Utilizing Digital Media as A Way to Spread Catholic Faith in Indonesia

Abstract

This study examines the role of digital media in spreading the Catholic faith in Indonesia. Amid rapid technological developments, the Catholic Church utilizes various digital platforms, especially social media, as innovations in evangelization and catechesis. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the digital transformation within the Church, opening broader opportunities to reach the faithful both locally and across regions. This research employs a qualitative approach using literature review and content analysis of digital media from Catholic authorities and laypersons. Data were supplemented with interviews and questionnaires from a sample of Catholics from diverse regions. The results found that digital media provide significant opportunities for evangelizing the faith in Indonesia’s pluralistic and complex society, despite challenges such as content quality, digital literacy, internet access, and social issues including stigma and hate speech. Digital media facilitate the dissemination of faith values, community building, and interactive pastoral care, overcoming limitations of space and time. However, significant challenges persist concerning content quality, digital literacy, equitable access, and the risk of spreading information inconsistent with doctrine and causing negative social impacts such as stigma and hate speech. Recommended strategies include developing authentic and creative content, providing digital literacy training for evangelizers, including building networks and collaborating with Catholic dioceses in South Korea and the Philippines, as they have valuable experience in faith evangelization. This study contributes importantly to the development of effective digital communication strategies for spreading the Catholic faith relevant to Indonesia’s sociocultural cosmology.