Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo
Stored: Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo
| His Eminence Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo | |
| Bishop of Archdiocese of Jakarta | |
| Home diocese: | Archdiocese of Jakarta |
| Other diocese 1: | Archdiocese of Semarang |
| Other diocese 2: | Indonesia Military Ordinariate |
| Other diocese 3: | |
| Ordination: | 26 January 1976 by Archbishop Justinus Darmojuwono |
| Consecration: | 22 August 1997 by Cardinal Julius Darmaatmadja |
| Rank: | Cardinal |
| Created cardinal: | 5 October 2019 by Pope Francis |
| Personal details | |
| Born: | Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo 9 July 1950 Sedayu, Yogyakarta, Indonesia |
| Died: | |
| Nationality: | Indonesian |
| Education: | Sanata Dharma University, Pontifical Urban University |
| Motto: | "Serviens Domino cum omni humilitate" (Serving the Lord with All Humility) |
| Role: | Diocesan |
| Theology: | Moderate |
| Region: | Asia |
| Rite: | Roman Rite |
| Conclave Eligibility: | Eligible |
Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo, born July 9, 1950, is an Indonesian prelate of the Roman Catholic Church, serving as Archbishop of Jakarta since 2010 and president of the Episcopal Conference of Indonesia since 2012.[1] Elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis in 2019, he is the third Indonesian cardinal and a prominent advocate for interreligious dialogue, social justice, and environmental awareness in the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, notably establishing Jakarta’s Catholic Justice and Peace Commission in 2016.[2] His motto, “Serviens Domino cum omni humilitate” (Serving the Lord with All Humility, Acts 20:19), reflects his pastoral approach, seen in his 2025 defense of a transgender activist jailed for blasphemy and his 2024 hosting of Pope Francis’ visit to Indonesia, emphasizing faith, fraternity, and compassion.[3][4] At 74, Suharyo is one of nine Asian cardinal-electors in the 2025 papal conclave, starting May 7, where he confirmed his participation, planning to depart for Rome on May 4 without special preparations, expressing humility about his role.[5][6]
Ordained a priest in 1976, Suharyo served as Archbishop of Semarang (1997–2009) and Military Ordinary of Indonesia (2006–present), fostering ecumenical ties, such as the “Tunnel of Friendship” connecting Jakarta’s cathedral and Istiqlal Mosque.[2] His 2025 call for the release of trans artist Rata Thalisa, convicted of blasphemy, highlighted his stance on freedom of expression and humor in faith, drawing attention for its progressive tone in Indonesia’s conservative context.[3] In April 2025, Suharyo attended Pope Francis’ funeral rites but was absent from the funeral Mass due to prior commitments, joining pre-conclave meetings to prepare for the Sistine Chapel election, where he emphasized listening to other cardinals over personal ambition.[5][7] His leadership bridges Indonesia’s diverse religious landscape, though he noted his limited global prominence makes a papal candidacy unlikely.[7]
Biography
Birth and early life
Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo was born on July 9, 1950, in Sedayu, Bantul, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, the seventh of ten children in a devout Catholic family.[1] His siblings include a priest, a monk, and two nuns, reflecting a strong religious upbringing.[2] He attended local schools before entering St. Peter Canisius Minor Seminary in Mertoyudan, Central Java, at age 11, drawn to the priesthood.[8]
Raised in Indonesia’s post-independence era, Suharyo’s Javanese heritage and exposure to diverse faiths shaped his commitment to interreligious harmony.[4] His family’s faith anchored his vocation amidst Indonesia’s Muslim-majority context.[2]
Education
Suharyo studied philosophy and theology at Sanata Dharma University, Yogyakarta, earning a bachelor’s degree in 1971.[1] He obtained a licentiate and doctorate in biblical studies from the Pontifical Urban University in Rome (1979–1981), focusing on scriptural foundations for mission.[2] His education emphasized ecumenism and social justice.[4]
Fluent in Indonesian, Javanese, English, and Italian, Suharyo’s studies prepared him for teaching and leadership in Indonesia’s diverse society.[3] His Roman doctorate enhanced his theological engagement with global Catholicism.[8]
Priesthood
Ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Semarang on January 26, 1976, by Archbishop Justinus Darmojuwono, Suharyo served as a formator and professor at Sanata Dharma University (1981–1991), heading the philosophy and sociology department (1983–1993).[1] He taught Scripture and fostered interfaith dialogue, engaging Indonesia’s Muslim and Protestant communities.[2] His academic roles built his reputation as a scholar-priest.[4]
His priesthood focused on marginalized groups, advocating for human dignity and environmental stewardship, themes later central to his episcopal ministry.[9] He served as a parish priest and diocesan administrator.[8]
Bishop
Appointed Archbishop of Semarang on April 21, 1997, by Pope John Paul II, Suharyo was consecrated on August 22, 1997, by Cardinal Julius Darmaatmadja.[1] Named Coadjutor Archbishop of Jakarta in 2009 and Archbishop in 2010, he was elevated to cardinal in 2019, assigned the titular church of Spirito Santo alla Ferratella.[5] He has served as Military Ordinary since 2006 and president of the Episcopal Conference since 2012.[2]
As archbishop, Suharyo established the Justice and Peace Commission (2016), advocated for environmental protection, and supported Rata Thalisa’s release in 2025.[9][3] In 2025, he joined conclave preparations in Rome, emphasizing humility.[6]
| Diocese | Role | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Archdiocese of Semarang | Archbishop | 21 April 1997 | 25 July 2009 | Secretary general, Bishops’ Conference, 2000–2006 |
| Indonesia Military Ordinariate | Ordinary | 2 January 2006 | Present | Concurrent with Jakarta |
| Archdiocese of Jakarta | Coadjutor Archbishop | 25 July 2009 | 28 June 2010 | Succeeded as Archbishop |
| Archdiocese of Jakarta | Archbishop | 28 June 2010 | Present | Elevated to cardinal in 2019 |
Significant events
- Entered St. Peter Canisius Minor Seminary, 1961.[1]
- Ordained priest for Semarang, 1976.[1]
- Earned doctorate in biblical studies, 1981.[2]
- Appointed Archbishop of Semarang, 1997.[1]
- Elected secretary general, Episcopal Conference, 2000.[1]
- Appointed Military Ordinary, 2006.[1]
- Named Coadjutor Archbishop of Jakarta, 2009.[1]
- Became Archbishop of Jakarta, 2010.[1]
- Elected president, Episcopal Conference, 2012.[2]
- Established Justice and Peace Commission, 2016.[9]
- Elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis, 2019.[1]
- Hosted Pope Francis’ Indonesia visit, 2024.[4]
- Defended trans activist Rata Thalisa, 2025.[3]
- Attended Pope Francis’ funeral and conclave preparations, 2025.[5]
Books
Written about the bishop
- No specific biographies dedicated to Cardinal Suharyo were identified.
Written by the bishop
- No books authored by Cardinal Suharyo were identified. He has issued pastoral letters and statements through the Archdiocese of Jakarta, but no published books are documented.
External links
- Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo
- Biography of Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo
- Vatican Biography of Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 "Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo". Wikipedia. 2025-04-25. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ignatius_Suharyo_Hardjoatmodjo.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 "Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo". The College of Cardinals Report. 2024-11-23. https://collegeofcardinalsreport.com/cardinals/cardinal-ignatius-suharyo-hardjoatmodjo/.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 "Indonesian Cardinal Supports Trans Activist Jailed for “Hate Speech”". New Ways Ministry. 2025-04-05. https://www.newwaysministry.org/2025/04/05/indonesian-cardinal-supports-trans-activist-jailed-for-hate-speech/.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 "Cardinal Suharyo: Pope’s Indonesia visit will help us deepen faith". Vatican News. 2024-09-06. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2024-09/cardinal-suharyo-pope-s-indonesia-visit-will-help-us-deepen-faith.html.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 "Indonesian Cardinal Suharyo Confirms Participation in Papal Conclave". Tempo. 2025-04-24. https://en.tempo.co/read/1858979/indonesian-cardinal-suharyo-confirms-participation-in-papal-conclave.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Jakarta Archbishop to participate in Papal conclave". ANTARA News. 2025-04-25. https://en.antaranews.com/news/311609/jakarta-archbishop-to-participate-in-papal-conclave.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Cardinal Suharyo to join papal conclave in Vatican". The Jakarta Post. 2025-04-24. https://www.thejakartapost.com/indonesia/2025/04/25/cardinal-suharyo-to-join-papal-conclave-in-vatican.html.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 "Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo". UCA News. https://www.ucanews.com/directory/bishops/cardinal-ignatius-suharyo-hardjoatmodjo/560.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 "Indonesian Cardinal-designate known for justice and peace work". CatholicPhilly. 2019-09-22. https://catholicphilly.com/2019/09/catholic-spirituality/indonesian-cardinal-designate-known-for-justice-and-peace-work/.