By INA SocCom

Jakarta, Indonesia, 20 August 2024 -- The Salesian Family in Indonesia is growing. The Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB) began its presence in Indonesia in September 1985 in Jakarta. Until now, the Salesians have been working on the islands of Java, Sumba and Flores. The second Salesian family group is the Salesian Sisters who began their presence in Jakarta on August 21, 1999. Other groups of Salesian families are the Salesian Cooperators, the Salesian Past Pupils and the Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA).

ADMA, founded by Don Bosco on April 19, 1869, in Valdocco, was introduced in Indonesia by the Salesians and the Salesian sisters. ADMA was officially established on the island of Sumba in 2019 and in 2022 was established in the city of Jakarta. ADMA members on Sumba island are 27, while 21 are in the city of Jakarta, and currently, they have five aspirants. ADMA was easily accepted in Indonesia because its members were originally members of the Legion of Mary. Fr. Tarsisius Trianto, SDB, is the provincial delegate of ADMA and the spiritual director of ADMA. The Salesians and Salesian sisters are working together to provide the formation and accompaniment for ADMA members.

While looking at the future prospects of ADMA in Indonesia, on August 19, 2024, ADMA Jakarta lost one of its members, Mrs. Liana, also known as Mrs. Aling. She was one of the second batch of ADMA Jakarta. She was previously also known as an activist in St. John Bosco Sunter Parish, especially as a member of the Legion of Mary, who later on became a member of ADMA. She also served as a ‘prodiakon’ of St. John Bosco parish. Hopefully, guided by the words of Lord Jesus in the Gospel: “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains only one seed; but if it dies, it bears much fruit” (Jn 12:24), ADMA in Indonesia will grow and devotion to Our Lady Help of Christians will flourish.

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