Easter 2026: Cardinal Suharyo Discusses Integral Ecology
Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Jakarta, Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo, reminded that energy conservation should not begin only when there is a threat of crisis. For Cardinal Suharyo, energy conservation is a moral responsibility.
He referred to the concept of integral ecology as outlined in the social teachings of the Catholic Church. “Regarding energy conservation, there is no need to be told or to wait for a crisis. We must conserve energy,” said Suharyo, advising on energy conservation as a form of anticipation for global crises at the Jakarta Cathedral Church on Sunday, 5 April 2026.
Cardinal Suharyo also asked that efforts to conserve energy be placed in a broader framework. Because without strong motivation, society has the potential to neglect such efforts. “The key word, again, I follow what the Church leader said, the key word is integral ecology,” stated Suharyo.
Integral ecology is a central concept in the encyclical Laudato Si’ (Praise Be to You), written by Pope Francis and published in 2015. In that encyclical, Pope Francis discusses the importance of preserving the environment and caring for all people, and invites the faithful to reflect on the relationship between God, humanity, and the earth.
The encyclical Laudato Si’ also states that the ecological crisis has the potential to cause other humanitarian crises, including injustice. Meanwhile, the main cause of the ecological crisis is human egocentrism. In the encyclical, Pope Francis also calls for “ecological conversion” as personal repentance amid ecological crisis conditions.
“So integral ecology is not just about electricity, water, rubbish, trees, not just that. Integral ecology is the ecosystem of the world,” said Cardinal Suharyo.
He stated that the world has so far been filled with greed. “Not just individuals, but as a nation. Especially when that greed is supported by weapons, then civilisation is destroyed,” said the Cardinal.
Cardinal Suharyo also reminded that technical matters such as simply conserving energy are not the main solution. What is most needed is a moral change.
“As long as there is still greed, there is no solidarity with others or solidarity is reduced, the damage to the earth is the result of all that. Therefore, integral ecology, ecological conversion means conversion of moral conscience,” said Suharyo.
Furthermore, Cardinal Suharyo also conveyed the importance of applying a minimalist lifestyle. He explained that this minimalist concept does not mean living in lack until starving, but living sufficiently.
For him, the term minimalist, which is popular in the world of architecture, describes something that is clean, beautiful, and sufficient, but not excessive. “So if, for example, a house has five swimming pools, that is definitely not minimalist. That is definitely excessive. Praise be if it’s not greed, but just wealth,” said Suharyo.