SSVP Indonesia holds its 16th National Assembly with a call to strengthen fraternity and renew Vincentian service

From 3 to 5 July 2026, nearly 150 Vincentians from across Indonesia took part in the 16th National Assembly (PerNas XVI) of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, held in Lawang, East Java. Under the theme “Mengukur Luka Masyarakat, Menabur Penghiburan” (“Measuring the Wounds of Society, Sowing Comfort”), the gathering brought together representatives of Conferences and Councils from across the country to share experiences, deepen their Vincentian spirituality, and reflect on how to strengthen service to those in need through an ever more united community.

The Assembly was attended by Brother Noel, International Territorial Vice President (ITVP) for Asia 2, Brother Jonathan, recently appointed President of a Conference in Australia, and Sister Catherine, the newly appointed National Twinning Coordinator of the SSVP in Australia. Their contributions strengthened the bonds between the National Councils of the region and enriched the working sessions.

Looking inward in order to serve better

One of the Assembly’s central messages was the importance of nurturing the internal life of the Conferences and Councils as an essential condition for strengthening our mission.

During the session “Mengulik Hati” (“Exploring the Heart”), led by Fr Habel Melki Makarius, CM, participants reflected on some of the challenges that may arise within the life of the Conferences, such as spiritual exhaustion, communication difficulties, and the need to strengthen relationships based on listening, respect and mutual trust.

The various workshops reminded participants that charity is expressed not only through projects and activities, but also through the way Vincentians themselves live fraternity and accompany one another. As was emphasised during the Assembly:

“Wounds are healed not only through programmes, but also through the way we relate to and communicate with one another.”

Fr Habel Melki Makarius, CM, led the opening session on the importance of looking inward in order to serve better.

Fraternity and the Rule of the Society as pillars of service

The team-building activities brought together Vincentians of different ages and backgrounds, encouraging the exchange of experiences between generations and strengthening the sense of belonging to one Vincentian family.

The final day was devoted to the study of the Rule of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Through case studies and participatory workshops, participants examined real-life situations experienced within the Conferences, identified the attitudes that strengthen fraternity, and proposed practical ways of improving communication and community life.

As a result, each Regional Council made concrete commitments for the coming year, selecting several aspects of the Rule on which to focus its work and promoting small but meaningful changes to strengthen dialogue, participation and shared responsibility among members.

Regional Councils shared their conclusions and made commitments for the coming year. Brother Jonathan (recently appointed President of a Conference in Australia), Sister Catherine (recently appointed National Twinning Coordinator for SSVP Australia), and Brother Noel (International Territorial Vice President (ITVP) for Asia 2, based in Singapore).

Continuity for continued growth

The Assembly also included the presentation of the report on the previous term of office and the election of the new National President.

Participants re-elected Linda Rahayu as National President of SSV Indonesia for the 2026–2029 term, renewing their confidence in the work carried out over recent years and reaffirming their commitment to continue fostering the growth of the Conferences throughout the country.

Although the Society of St. Vincent de Paul carries out its mission in 155 countries, the Assembly recalled that the strength of this international network is rooted in the daily commitment of thousands of volunteers who live out person-to-person service, accompanying those most in need with closeness, compassion and hope.

The 16th National Assembly concluded with an invitation to continue strengthening Vincentian identity through fraternity, ongoing formation and fidelity to the charism of St. Vincent de Paul, convinced that a united community is better prepared to sow comfort and respond to the wounds of society.

Group photo of the participants in the 16th National Assembly of SSV Indonesia. The re-elected President, Linda Rajayu, with the President General.