Spirit To Be Politics Literate

Among Javanese Church Members of Panggang

An intimate and warm atmosphere was felt when Stube-HEMAT Yogyakarta team met the assembly and church member of Javanese Christian Church (GKJ) at Watu Payung, Gunungkidul (Saturday, 03/30/2019) in an activity entitled 'Learning Together about Politics' to welcome Indonesia's democratic party namely General Election. The participants consisted of church assemblies, adult citizen commission, youth commission, church elders and comission of testimony and service.

In his remarks, Prambudi Yakobus S, S.Pd, the chairman of the church assembly, expressed his gratitude that the collaboration network between the church and Stube-HEMAT Yogyakarta continues to exist until now and becomes valuable modal for church to grow in the future. Next, Elisabeth Uru Ndaya, S.Pd introduced Stube-HEMAT as a mentoring institution for Christian students in Yogyakarta that equips them as blessing for churches based on their expertise. The church member building program is a form of sharing the blessing of knowledge for many people.

Furthermore, Trustha Rembaka, S.Th., revealed the history of church interaction with political power, starting from the time of Jesus and His disciples who were outside political power and even considered as rebels. In its development, the Christ belivers increased and they had their owned way of living such as living well in honesty and emphaty, and playing many roles in society. But the Roman authorities regarded this as a threat and began to hinder and persecute Christians. Nevertheless Christianity continued to develop, even at the end Christianity was adopted as the state religion. When Christianity began to mix with power, it began to lose its critical power gradually, to ignore humanity, poverty and injustice, because it had been already in comfort zone. The church reformation in 1517 became the peak of disgust for manipulative attitude of the church and leaders, then the reformation brought church back in voicing prophetic voices by struggling for humanity, alleviating poverty and fighting injustice.

An interesting game, called ‘Maju Mandeg’ was presented, where participants playd certain characters. The narrator said some statement statements and participants determined whether moving 'Forward' or 'Mandeg' (keep stopping). When participants felt that they are able to move they will 'go forward' or 'stagnate' when they felt inadequate. Finally, it was revealed that the participants are 'stagnant' because they were poor, low education and not confident. This made participants aware that they could have progress through their limitations if there was favor in political policy. This game aroused the awareness and enthusiasm of participants to participate in the Election by considering leaders who were able to bring favor for society.

Sarloce Apang, S.T., invited church members to take actions for the nation. They should think not only the church, but also the interests of the nation. She reminded that church members should not be politically blind, unwilling to see, to hear, to speak and to participate in political events. Everyone should be aware that various national policies were the results of political decisions, so apathy and not care to political world would prevent this nation from progress. The last session delivered by Marianus YL Lejap was about 'I and Election' as introduction for participants to know parties competing in election, election organizers and observing presidential candidates, Regional Representative candidates, Legislative candidates for national level, provincial  and regency of Gunung Kidul.

"Several years ago our church teenagers and youth expressed positive impression when studying together with Stube-HEMAT teams. So, when there is an opportunity to learn together with Stube-HEMAT, we accept it. In essence, we are thirsty for knowledge and learn new things", said Rev. Subagyo, the pastor of the local church at the end of the event.

A church with strong network, enthusiasm for learning new things, willingness to open its eyes, and politically literate is a growing church and it is a good modal to develop because this activities help church member to have clear understanding and intelligent to determine leaders who are able to bring prosperity to the society. Wish you all have the best choice in the election. (TRU).