What Indonesian Catholics in Brooklyn and Queens may lack in numbers, they make up in enthusiasm and fanfare.

There are about 500 Catholics from the Asian nation that is made up of more than 17,000 islands in Southeast Asia and Oceania, who come together to celebrate their faith here. With colorful costumes and joyous singing, they gathered at Regina Pacis Basilica, Bensonhurst, Oct. 19, to mark the 28th anniversary of the establishment of the Indonesian Apostolate in the diocese. (See photos in centerfold.)

The event also marked the visit from the Archdiocese of Jakarta of the Mia Patria Choir, which was making its first appearance in the U.S. In 2010 and 2012, the group, under the direction of Linus Putut Pudyantoro, made a cultural trip to Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Leichtenstein, Germany and France.

The talented group of singers and musicians, dressed in their colorful native garb, also planned stops in New Jersey, Philadelphia and New Hampshire.

The group featured guitars, bass and xylophones accompanying festive and rhythmic verses of Indonesian music. Expressive dancers led the opening procession, as well as the offertory procession and the recessional.

Following the Mass, the congregation moved into the parish hall in Regina Center where they enjoyed ethnic foods, bought Indonesian exports and enjoyed a cultural performance by Mia Patria.

The performance featured native dance from North and West Sumatra, Borneo, Werst Java and the other islands of the archipelago.

Nofi Siregar, who organizes the diocesan Indonesian Apostolate in the Brooklyn Diocese, says that most of its members live in Forest Hills, Elmhurst, Astoria and on Long Island. They worship together twice a month, once at Resurrection-Ascension Church, Rego Park, and again at St. Bartholomew’s, Elmhurst.

“We are all brothers and sisters in Jesus,” said Msgr. Ronald Marino, vicar for ethnic and migrant apostolates, as he welcomed the participants to Brooklyn’s newest basilica, where he also serves as rector.

“The thing that makes me your brother is our shared faith in Jesus.

“Today we remember our ethnic heritage, but we also pray for peace, especially in places where the Church is under attack.”

Among the priest-concelebrants were Indonesian Fathers Stephanus Tri Sunaring, C.M., Antonius Siswido Swy, O.F.M. Conv., and Irtikandik Darmawanto, O. Carm., who are studying here while assisting in parishes in Queens.