convey love through meaningful silence,” he said.
He also spoke about the overwhelming “digital noise” that disrupts communication within households. He urged families to become spaces of deep listening and emotional safety. “A space of genuine listening and a safe haven for sharing hope, not just a place to exchange information,” he said.
In a joint session, Prof. Indrajit and Lisa Riyanto shared personal stories of raising children in a social media-driven world. With humor and warmth, they encouraged parents to engage their children with empathy and friendship.
“I could only get close to my son when I called him ‘bro.’ It turns out that when we become their friend, only then do they trust us as parents,” said Indrajit.
He recalled sending a heartfelt WhatsApp message to one of his children and receiving a simple “Okay” in reply. “But in their world, ‘okay’ can mean ‘thank you, I hear you, I understand.’”
Lisa emphasized the importance of personal presence during moments of social and emotional struggle. “We learned not to generalize our children. We must be personally present—not just physically,” she said.
She recounted how one of their children, who had become withdrawn due to bullying, recovered and regained confidence through a patient, compassionate approach and support from a healthy digital community.
The seminar concluded with a renewed affirmation that the family must remain a “community of hope” in a fast-paced and often superficial digital culture. Participants described the gathering as a reflective and meaningful space that addressed the real challenges of family life today.
