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27th Citizenship Education
Toraja (South Sulawesi), 24th-25th February 2012
Tongkonan is a traditional Toraja house. However, for the Toraja people, Tongkonan is not just another ordinary house. Tongkonan is derived from the word ‘tongkon’ (Toraja language) meaning ‘to sit together’. Tongkonan is the heart of the community or the socio-cultural institution of the Toraja people. In alignment with its meaning, Tongkonan functions as a place where problems are solved together and where peace and security are prioritized. For families, life stems from and is lived for Tongkonan. The management of economic resources (water, trees, rice, vegetables, earth) is undertaken together to benefit all. Religion and social life are maintained and practiced under Tongkonan.
On 24th – 25th February, 2012, the team from Institut Leimena (Matius Ho, Daniel Adipranata, and Santhy Chamdra) conducted a Citizenship Education and Citizenship Discussion Facilitator Training at the Toraja Church. Located at Tangmentoe (training centre Toraja Church Synod), the event lasted for 2 days and was attended by about 50 attendees consisting of church ministers, regional parliament members, politic party managers, and young activists of Toraja Church. The event started with an opening lecture by the head of the Synod of Toraja Church, Rev. Musa Salusu, M.Th. about the roles of church members in nation building. At the end of the event, attendees witnessed the signing of the memorandum of cooperation between Institut Leimena and Toraja Church Synod.
As a Christian-majority area, Tana Toraja has tremendous opportunity in demonstrating exemplary governance and improving the community. This could be seen in the discussion, where many participants raised the importance of the church in not wasting the opportunity to keep raising voices that represent Christ within the political arena. The church should also be involved in the development of youth for this purpose and instruct its members through citizenship discussion. Below are some comments from the attendees regarding the event:
“… to seek and raise awareness of citizens about their rights. By encouraging the formation of citizen discussion groups. … also form a community of executive and legislative advocacy” ( Rev. Luther Taruk, MTh. District Chariman II, Toraja Church)
“ the benefits of Citizenship Education is to empower citizens (constituents) to be able to understand the aspirations and rights of a citizen” (Isak Bunga Allo, member of Regional Legislature, North Toraja)