JCAP Treasurers’ Meeting 2026 in Bali
Finance serves mission. Finance supports the continuity of the mission. Dr. Agustinus Prasetyantoko, a speaker at the meeting of Jesuit treasurers from the Asia-Pacific Assistancy, emphasized this point. His assertion—as a senior economist at Atma Jaya University Jakarta—underscores why participants must understand matters ranging from geopolitics to financial strategy-based planning.
Held from September 7–11, 2026, at the Griya Pastoral in Denpasar, Bali, the Jesuit Conference of Asia Pacific (JCAP) Treasurers Meeting 2026 was designed to go beyond mere technical discussions regarding the finances and assets of the participating Provinces and Regions. Participants—comprising treasurers and finance office staff—were also encouraged to consider the broader factors and contexts shaping the financial performance they manage. Consequently, on the first day, alongside a deep dive into microeconomics with Dr. Prasetyantoko, participants discussed the current geopolitical landscape in Asia-Pacific with Fr. Klaus Heinrich Raditio, S.J. Fr. Klaus shared his analysis of Asia-Pacific geopolitics, focusing particularly on the relationships between major powers: the United States, China, and Russia.
The vital role of finance in supporting the mission was re-emphasized in the opening remarks by the Provincial, Fr. Albertus Bagus Laksana, S.J., addressing 15 participants from Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, Timor-Leste, Australia, Cambodia, and Japan. Fr. Bagus illustrated his points by sharing experiences and ideas gathered during visits to Nabire and Waghete. He underscored the importance of funding for the reconciliation mission currently being undertaken by the Indonesian Province in Papua through its educational and pastoral works.
The Provincial’s message and Dr. Prasetyantoko’s insights resonated during the participants’ presentations and discussions on the Arca Praevisionis (a fund designated for the care of senior Jesuits). Held following the Provincial’s remarks, these sessions demonstrated the commitment of Asia-Pacific Provinces and Regions to managing funds specifically allocated for the care of senior Jesuits. Efforts to grow the Arca Praevisionis include exploring various potentially profitable investment avenues. Attention is also directed toward constructing new residences or renovating existing homes for senior Jesuits, initiatives currently underway in Indonesia, Vietnam, and Japan.
However, this earnest approach to financial management often faces constraints specific to each local context. Vietnam, Myanmar, and Timor-Leste, for instance, lack social security systems—whether government-run or private—and thus rely on the generosity of donors. They differ from Indonesia, Japan, and Australia, which can utilize pension and social security funds as alternative sources of funding for senior Jesuits. Another challenge is investment performance that does not always meet expectations, as Myanmar has experienced.
Caring for senior Jesuits is recognized as a mission just as important as any other apostolic work. This mission requires collaboration to address the accompanying limitations and challenges. Consequently, as noted by Fr. Vidal “Vids” Gornez, S.J., JCAP facilitates each Province’s and Region’s commitment to contribute to the Common Health Care Funds at the conference level over the next three years. This solidarity fund—distinct from JCAP’s operational contributions—can serve as an emergency fund or be used to bolster the Arca Praevisionis (reserve fund) of a Province or Region. The outcomes of discussions regarding the Common Health Care Funds, including proposals from various group sessions, will be presented at the JCAP Major Superiors Meeting.
In addition to addressing senior Jesuit healthcare, the 2026 JCAP Treasurers Meeting discussed the Solidarity in Formation (SIF) Common Funds. Fr. Vids provided updates on the development and distribution of solidarity funds supporting the formation of young Jesuits across JCAP. He also commended the commitment of all Provinces and Regions within the JCAP area to collaborate on young Jesuit formation. Participants discussed the possibility of extending the SIF Common Funds initiative until 2029.
The meeting was further enriched by an introduction to local Balinese culture and activities designed to foster camaraderie among participants. Attendees enjoyed a city tour, a Kecak Dance performance at Uluwatu Temple, and shared meals. Amid serious discussions of provincial and regional finances, these moments of fellowship and refreshment cultivated a spirit of gratitude and a culture of mutual support. Gratitude and a readiness to support are, after all, vital dispositions for a treasurer, whose work serves as a crucial support system for other apostolic missions.
“Jesuits must remain relevant,” stated Fr. Klaus during his session. The Jesuits themselves can remain relevant only insofar as they are connected to their communities and mission. When managed appropriately, money and other assets can support this relevance within their communities and mission, as confirmed through meetings and collaboration among treasurers and finance staff in the JCAP region.
