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Indonesian students challenged to take action for common good

Young Catholics told to stand up and help lead fight for social justice
Indonesian students challenged to take action for common good

Catholics students under pastoral care of Jakarta Archdiocese have been asked to participate in social actions more often. (ucanews.com photo by Siktus Harson)

 

Published: June 28, 2016 07:31 AM GMT
Updated: June 28, 2016 07:34 AM GMT

The head of Jakarta Archdiocese's commission for liturgy has challenged Catholic students to immerse themselves in social movements that seek to improve people’s lives.

Speaking at a seminar "Youth and Freedom" on June 26, Jesuit Father Ignatius Ismartono asked university students from around Jakarta to side with the victims of injustice and discrimination.

"You must be able to choose between right and wrong," Father Ismartono said.

The seminar introduced the Archdiocese of Jakarta’s five-year program (2016-2020), which encourages Catholics to be more concerned with social problems. The program supports the philosophical foundation of the Indonesian state known as Pancasila (Five Principles).

According to Father Ismartono, the five principles — belief in one Supreme God, unity of Indonesia, social justice for all people, democracy, a just and civilized humanity — have been neglected and abused by elites.

"Civil society, including students, must move forward and be committed to implementing justice," he said.

Father Ismartono said society and the state have neglected the common good. He mentioned the closure of churches and revoking of church permits, such as GKI Yasmin Church in Bogor, West Java, which had a legal permit, and many other churches.

Rafael Udi Yuniarto, an activist in Jakarta Archdiocese, said young Catholics must be aware that the church is moving away from only offering pastoral care to being a movement that emphasizes social justice.

"Be part of this change as it reveals the meaning of being Catholic; to prioritize others rather than ourselves,” he said.

Surya Tjandra, a lawyer and lecturer at the Catholic University of Atma Jaya in Jakarta, said young people make up the majority of the Indonesian church and can make a huge impact if they work together.

"Don’t hide your Catholic identity. Don’t be afraid of being in the minority,” Tjandra said, adding that the most appropriate time to cultivate a love for justice was while studying at university.

"Don't wait until after you finish your studies to seek justice," he said.

Student Coordinator Davin Pradipta, 20, responded positively to the message from Jakarta Archdiocese to make Pancasila a way of living.

"There is momentum for students to take action," Pradipta, a student at Jakarta Polytechnic University, told ucanews.com.

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