Public Lectures at Padamara Polytechnic

Tobelo (North Maluku), 12^th January 2012

During a visit to Tobelo, Institut Leimena gained a valuable opportunity to fill a public lecture at the Halmahera Peace Polytechnic (Padamara). The meaning of the word ‘Padamara’ (Tobelo language) means the torch of peace. This polytechnic was founded by Prof. Dr. Ir. J.L. Nanere, MSc during the time of the 2001 conflict, with a longing that Tobelo children should stay in school and that peace begins from an educated young generation of Tobelo.

Approximately 170 Padamara Polytechnic students consisting of several classes, races and religions attended the lecture in the understanding of the ideals of Indonesia and the Indonesia now: the impact of the 1945 Amendments on the lives of the nation. The course lasted 3 hours. The students and faculty took to the course enthusiastically and this could be seen from the dynamic Q&A session that followed.