Christians
It is a real honor any day to be met by the head of an organization but having the Rector, Vice Rector, Head of International Affairs, two Deans plus several lecturers meet us has certainly been a highlight of the day when we visited Duta Wacana Christian University. We were excited to find out that the university which has clear Christian values at its core has indeed about 30 Percent of students from other faiths. The University places onsiderable emphasis on high quality teaching and learning and attracts students from around Indonesia and beyond to its programmes. One aspect caught all of our attention specifically: the community service learning component. Each student is required to participate in an community based service for the duration of four weeks.
Dr. Henry Feriadi, President of Duta Wacana Christian University
The service programme is also open to students outside of Indonesia and ideas about possibly opening this opportunity for Indonesian Students active in STUBE were discussed. One other program at the university that caught our interest was a PhD Programm on Interreligious Studies which offers also international students the opportunity to take part. The very fact that this course exists shows clearly how high the importance of living peacefully in an multi religious country is being regarded.
Henry Feriadi, Rector of the University explained that Indonesia has a long history of inter religious dialogue and finds itself at the crossroads of religions.
Particularly nice was to see past scholarship holders who are now lecturers at the university, some of them in leadership positions. All were excited to speak German again and find out where all of us were coming from. One lecturer and his wife who were in Germany almost 20 years ago have sent their daughter to follow in their footsteps and study in Germany. A nice story „by the way“ …
Muslims and others
Two of us, Esteban and Barbara, had the opportunity to visit the national election committee KPU Komisi Pemiliahan Umun thanks to the STUBE Sachsen Alumni Tri Mulatsi, who was working there in the area of socialization and political education. How interesting to get to know all the people in charge of the different areas that form the national committee! In such a huge country with ca. 17.000 islands it is a big challenge to organize the elections. Last year at the president’s elections the voter participation was almost 80% in a country of 240 million inhabitants.
Christians
A completely different kind of meeting followed… connecting once again with team workers, coordinator and director of Stube-HEMAT. We were welcomed to their homely meeting space which is also office for the staff.
The conversation with the team showed us their commitment to the programme. Some of the students have already been involved for a number of years and grew from being a volunteer on weekend trainings to being part of a regular planning and organizing team. For their engagement they receive a small compensation which also helps towards their study and living costs.
Special, beyond the time of talking and sharing was that we were being served Passionfruit Juice, made from fruits that grow in the courtyard outside of the office… lovely!
Muslims
Later on in the afternoon we were very warmly welcomed by the „Social Movement Institute“, a muslim NGO working on issues related to Human Rights and Social Responsibility.
Eko Prasetyo and Angga
Two activities that caught our interest and were discussed in a bit of detail were firstly a small inclusive primary school for disadvantaged children of all religious backgrounds and secondly their work with prisioners who were interned for their terrorist acts. „SMI“ both attempts to secure the prisoners human rights and at the same time engage them in conversations to help them explore a more moderate way of thinking and acting.
Hindus
After having been busy talking and meeting we rounded up our day with a visit of a Hindu-Dance Theater. Beautifully dressed dancers, for our ears unusual music and a truly artistic performance had us fascinated.
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