Promoting Active Role of Citizens

IL News 004/2013

40th Citizenship Education (Upgrading)

Polewali (West Sulawesi), March 26-27, 2013

In a democratic state, it is important to raise the awareness of citizens as part of the nation. People must realize their rights and responsibilities as citizens to shape the future of Indonesia.

For that reason, Christians need to understand the foundation for their involvement in public square, that is the Bible and the Indonesia’s 1945 Constitution. These are the fundamentals for them as public leaders to bring welfare for all the people and pursue the ideals of Indonesia’s independence.

The 40th Citizenship Education program was conducted in partnership of the Leimena Institute and the Toraja Mamasa Church. It was an Upgrading course for those who had joined the Citizenship Education training before.

This Upgrading course aims to develop further their understanding of responsible citizenship with the new Voter Education module. The participants learn about the value of their “Vote”, and how to become and educate others as Smart Voters. They also improve their capacity to mobilize local community through workshops on ‘Citizens Discussion’ method developed by the Leimena Institute, and writing ‘Citizens Voice’ publication to shape public opinion.

Around 30 delegates from the Toraja Mamasa Church in the Polewali City District and its surrounding participated in the two-day Citizenship Education program at the Toraja Mamasa Church “Musafir Lantora Congregation” in Polewali, West Sulawesi province. The Leimena teaching team consisted of Budi Setiamarga and Daniel Adipranata.

“It gave me an understanding how to become a smart voter in my responsibility as citizens and church member.” (Nalddy, Toraja Mamasa Church “Musafir Lantora” youth department, Polewali)

“Like finding a lost pearl.” (B.P. Rantepajung, Toraja Mamasa Church “Musafir Lantora” board of elders, Polewali)

“Honestly we have little experience in politics, but with this program, we have gained very valuable and useful knowledge and experience.” (Marten, Toraja Mamasa Church “Jambu Tua”, Polewali)