Everywhere: Workshop on AI at the MSC Provincial house Jakarta

The Internet, AI and the Future of the Church. On 18 August 2025, the Provincialate and Mother House Community of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart (MSC) in Indonesia held a seminar on Artificial Intelligence. The seminar was facilitated by Father Rexi Alfrids Baptista Kawuwung, MSC, and featured Doctor Ir. Lukas, MAI, CISA, IPU, as the keynote speaker. Father Rexi is currently an undergraduate majoring in Information Systems at Bina Nusantara University in Jakarta. At the same time, Dr. Lukas is a permanent lecturer in the Master of Electrical Engineering programme at the Faculty of Engineering, Atma Jaya Catholic University of Jakarta. He is also a founder and the current Chair of the Indonesia Artificial Intelligence Society (IAIS), established in 2019. The seminar drew participation from all members of the MSC Provincialate and Mother House Community, as well as several fellow confreres working in the Archdiocese of Jakarta, totalling approximately 25 people. To accommodate members serving in various regions and dioceses, the organisers also provided a Zoom meeting link.

The event started with the singing of the Indonesian national anthem, “Indonesia Raya,” followed by an opening prayer. The seminar discussed a very important and relevant topic for today’s world, especially concerning pastoral care and the future of the Church’s ministry. In his presentation, titled “The Internet, AI, and the Future of the Church,” Dr. Lukas explained the profound changes happening, from a time of simple living to the current era of advanced and complex technology. He emphasised how the internet and AI are playing a transformative role in every part of human life. The impact of this technology is varied, depending on how it is used. When used positively, it can benefit human life, but when used negatively, it can be harmful and destructive.

At the end of his presentation, Dr. Lukas affirmed that no matter how advanced our world becomes, or how much science and technology progress, we must always remember that everything originates from God. He quoted Isaiah 45:5, which states, “I am the Lord, and there is no other, besides me there is no God; I equip you, though you do not know me.”

Following the presentation, the moderator opened a dialogue and discussion session for the participants. Some expressed a sense of wonder and awe, while others voiced concerns about the impact of the internet and AI on the future of the Church’s ministry and evangelisation. The consensus was that to avoid the dangers of irresponsible use of AI technology, the presence and role of the Catholic Church are highly relevant and necessary, particularly in matters of ethics and morals. Dr. Lukas expressed his appreciation for the event and his gratitude for the opportunity to contribute directly to the MSC congregation. “I am here today because I want to repay the kindness of the late Father Kees Bertens, MSC, who helped me get a scholarship to study AI in Leuven, Belgium,” said Dr. Lukas.

After the seminar, the Superior of the Mother House, Father Yohanes Emanuel K. Toby, MSC, delivered the closing speech. Representing the community members, he expressed profound gratitude to Dr. Lukas for dedicating his time to providing new insights to the MSC members. He expressed hope that a similar seminar could be organised in the future, particularly one focused on the practical application of the internet and AI in pastoral work. The community leader then presented a Certificate of Appreciation to the speaker, followed by a group photo session and a closing prayer.

Sisko Alexander, msc