ISSN: 2642-6250
Authors: Salesman F*, Tapung MM and Gobang YKGD
Background: The Catholic Church in Diocese Ruteng is 107 years old. The spread of Catholic religion has grown with the number of followers of 87.95% of the total population. In addition to the spread of Catholicism, missionaries opened institutions for education, health, and economic empowerment of their people. Purpose: This study revealed the role of missionaries in Diocese Ruteng to increase HDI (Human Development Index) in their region. Method: Using descriptive analysis with triangulation approach, publication data of the Nusa Tenggara Timur Statistics Agency, Catholic Church documents, and media publications about the performance of missionaries in Diocese Ruteng Results. The average school years of residents aged 10 years and over in 2015 amounted to 6.69 years, 2016 amounting to 6.74, on 2017 amounting to 6.86 years. The average life expectancy in 2015 was 65.94 years, 2016 was 66.41 years, and 66.48 years. The average per capita expenditure for 2015 is IDR (Indonesian Rupiah). 6,377,000, 2016 IDR. 6,517,000, 2017 IDR.6,623,000. Average HDI, in 2015 amounted to 59.37, in 2016 amounted to 59.90 years, and 2017 amounted to 60.93 years. Conclusion: The Catholic Church in Diocese Ruteng for 107 years has played a role in increasing HDI in its territory. The challenge of cyber technology is making the church act as a balancing agent so that Catholic faith is not eroded. Emphasis on sacramental services is improved along with diversification of educational services. Health and economic strengthening.
Keywords: Catholic Church; Role; Human Development Index
