Yogyakarta Our Communal Home

  The 14th Anniversary of GKI Gejayan

March 3, 2014

Celebrating its 14th anniversary, on March 3, 2014, GKI Gejayan organized a workshop entitled ‘Yogyakarta, Our Communal Home.’ Several FPUB DIY activists attended the event. And there were some faith expressions and materials presented based on their own faith.

Many public figures attended the meeting, such as GKR. Hemas, GBPH. H. Prabukusumo, Sri Purnomo, M.Si, KH. Abdul Muhaimin, Bante Sasanabodi, Rm. Suyanto Yosef Pr., and KH. Toha Abdulrahman. The event enlivened by De Guder music group singing Koesplus’ songs music group from Padukuhan Soropadan, Condongcatur residents, and a music group of ‘Posyandu Lansia Sejahtera’ also from Soropadan. This music group sang many songs, such as ‘Menanam Jagung, Gundul-gundul Pacul and Dari Sabang sampai Merauke.’ Mrs. Rina Lusiana, as the chief of the church board delivered a speech by reviewing last year celebration attended by Sri Sultan HB X declaring the idea of ‘Yogyakarta is Our Communal Home.’

GKR Hemas officially opened the meeting and presented some important points covering Diversity and pluralism blessings as the power of welfare, Injustices among faith followers,  Pluralism as an action not just a lip service, and  keeping Yogyakarta as a city of tolerance. However, conflict is always threatening. She also added that there is no majority and minority in Indonesia.

Stube-HEMAT Yogyakarta sent Yohanes Dian Alpasa and Stenly R. Bontinge, S.T., to attend the event. Yohanes said that there are many things that need to be appreciated. First, appreciation should be given to GKI Gejayan for its efforts to organize this meeting. It was a good moment to interact, face to face, and know each other. Although the event was held in the church building, it showed harmonious atmosphere as nuns sang ‘salawat’ while moslem and church youth joined in a choir.

Second, this inter-religious leaders discussion was a noble event. Inter-religious leaders unified vision in addressing the general election in 2014 to anticipate threats during the election process. Inter-religious dialogue is an effective way to keep harmony relationship one with another. Other groups of society may do the same activities.

Third, the church participates not only in a religious dialogue but also in cultural celebration. Celebrating cultures mean digging up, uploading, and reactualizing cultures in people’s daily life that can be found in speaking habit, politely and wisely.

These three ideas are in line with Stube-HEMAT, which motivates and develops students and youth for a real work.

There are many things that can be learned. A birthday celebration not just age addition but also maturity and wisdom achievement. Further, a marture believer is a fruitful one. Society should establish real works to develop culture, peace, civilization and criticism to its progress. At last, every believer may give contribution for others, nation and state.