Eco Camp and National Tree Planting Day at the Eco Sukaria Garden
In the spirit of Laudato Si’, young Catholics and local communities from Borneo island in Indonesia came together to plant trees, care for creation, and respond to the cry of the earth.
To commemorate National Planting Day, the Young Catholics (OMK) and the people of the Southern Region of the Diocese of Ketapang, West Kalimantan, Indonesia, gathered at the Eco Garden of Sukaria, Kendawangan St. Stephen’s Parish, from December 5–7, 2025.
Two months of preparation for an act of integral ecology
Organisation began two months before the event:
- Planning
- distribution of responsibilities,
- cleaning the area,
- setting up the stage,
- food courts, etc…
Every detail was carefully thought through to make this encounter between nature and community possible.
An Eco Camp that unites generations in the care of creation
On Friday, December 5, participants arrived from different parishes of the Southern Region. In the evening, they met with the committee to review the tree-planting programme — a project involving the whole community of the Southern Region, under the leadership of Bishop Pius Riana Prapdi and his diocesan team.
From the very first moment, the spirit of service and togetherness was evident: the young people (OMK) set up the tents and campsite, the women helped cook, and the men dug holes and cleaned the area. A total of 135 young people from the parishes of Asam Besar, Air Upas, Marau and Terusan took part, with the support of PSE Caritas (Social Economic Development Commission) of the Diocese.
Environmental awareness and integral ecology: an evening of formation for young Catholics
On the evening of December 6, a talk show on the environment was held, moderated by Novita from the Air Upas Youth Movement (OMK). Fr. Sabas Kus Nugroho and Fr. Yosef Kaju were the main speakers, emphasising that planting trees is a tangible expression of love for the earth and of the commitment to the care of creation called for by Laudato Si’. The session concluded with traditional cultural dances.
The day of planting: a gesture of faith and environmental responsibility
On Sunday, December 7, 2025, the programme began with an eco-meditation, followed by welcoming the signatories including the Bishop. After that there was a Eucharistic celebration with the entire community.
The event culminated with the communal planting of trees with the Dayak traditional ritual, initiated by the local leaders, followed by a symbolic planting of trees by the different groups — youth, children, priests, brothers, sisters and the entire community along with the Bishop.
Voices of the participants: Catholic youth committed to the care of creation
Novita, Air Upas Parish:
“I realise that caring for the earth is a beautiful responsibility. It had been many years since I took part in an activity like this. This experience made me understand that the place where we live is facing serious challenges, and that as young people, we are called to act. Seeing children, young people and adults planting trees together was so very touching. It was truly beautiful and deeply meaningful for me.”
Stefani Ira, Marau Parish:
“This is a unique experience: planting trees with the involvement of the whole community — children, youth, priests, brothers, sisters, the Bishop and people from all walks of life. Hopefully, this will be a small step to create awareness and a shared responsibility for all to love, care for and protect God’s creation for the sake of human survival.”
Wilhelmina Eryuni Leba
“A Short Journey, A Lasting Memory.”
The experience she had while participating in the Eco Camp was truly meaningful. In her opinion, the Eco Camp was not only about nature, but also about togetherness, cooperation, and learning from one another. One of the most memorable moments for her was when Fr. Yosef invited them to carry plants from the front area to the planting site, digging holes and planting trees together brought a special sense of happiness.
This Camp taught her that caring for the environment goes hand in hand with caring for one another. It is also a reminder for her to continue nurturing and taking care of the nature in her daily life. Just like the trees they planted, this experience took root within her, it needs to grow by nurturing and shaping. It all depends on the way one chooses to live and act each day.
A small gesture in the face of an urgent crisis: deforestation and indigenous communities in Kalimantan
This Eco Camp was a small beginning and an eye opener for all those gathered there. The increasing trend of earning for money and in the name of development destroying forests, mountains and hills and planting palm trees do not pay attention to the cry of the earth and the cry of the people. This leads to displacement of indigenous community, degradation of the environment and other social problems. This event may make a few aware and act accordingly.
Hopefully, this will be a small step to create awareness and a shared responsibility for all to love, care for and protect God’s creation for the sake of human survival.”
