KKIOC Supported Fundraising for Cilangkap Parish: Background and Progress

By KKIOC Bulletin Editorial Staff - October 26, 2025

The Indonesian Catholic Community in Orange County (KKIOC) community recently completed its fundraising effort to support the construction of a rectory (Pastoran) and parish hall (Aula) at St. Filomena in the St. Yohanes Maria Vianney Church in Paroki Cilangkap, Indonesia.

Project Origin and Initial Efforts

The initiative began after a Faith Formation session in November where Father Rochadi Widagdo, PR, shared about the construction plans. Marcel Bone took the lead in coordinating the initial fundraising efforts, with the support of then-Chairperson Cheefi Jahja and Chaplain Father Sebastian Mulu.

The overall project is substantial, with an estimated cost of around $892,000. However, due to uncertainty about how to effectively manage the program, the project was initially delayed. Marcel formed a team to gather ideas and support for implementation.

Fundraising Strategy and Success

The KKIOC team decided to start with traditional fundraising methods while planning to secure more detailed information from the parish to reach a wider audience. The effort was guided by the slogan "LIFE IS AN OPPORTUNITY" and the verse from Galatians 6:10: "While we have the opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers".

The team decided to partner with Lepie and Angela Pranata to sell their traditional Indonesian salad (Asinan Bogor) and a fat-free salad dressing (Ásgor).

The first fundraising campaign was a success, overcoming challenges such as unsold inventory and a postponed event. Team members, including Maria Bone, Cheefi Jahya, Erni Dini, Damasus Lay stepped up to promote the cause and coordinate sales.  With the help of Inneke who reached out to her connections in San Diego, and Stefani Tuadi who volunteered to contact the Los Angeles community, a "miraculous" turn of events led to a quick sell-out of the products.

A Miraculous Turn of Events

In a remarkable turn of events, a batch of Asgor from the Pranata Family Recipe sold out quickly, and the Dressing bottles flew off the shelves. We're left with just a few bottles, and Angela's generosity shines through as she donates some Asgor and leftover dressing to our Consulate General and his staff.

The initial campaign, driven by sales of the Asinan Bogor and Dressing and other donations, raised a total of $2,875.50. KKIOC subsequently rounded up the donation to $3,000. An earlier, separate collection from close friends, led by Damasus, also raised $800, which was previously handed over to Father Rochadi.

Donation Handover and Interview in Jakarta

While Marcel and Maria Bone were in Indonesia, they successfully met with Father Rochadi on a Tuesday evening to deliver the $3,000 donation and conduct an interview regarding the Cilangkap parish fundraising. The donation was accepted by Father Rochadi and the Vice Chair of the Parish Council, retired Brigadier General Albert Tumbol.

The interview, which was recorded by Banu and his son Daniel, aimed to collect the necessary details to promote the fundraising to a broader audience.

Father Rochadi, in the midst of his busy schedule, was willing to meet with Marcel & Maria Bone to receive donations and conduct interviews regarding the Cilangkap parish fundraising.

KKIOC's donation of $3000 was well received by Father Rochadi and the retired Deputy Parish Council Brigadier General Albert Tumbol.

Group photo with the priest after Mass in the ship-shaped chapel of St. Peter. An invitation to live like Father Pio. 

Thank You for Your Contributions

We're thankful for the Holy Spirit's guidance and the collective efforts of our community. Each of you has played a vital role in this success, and we're grateful for your contributions, big or small. Let's continue to trust in the Holy Spirit's plan and support one another in our endeavors.

Thank you again for your hard work, dedication, and generosity. May God bless us all!

[Republished from KKIOC Bulletin Oct 26, 2025]