UNDERSTANDING OF LAUDATO SI' AMONG INDONESIAN CATHOLIC YOUTH

This study examines Catholic youth's knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding environmental stewardship and identifies factors that facilitate or hinder their engagement in environmental care. This study used a qualitative research design in Sungai Utik, West Kalimantan, Indonesia, employing focus group discussions and Key Informant Interviews. The findings indicate that Catholic youth possess a strong awareness of environmental conservation and recognize the importance of protecting nature for future generations. However, among the seven dimensions of Laudato Si’, the adoption of sustainable lifestyles emerged as the area requiring the greatest improvement. The study highlights the importance of strengthening ecological awareness and practical environmental actions among Catholic youth to support the long-term sustainability of both local communities and natural ecosystems. The findings reveal that participants demonstrated strong ecological awareness, particularly regarding environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and community responsibility. Nevertheless, practices associated with sustainable lifestyles were less evident than other dimensions of Laudato Si’.