Invitation to Come Out of the Salt Shaker

The 16th Citizenship Education class (Kupang City, East Nusa Tenggara province)

Awareness of the Christian youths as Christ’s disciples and Indonesian citizens must be built, so that they don’t act like  “passengers” in this country, but as part of the “owners” of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. Such awareness should motivate the young people to become active and responsible citizens in building the nation, as an expression of their faith in God. Thus, they will serve as the salt that has come out of the salt-shaker to preserve its surroundings. That is an excerpt from the message in the civic education held by the Institut Leimena’s Center for Policy Analysis (CEPA) for approximately 120 young people held at the “Ebenhaezer Oeba” Evangelical Christian Church in Timor (GMIT) in Kupang (Nusa Tenggara Timur province) on June 11th, 2011. The youths were delegates from 13 congregations of GMIT churches in Kupang city, college students (Artha Wacana Christian University, STIKES, Nusa Cendana University), and student organizations such as Molucca’s Youth and Student Association, Perkantas, PMK Kupang, GMKI and PMKRI.

What did the participants say about this Civic Education?

“This event has opened the horizons of the Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia from a Christian perspective.” (Bernadetta Helena Gurning, Perkantas Kupang)

“Saya diajar untuk menjadi kritis menanggapi masalah politik.” (Mike E. Radja-GMIT Pniel Sikumana)

“Clarify my understanding of state and religion.” (Sarci L. A. Letsibuda, theological student at the Artha Wacana Christian University)

“It motivates me as Indonesian citizen and Christ’s disciple to give the best to God, and also to my people and country.” (Derly Koehuan, engineering student at the Nusa Cendana University)

“This training is useful in teaching me public speaking and leadership skills.” (Sius Tefsele, GMIT “Pniel Sikumana” church)

“I learned how to scrutinize a legislative bill.” (Kiky E. D. Tulle, Perkantas)

“It’s useful in teaching to think critically, yet constructively, according to the Constitution.” (Arif Suek, GMKI Kupang)

“I now realize that although I am only a small people but I have the right and responsibility to promote Indonesia and preserve our culture.” (Yohanes Bili, GMIT “Imanuel Oepura” church)

“I learned the technique of effective discussion.” (David Susanto Sandy Illu, Perkantas)

“I’m interested in the group discussion on the Constitutional amendment. I want to learn more about the Constitution.” (Wati N. Manimalai, theological student at the Artha Wacana Christian University)

“This training program has increased my knowledge and horizon as a candidate of civic education school teacher.” (Elfridus Bait, Perkantas)

“I was made aware of my status as the citizen of Indonesia and the Kingdom of God. With this awareness, I came to realize that I shall not work in the church alone, but rather for the entire human life.” (Tri Y. Nepa Fay, theological student at the Artha Wacana Christian University)

“I’m motivated to hold discussion groups on legislative bills in Indonesia and post them in blogs and social media.” (Macxi Benu, GMIT “Pniel Sikumana” church)