Christian Responsibility in Nation’s Life

IL News 001/2014

Bandung (West Java), 25th January 2014

The Institut Leimena, in partnership with the Bandung Theological Seminary, Men’s Ministry of the Hok Im Tong Indonesian Evangelical Church (GII), and GII4Nusantara ministry, held the Citizenship Education program with the theme of “Christian Responsibility as the Indonesian Citizens”. The program took place in the Bandung Theological Seminary’s Auditorium, on Saturday, January 25th, 2014. Approximately 120 people participated in the program, consisted of college professors, seminary students, members of the Men’s Ministry, and other invited guests from churches and seminaries in Bandung, West Java province.

For this event, the Institut Leimena appointed Budi Setiamarga, Daniel Adipranata, and Viona Wijaya as the speakers in the seminar. In addition, the Indonesian Central Bank’s Communications Director Peter Jacobs also participated as a guest speaker. He talked about the Indonesian Economic Opportunity in the Election Year. The program began with an opening service led by Grace Emilia, Th.M., a lecturer at the Bandung Theological Seminary.

Here are a couple of comments from the participants:

We realize that most Christians are not aware of their role as salt and light in the midst of the society and nation of Indonesia. This seminar has reminded us of our responsibility as the citizens of the Kingdom of God and of the Republic of Indonesia, who need to become salt in our communities and surroundings…. This seminar has opened our eyes to our role and responsibility, as citizens of this land, to participate actively in the 2014 Election, at least with our votes, instead of abstention. (Prof. DR. Iratius Radiman and Prof. DR. Cynthia L. Radiman, Bandung Institute of Technology)

The year 2014 is an important year for Indonesia people with regard to the National Leadership election. Amidst doubt, disappointment, and confusion as citizens, we are grateful that the Institut Leimena could come in this seminar in the Bandung Theological Seminary to educate citizens. They have provided important insights and information in relation to the Christian attitude in the life of the nation and state at this time. The seminar reemphasized to the participants that their love for the nation of Indonesia truly needs to be nurtured and manifested with their active participation in responding to and participating in the national election process. Thank you Intitut Leimena, keep spreading the love for this nation to more people, and continue to be a blessing to this country. (Heriyanto, M.Th., Dean of Students, Bandung Theological Seminary)