Archbishop Ignatius Suharyo of Jakarta has called on members of the armed forces  and police in the archdiocese’s area to fight for truth and justice in accordance with Catholic faith.

“We must have the courage to fight against corruption and poverty since these are still our common challenges at this moment,” the prelate told about 800 military personnel and police attending an annual Holy Mass organized yesterday in Assumption of Mary Cathedral Church.

He later mentioned data showing the number of people living below poverty line increased from 64.5 million in 2010 to 67.7 million this year.

Corruption, poverty and other social problems should also be dealt with according to Catholic faith. “As the disciples of Jesus Christ, we all are called to bring hope and to fight for the national welfare. Let us take a more active part,” he said.

In his pastoral letter issued on August 17, Independence Day, Archbishop Suharyo acknowledged that the nation has achieved much since it gained its freedom 66 years ago.

However, he said, social issues in various fields including education and law remained uncertain because of ignorance of national institutions and it was the job of police and military to uphold them.

Lieutenant Colonel Stefanus Arief, an organizer of the Holy Mass,said some military personnel had abandoned their Catholic faith because of high positions and challenges.

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