Trimming Injustice

Since Children

Teaching about social justice is not an easy thing, especially for children. But Domi (a theology student of STAK Marturia) and Jerry (an agriculture student of Tamansiswa University) tried to solve this problem. Their collaboration made everything easy and attractive, because Domi is talented in teaching while Jerry is great to move pencil into comic strips. Both optimized their talent to create a teaching material on social justice based on Bible characters. "By teaching this material to children since earlier will strengthen their basic sense of justice," they said.

The comics were used as teaching materials for small children in Sunday school of 5-8 years at Javanese Christian Church of Ambarukmo, Pepanthan Nologaten, on Monday, March 13, 2016, with the theme "Pay at any price" (Yoh.12: 1-8). The figures taken from the Bible was Judas, who kept injustice since in his mind. Judas abused his position as treasurer of the community of Jesus' followers. The feeling of envy grabbed him when Mary Magdalene anointed Jesus' feet with narwastu oil, cost 300 dinars, or about $ 10,000. He denounced it as a wasting thing, he launched criticism as if he was caring orphans. Mary did it as her expression of gratitude for the miracles onto Lazarus, which arised from his dead. She thought that his life is more precious than money.

It was hard to explain such topic to children, but Domi and Jerry combined the bible story and pictures. They involved children to colour the picture of the story. Some children nodded their head while colouring, some other having conversation with Domi:

"Who cheated?" Domi asked.

They spontaneous answered, "Judas!”

So, such action could not be....?" Domi asked again.

"...followed!” they shouted together.

Domi said, "Those children are enthusiastic to draw, they are motivated to master the material as illustrated in pictures. Even simple, I believe this experience will stay imprinted in their hearts, so injustice in their mind will be gradually vanished." Jerry looked so proud because the children appreciated his work. He is now working a Bible comic using Sumba language because of his longing to share experiences to children in his hometown. The comic tells about justice done by figures in the bible.

Keep working, guys! Those children look forward other figures that will be drawn next week. Hopefully, this collective memory guide ‘children’ practicing the fifth principle of Pancasila 'social justice for all Indonesians.’ (SRB).