Building Awareness as Responsible Citizens

The 17th Citizenship Education class (Kupang city, East Nusa Tenggara province)

 Institut Leimena’s Center for Policy Analysis held the 17th Citizenship Education class on Monday, June 13th, 2011, in the Evangelical Christian Church in Timor (GMIT) “Silo” in Kupang city. The program was held in cooperation with the Evangelical Christian Church in Timor (GMIT) from three different districts: Kupang City, West Kupang, and Central Kupang. The program was attended by 77 pastors and elders from the three church districts. The following comments were made by the participants at the end of the program:

“Refresh the idea of citizenship that we almost lost due to our routine service at the church.” (Rev. Hawa Y. Djami Ga-K, S.Th ― “Elim Bolok” congregation, West Kupang)

“Motivate us to equip our congregation in Kupang to become responsible citizens who fear the Lord.” (Rev. Adelvina Doko Hege, S.Th ― “Alfa Omega Labat” congregation)

“It’s useful because it provides a rational understanding to build and motivate yourself (even to affect others) on how to become citizens who can build the East Nusa Tenggara province. “ (Agus Yohelsin Bire ― “Agape Kupang” congregation)

“Refresh the understanding of our identity as citizens who are responsible for our national integrity and livelihood, without leaving our identity as membes of the Church.” (Rev. Agusthea Nayoan-Naiola ― “Syalom Airnona” congregation)

“Re-awaken us to see what it means to be responsible citizens who are not occupied with the affairs of ‘heaven’ only. I will share this with the members of my congregation to participate actively in the community.” (Rev. Evelien Lewaherilla ― “Tualeu Klasis” congregation, West Kupang)

“It helps to refresh our duties and responsibilities as citizens of the State of Indonesia and the Kingdom of God, starting from our immediate neighborhood. It’s motivated me to do this in our bible study groups.” (Rev. Anita Ch. Amnifu ― “Koinonia Koenino” congregation)

“It equips me as a citizen in filtering foreign ideologies which contradict our state ideology of Pancasila.” (Imanuella Lay ― “Syalom Airnona” congregation)

“I will try to apply what I’ve learned from this workshop by doing little things in my place of ministry.” (Rev. Silfia J. C. Foeh-Rozet ― “Bait-El Kampung Baru Penfui” congregation)

“This program builds our spirit to care about our national ideals, beginning with the smallest place and scope (our residence and place of ministry).” (Rev. Deazsy A. Tatengkeng ― “Imanuel Batukadera” congregation)

“It can broaden our horizons of living in a congregation, society, and state. This can be done both personally (through sermons, bible study, church visiation, etc) and communally in the church or certain functions of the congregation.” (Rev. G. Ratuwalu ― “Kupang City” congregation)

“This workshop is great for us ―pastors and church workers― especially in the Evangelical Christian Church in Timor (GMIT), because the state and nation affairs are also part of Christ’s teachings to His disciples. As disciples of Jesus, it is important for us to understand the national ideology in our contextual life.” (Elizabeth Ratu ― vicar at “Oemathonis Noelsinas” congregation, West Kupang)