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IL News 021/2015
Johannes Leimena School of Public Leadership (JL SoPL)
Jakarta, August 9-15, 2015
Jakob Tobing spent his childhood in a place in West Sumatera. Most of his friends were Muslims. But, the difference didn’t hamper them from making good friends. They respect each other. This childhood memory left a mark and was actualized in his association with figures from various groups; with varying ethnic and religion. This childhood lesson about open-mindedness and acceptance, influenced him in acting calm, respectful, and embracing everyone. The success of the 1945 Constitution Amendment is one of the proof of it. Jakob Tobing managed to lead an amendment commitee for the 1945 Constitution which was very urgent and determined the nation’s fate. He was also able to lead all of the commitee members who were not only different in religion and ethnicity, but also in terms of thoughts. The 1945 Constitution Amendment was believed as the birth of a new Indonesia. So, why do we have to hesitate in befriending people that is different from us?
Sometime ago, arround the times of the 2014 Presidential Election, this figure frequently appeared on television. Interviewed by many television crews, being asked for his views on issues of law, election, and statehood. He is Maruarar Siahaan, former Constitution Court Judge, who now serves as the Rector of Universitas Kristen Indonesia. Before being a Constitution Court Judge, he was a Judge in the High Court in Kendari, Lampung, and Medan. Each of these regions have their own challenges. Kendari was a remote place far from family, Lampung was vulnarable with malaria, and in Medan he had to face his own family who expected some leniency on law. But, he did all of his duty accordingly, all the while believing in God’s providence. Working sincerely and honestly. Often times he didn’t really understand his tasks, but he chose to learn and do his best, rather than giving up.
The childhood experience of being the only brown-skinned student in the midst of white-skinned students evolved Emil Salim’s determination to keep on learning. Not only learning, but learning with delight! He proved it by working hard, studying from 9 am to 9 pm when continuing his PhD studies in United States. He encouraged JL SoPL participants, “Master knowledge as high as possible, and develop your skills to the top! With that, you will be useful and needed.” Emil Salim himself has proven it. The state has trusted him to hold office for several important stately positions, including as the state minister for 22 years. So, why not develop our skill to the top?
When many people are scrambling to register themselves as the House of Representatives member, Mercy Barends was actually given that position instead. This decision obviously cancels Mercy’s plans to continue her studies abroad. Her obedience to follow God’s calling and her love for Indonesia is what made her change her plans. With a very short preparation period, she participated in the Legislative Election process. The fact that God calls and God will lead is something real in Mercy’s life. Her campaigning funds were sufficient, without a single debt. She even managed to gain the highest votes, winning over her opponents from the same party in the Ambon region. Now, she is a House of Representatives member in the VII Commission for Mineral Resource Energy, Research and Environmental Technology.