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Institut Leimena’s 18th Civic Education Training
Article 1 verse 2 of the 1945 Constitution says that “Sovereignty belongs to the people and is carried out according to the Constitution”. This means that, guided by the 1945 Constitution, every Indonesia citizen can play an active role in determining the nation’s policy direction. Therefore, young people should be encouraged to learn the Constitution as the basis for their involvement in the public square. In addition, they also need to understand their identity as Christ’s disciples and study the Bible as God’s constitution. In that way, they will be better equipped to take part in public spaces both as Indonesian citizens and Christ’s disciples, and to become transforming leaders who can bring a better future for this nation.
On June 15th and 16th, Institut Leimena’s 18th civic education training was conducted at the Evangelical Christian Church in Timor (GMIT) in the Northwest Alor region. The participants –82 people in total– were youth leaders from 48 church congregations in the GMIT’s Northwestern Alor presbytery. They came from different islands in Alor.
This civic education training was part of the Youth Convention program for the GMIT’s Northwestern Alor presbytery. After our training course, around 1,200 young people joined the remaining of the convention. The people in Alor have a very strong sense of community. For example, the Leimena training team was asked to join their local dancing ceremony, called “lego-lego”, to close our training program.
How did the youths respond to this program?
“This training is useful, because it opens my horizon to think about the future of our nation and how to improve our condition now.” – Agusthina Kamore (Biola congregation)
“My knowledge and understanding of the Bible as a Kingdom of God’s citizen and of the 1945 Constitution as an Indonesia citizen have increased. I will act as a creative and wise leader.” – Seprianus Maro’o (Lawahing congregation)
“This program has equipped me as a future leader with the understanding of the Bible and the Constitution.” – Ebenhezer Lapilaka (Galilea congregation)
“I’ve gained a new insight into our Constitution, and my roles and duties as citizen of Indonesia and God’s Kingdom.” – Yanti Koly (Ananinfar congregation)
“I’m thankful for this program, because it has helped young people with little knowledge about the Constitution like myself.” – Merlince Lokunuha (Lida congregation)
“This training is helpful for me, because now I can understand how to be a good leader in the society and nation.” – Lin Moll (O’a Pirungdon congregation)
“From this training, one thing I can learn and understand as a youth is to carry out my role and responsibilities in the society and church, both as a child of God and a citizen of Indonesia.” – Frith M (Tena’el congregation)
“This training has increased my understanding on how to become a national leader, especially in a youth organization who fears God.” – Stefanus Beli (Seieng congregation)