Jakarta, Indonesia (November 2025). INA Salesian Cooperators: Heartfelt Attendance at the 2025 EAO Formators Meeting. The recent EAO Formators Meetings held at the Samadi Pastoral Center in the Diocese of Jakarta this November 2025 left a lasting impression on all participants. In addition to the rich material experience and palpable Salesian brotherhood, participants particularly highlighted one particularly touching aspect: the presence of the Jakarta INA Salesian Cooperators, who served with joy, initiative, and a Don Bosco-like family spirit.
The first meeting was for the “Regional Formation Commission” which took place on November 11-14, with 21 participants. Then followed by the “Formation for Fomators” on November 16-19, attended by 27 participants. A handful participants from the first meeting continued on to the second event. Long before the events began, the Cooperators were already involved in various preparations. They facilitated the reservation for accommodation, transportation, meals, meeting room, helped to secure a stable internet connection, and even initiated surveys for the outing program. Not only did they ensure the technical aspects to run smoothly, but they also carefully put some thoughts into the nitty gritty of the whole event: preparing souvenirs, setting up chapel and meeting room, in order to ensure that all guests should feel comfortable and truly welcomed.
Throughout the meeting days, the Cooperators were present at all times— quietly, without any fuss or commotion, but always there when needed. They helped monitor daily meals, adding fruit or snacks when needed, ensuring a cozy and homey atmosphere for all participants. During the outing to TMII Miniature Park, the Cooperators helped oversee the trip, accompanied the participants, and ensured everything was carried out in a pleasant manner as planned. The Cultural Night event was one of those moments where their service was truly felt. They helped organize the meals, made sure guests felt appreciated, and created a uniquely Indonesian family atmosphere. Even when some participants desired to buy souvenirs, the Cooperators happily accompanied them, even acted as spontaneous tour guide for sightseeing, and helped with shopping flexibility and friendliness to accommodate all the requests of our beloved brothers.
The Cooperator team also participated in airport pickups, sought donors to support the event, and—with a lot of humor—finished all the food to prevent it from going to waste! When a participant fell ill, the Cooperators immediately took care of him and made arrangements to take him to the clinic, ensuring he received prompt and comfortable treatment. All of this was done selflessly, with only one desire: to serve the Church and the extended family of Don Bosco with all their hearts. It’s no wonder that participants from various EAO Provinces repeatedly expressed how they felt “welcomed like family.” Many commented positively, praising the warmth, professionalism, and attentiveness of the Jakarta Cooperators. Some even called the Cooperator service “one of the best experiences” during their recent journey.
This year’s EAO Formators Meeting was not only a moment for formators to gather; it also served as a tangible testimony of how Salesian Cooperators — as part of the Salesian Family — live out the spirit of Don Bosco in the simplest, most concrete, and most captivating way: through loving service. Thank you to all the Salesian Cooperators of Jakarta INA. Your presence, joy, and cooperation have been a blessing shared by all. May this spirit continue to grow and inspire our shared service for the sake of young people and the Church. ⸻ (Ernie Olivia Djohan, ASC)
