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Indonesia's oldest Catholic political forum mulls new direction

The challenge of steering a new generation of Catholics toward politics
Indonesia's oldest Catholic political forum mulls new direction

Newly elected Catholic Youth president Karolin Margaret Natasa (holding flag) wants to encourage more young Catholics to participate in politics. (Photo by Siktus Harson)

Published: November 13, 2015 06:31 AM GMT
Updated: November 12, 2015 06:42 PM GMT

For Ardy Susanto, 31, involvement in politics is an act of faith. The seed of such activism began when he was in high school, and was further nurtured by joining a Catholic university students' forum to voice out concerns of injustices in society.

Born in Makassar, the capital of South Sulawesi province, Susanto studied law at the University of Tri Sakti in Jakarta, which not only sharpened his academic skills but also his awareness of societal problems. Some emerged from people's lack of knowledge on laws, poverty, extremism, and ethnic and religious discrimination.

Five years ago he joined Pemuda Katolik or Catholic Youth, an umbrella organization of Catholic politicians and cadres, which turns 70 this month, with the hope of getting support from fellow Catholics in developing his leadership skills in politics.

"I joined Catholic Youth because I can serve the church and country at the same time," Susanto, general treasurer of the National Awakening Party, told ucanews.com.

The group enables him to get updates on the latest church developments and receive support from others on how to act according to his faith in politics, he says.

One time he witnessed the struggle of parishioners of St. Bernadette Church in Tangerang, Banten province, who had the construction of a new church blocked by Muslim hard-liners, despite having a valid permit.

"Discrimination and extremism must end. But first we have to be united and find ways to improve our bargaining power in politics," said Susanto, who is also the president of the Indonesian Chinese Youth Association.

Young adults perform a traditional Dayak dance during a ceremony welcoming new members to Catholic Youth, Indonesia's oldest Catholic political forum. (Photo by Siktus Harson)

 

Stagnant membership

Karolin Margaret Natasa, the organization's newly elected president and a parliamentarian with the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP), is aware of problems such as funding and a stagnant membership. It's an irony, she said, that after 70 years the forum does not have a permanent building as its headquarters.

Her party was founded and chaired by Indonesia's former president, Megawati Sukarnoputri, daughter of the country's founding president, Sukarno. The current president, Joko Widodo, is a member.

However, Catholic Youth's most challenging issue is the shortage of young Catholics among its membership. The group's membership at present is estimated at less than 1,700 people. Indonesia's Catholic population is about 6.8 million people, according to a 2010 census.

"Only a few Catholics are interested in politics. I don't know why, but it's one of my key priorities to encourage more young Catholics to participate in politics," Natasa told ucanews.com

Natasa, a medical doctor and the organization's first woman president, believes there are many brilliant and talented young Catholics who can make an impact on society. She would like to recruit these candidates as new members.

Among her agenda items is to start a scholarship program enabling youth to study abroad, "so that when they return they can contribute their knowledge and skills to the country in general and the organization in particular."

With her newly inaugurated team she will use social media platforms and a redesigned website to spread the word to a larger Catholic audience.

"I want that in future anyone can see what the organization is doing through social media and the website," she said.

 

Pressing issues

Archbishop Yustinus Harjosusanto of Samarinda, chairman of the bishops' laity commission, reminded members to act like prophets.

"In our society today, many politicians don't want to sacrifice. Instead, they make people sacrifice for them. As Catholics you must sacrifice yourselves for others, to be Christ-like, at the service of the poor and the marginalized," Bishop Harjosusanto told members during a Nov. 8 inauguration ceremony at Atma Jaya Catholic University in Jakarta.

Natasa told ucanews.com that the organization is looking to make its impact, addressing pressing issues including climate change and religious intolerance

Meanwhile interior minister Tjahjo Kumolo, a Muslim, encouraged members of Catholic Youth to continue fighting against extremism and false ideology.

"Don't be afraid to fight for people's welfare and the building of the nation. Indonesia is not a country based on a certain religion, and there is no concept of minority and majority."

 

Fair elections

Natasa urged fellow Catholics and politicians to take a central role in creating "fair and democratic elections" to be held on Dec. 9 in more than 265 districts nationwide.

"Regional elections are not just a matter of regeneration of power but a moment to create good and a more democratic governance. It's our duty as the salt and light of the world to work toward the transformation of local governance," she told ucanews.com

"Politics is a noble calling through which we can fight for truth, justice and the well-being of the people and nation."

Therefore, Natasa says the involvement of Catholics in politics is not merely oriented toward power alone, but how to direct politics based on love, faith, truth and justice.

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