‘Artificial Intelligence in the Light of Faith: Opportunities and Challenges for Communication Pastoral’ – 52nd SIGNIS Indonesia Assembly
The 52nd SIGNIS Indonesia Assembly was held in Bandung, West Java, from February 24 – March 1, 2026, attended by 32 members, on the theme “Artificial Intelligence in the Light of Faith: Opportunities and Challenges for Communication Pastoral.”
In his homily, His Excellency Mgr. Agustinus, as the Chairman of Social Communications Commission of the Indonesian Bishops’ Conference, conveyed several messages: the Church is a Fellowship that Lives from Communication. The essence of the Church is a fellowship centered on Christ and inspired by the Holy Spirit. However, fellowship can only truly occur if there is smooth communication. Without communication, the Church’s mission will not have an impact. “SIGNIS symbolizes a sign and fire. It represents the blaze of the Church’s mission that must not be hidden. Communication becomes the spearhead to bring the spirit and soul of the Church outward, so as not to be trapped within the ‘internal walls’ and sectoral ego.
Technological advancement, especially artificial intelligence (AI), presents both opportunities and significant surprises. This technology has touched and permeated various aspects of life. The emergence of new reflections, such as digital theology and digital ontology, poses theological and philosophical challenges, questioning the meaning of ‘reality’ in the AI era. However, the Church need not fear or be awed, as long as it remains anchored in the identity and mission of Christ. To this end, AI is a product of human intellect (logos). Humans are called to continually discover and develop technology. Yet, most importantly: AI must serve as a tool to convey “dabar” (the living and impactful word), not replace the human role or empty the message. The Bishop hopes, ‘Through AI, the Church’s communication must continue to bring energy, meaning, and transformative power — like rain that enriches the earth.’ The SIGNIS meeting is expected not to be merely a formal event, but a spark that invigorates ministry, so that more people come to know and love God.
On the second day, the participants took part in a study day according to the theme of this 52nd SIGNIS meeting, the speaker was Suryatin Setiawan along with his team. He is a practitioner in the field of information technology who delivered a presentation titled “Prompt Engineering: The Art of Communicating with Artificial Intelligence Technology.”
Another important agenda in this assembly was the election of the 2026-2030 board, as follows:
President: RD Heribertus Ratu
Vice President: Mrs. Bernadetta Widiandajani
Secretary: RD Tiburtius Plasidus Mari
Treasurer: RD Reynaldo Antoni Haryanto
Members: RD Suhanedi Kusmantoro
With the spirit of brotherhood and in the light of faith, the members of SIGNIS Indonesia encourage programs to be implemented with a focus on efforts to care for the integrity of creation.
By Mrs. Bernadetta Widiandajani