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INDONESIA INPUT

Input I: Socio-Politics

Mr. Sabam Siagam, Chief Editor of Jakarta Post, whilst delivering his lecture on the socio-political situation briefly traced the evolution of the present government and its constitution. He stated that the last two decades have been years of development far the Indonesian people and today, the country enjoys self-sufficiency in food grains.

Following the discussion, the speaker was asked about the situation of East Timor, to which he replied by giving a brief historical description from the time the Indonesian army had gone into East Timor in 1975. He also stated that the progress made by the Indonesian Government in East Timor during the past years has been quite remarkable. As the participants did not feel satisfied, they put forth more questions.

Mr. Sabam Siagam speaks on the local situation

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Input II: Church and Other Religions

Rev. A. Ginting Suka, Moderator of the Karo Batak Church in North Sumatra spoke on the Church and on other faiths. He said that Christians are a minority, the larger percentage of the population being Muslims. Sometimes the harmony between the two communities is disrupted by latent tension.

He added that although the constitution guarantees freedom of religion to all, but, this is not necessarily written in the hearts of people.

Speaking on the Indonesian Churches, he said that the churches are considered to be conservative, but, there are hopes, that with the influence of the ecumenical movements, there will be a change at least at the level of strategy.

At the end of his lecture, questions raised by the participants were mainly on E. Timor. Although the speaker did not agree with the questions raised, she was however able to throw some light on the fate of the people of East Timor, which consists of 90% Christian.

Input III: Student and People's Movement

Mr. Supardan, ex-staff person of USCF Asia/Pacific Region and presently Lecturer of the Satya Wacana Christian University spoke on the Student and People's Movements. He began his lecture with a general overview of the university education in Indonesia. Whilst reminiscing the students activities of the 60's and early 70's, he said that the students movement was an organised active body during that time. They mere highly critical of the national situation, and tried to bring about an awareness amongst the people. It was after the sudden political turn that repression was cast in the country and students actions and activities came to a standstill. Today, students are more passive and bookish.

During the course of his lecture, he shared with the participants a little of his own involvement as a lecturer in the university. He also stated that during his spare time he conducts a study group for students, to help bring about an awareness amongst them on national and global issues.

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At the discussion session, he answered many questions on the East Timor issue that were raised by the participants. He said that many Christians are carrying out development projects with the people of East Timor and that is a positive sign.