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A long journey must begin with one small step. Major changes can be viewed as a collection of small changes. Major changes started by a small group of people who diligently studying and addressing the common problems they face. The amount of the problems facing this nation often forces us to think big solutions, which makes us feel helpless. But actually a lot of big changes can happen if we start with simple steps. “Citizen Discussion” (Diskusi Warga) are small groups where people gather together to learn to become effective and responsible citizens, ready to participate in leading change in the society for the common welfare.
“Citizen Discussion” is a small step that can bring a great impact for a better Indonesia. People can do the discussion in small groups (or housegroups), in churches, on campuses, or at homes, to learn about a particular issue and encourage citizens to advocate for policy change in their circle of influence. Thus, citizens can participate actively to find solutions and act around the issue.
On December 19th and February 28th, 2011, “Citizen Discussion” have been conducted for the first time among the students in Bandung, both from Padjadjaran University and the Bandung Institute of Technology. Discussion material was taken from the writings of Rev. Dr. A.A. Yewangoe, chairman of the Fellowship of Churches in Indonesia (PGI), entitled “Developing a Matrix of Meaning: Building a Nation of Morality In The Middle Of Compound”, which appeared in the latest Institut Leimena’s CIVIS journal. Budi H. Setiamarga (Institut Leimena) guided the discussion by using the discussion materials that can be downloaded freely from Leimena’s website (www.leimena.org). Other materials and information on how to start a “Citizen Discussion” are also available on the website. Through this “Citizen Discussion”, students were encouraged to think about what role they could take, both present and the future.
In the future, we hope that “Citizen Discussion” can be developed through churches, student ministries, housegroups, and other forms of meetings, so that Christians can learn to live both as Christ’s disciples and Indonesian citizens, in order that “… they see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father”