A researcher and priest from Ruteng on Flores Island has criticized the insensitivity of local Catholic young people to social and political issues in the region. “In the next 10 years, the future of Flores is in someone else’s hands because Catholic young people do not care about social and political issues,” Father Maximus Regus from the Parrhesia Institute of Jakarta told about 700 Catholic young people attending a seminar held today in the town. Any political policies should be faced through religious efforts as well, he said. “Flores, especially in East Manggarai, West Manggarai and Manggarai districts, does not have a cultural identity. It has only the identity of Catholicity. That is why Catholic young people must understand politics and speak up about it.” He also compared Catholic young people to other young people from other religions. “In terms of politics, young people from other religions are one step forward.” Father Regus said some young people were too busy to pay attention to political developments in their area. “They tend to take part in religious activities because they find it difficult to think seriously about political issues after studying in schools or universities,” he said. “The influence of culture, such as hedonic and consumptive lifestyles, keeps Catholic young people [at a] distance from political issues.” Brother Filipus Neri Subardi of the Congregation of Brothers of St Aloysius said the forum aimed to help Catholic youth to “find God’s face in all activities.” Related reports: Atambua diocese encourages young people to get into politics