Hibualamo

25^th Citizenship Education

Tobelo (North Maluku), 10-11^th January 2012

Hibualamo, in Tobelo region language means ‘Big House’. This is tied to the understanding that the entire population of North Halmahera region descended from a single lineage and occupies one Big House where they can live harmoniously, solve problems together; tolerant and united as one without being broken up by religion.

For an area that was once rift with long conflicts that claimed many lives, pushing for social recovery between groups is not an easy task. There is a need for continuous efforts from the North Halmahera people to once again instill awareness on living life as one nation. The philosophy behind Hibualamo has become a valuable social capital for citizens of Tobelo to meet together and solve problems faced in their community. Today, this Hibualamo custom is celebrated every year and serves as a form of bonding for the residents of North Halmahera post 2001-2005 conflict.

In Hibualamo, Institut Lemeina held a cooperative citizenship education program with the Evangelical Christian Church of Halmahera (GMIH). GMIH is the largest church in Halmahera. The fruit of Hendrijk can Dijken’s mission (an Utrech Zendings Verenigeeng –Dutch envoy), it has served Hamlahera since 1816.

The Citizenship Education program was held for two days in GMIH Alfa Omega, Tobelo. The first day was attended by 75 participants from GMIH (mostly ministers) and 14 delegated from the church synod that was combined within PGIW North Halmahera. On the second day, 25 people were selected for further training on how to start and lead Citizenship Discussion (as a Citizenship Discussion facilitator).

Here are the comments of some participants:

“…know more about the reason for the amendment and its benefits. INDONESIA HAS CHANGED!” (Rev. Fransciscus Xaverius Tjeleni, S.Th., GMIH Church of Bethany – North Tobelo)

“very good in understanding the simple methods behind Citizenship Discussion, and also able to analyze problems around us” (Rev. Pdt Manase Ngongira, GMIH Jemaat Elim –  Tobelo)

“…the cell groups in our church usually only discuss the scriptures, but after this activity, the content of our talks will include … scriptures and also hot topics (environmental pollution, health, politics, etc.) in society” (Rev. Pdt Ridelfi Pudinaung, Bethel Tabernacle Church, Tobelo)