By Pastor (Em) Bambang Sumbodo (Board-in-charge Stube HEMAT)

Morning greetings from the Eastern part of Indonesia #3, Raja Ampat, West Papua

 

The key and characteristic of a peaceful society for me is mutual-cooperation. It is called mutual-cooperation when they live together, help each other, and pay attention to the needs of others ‘sangkul sinangkul ing bot repot’ (Javanese language: work together for social solidarity). During our visit to 4 islands of Raja Ampat, we were escorted by Kahar. He has been working in the ocean as a speed boat driver since he was young. He comes from Misool Island, southern Raja Ampat which is known for its strong waves, so, no wonder if he becomes a tough sailor. Strong body and healthy, he was able to deal with the wind and rain during the voyage by his speed boat.

Kahar is a Muslim, he married to a Christian woman from the island of Salawati having nearly 99% Christians inhabitants. Kahar continues to practice Islam though his wife passed away because of tongue cancer. He lives comfortably in practicing his faith and his Christians friends are also comfortable in worship. His children were given their freedom to make their choice of religion. From the name of his son, Yustus, it is clear that he has a Christian name, and Mustamin has the Muslim name, but they both attend the church sermon. Actually, religion is a choice of life, it should not be forced to choose because it is the basic human right to decide the choice of religion and to practice worship.

From Raja Ampat, we learned the basic human rights, where the law of love said by the Lord Jesus was applied. Matthew 22: 37-40, "Jesus said to him: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. The second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’. All the laws and the prophets depend on these two commandments.” Immanuel. ***