Being a part of 51 Years of Bengkulu Province
Friday, 29 November 2019by adminstube
Eighteen of November is a historical day for the people of Bengkulu, because thirty-eight years ago, precisely on November 18, 1981 Bengkulu became a new province in Indonesia, as the result of area expansion apart from southern Sumatra province (Sumbagsel). As part of Bengkulu society, multicultural program of Stube-HEMAT invited several students to analyze the dynamics of economic field in Bengkulu.
Only few studies on world economic recession in 2020 were done even at national level, even though there is also prediction that Indonesia will also face it. It is also the same in Bengkulu, not many communities or organizations discuss about economic. It drove Stube-HEMAT to make a discussion along with the momentum of the Bengkulu anniversary with a theme ‘51 Years of Bengkulu Province, The Development and Progress of Economic’ on November 28, 2019 at Kenrich café, Bengkulu.
Facilitated by Esti Pasaribu, one of the Economic faculty lecturers at Universitas Bengkulu (UNIB), the discussion was started by an introduction of Stube-HEMAT by the Multiplicator of Stube HEMAT in Bengkulu, Yohanes Dian Alpasa, S.Si. It is important information for the participants because it is the first time to attend Stube-HEMAT activity.
Esti as the igniter started the discussion by explaining that Bengkulu province is the second poorest province in Sumatera. Further, she explained the reason why Bengkulu is still in poverty. It is because of the inability of Bengkulu to produce goods and people of Bengkulu tend to be cunsumptive rather than productive. It is correspond with 10 economics principles used as science in economics field from Prof. Manque, where number 8 stated that the standard of living of a country depends on the services and production.
An interesting phenomenon occurred in Bengkulu is low Regional Minimum Wage (UMR) with relatively high of living cost. Normally, high UMR is followed by high life cost, as in Batam, or low UMR is followed by low life cost, such as in Yogyakarta. The recent data of Indonesian Institute of Sciences stated that the increase of economic growth in Bengkulu is around 5.06% from 4%, but there are still many gaps and poverty in society. It occured due to investment coming through some investors that make the economy growth itself, however, only a small portion of profits flew to Bengkulu and more rushed to investors instead. This will simply increase statistic data on economic growth. However, if such case continues, then the gap will keep lasting.
Although the discussion lasted quite a long time, the participants remained enthusiastic because additionally the discussion invited a practitioner, namely Madison, a 5th semester student of Economics faculty who ran coconut oil business. Esti explained that one of the real examples to change the poverty level in Bengkulu is transforming the paradigm of Bengkulu society from consumptive to production agent, namely producing goods, as what Madison did. Then, Madison explained his business of coconut oil production, called VCO (Virgin Coconut Oil), which had begun since 4th semester using his own money and based on the fact that Bengkulu produces abundant coconut and has not been produced to other products. Coconut as the main ingredient of VCO is purchased from people near the coast to increase economic growth of the people there. VCO, which was originally only pure coconut oil can be used as various products, such as drinks, hair oil and coconut chips. As a form of development, Madison and his colleagues assisted by one of the UNIB lecturers will build a credit union with one village in Bengkulu to make VCO as one of the home-based business for the villagers. This collaboration will be completed in December 2019 until January 2020.
The discussion ended with a conclusion and motivation from each participant that they will become a part of the production actors and no longer consumptive. (YM)
502 Years of Church Reform Church reform and its development in Bengkulu
Monday, 28 October 2019by adminstube
It is the celebration of 502 years of church reform since 31 October 1517 when Martin Luther nailed 95 thesis as criticism to Catholic authority at the church gate in Wittenberg. It means that the church congregation has been 502 times be reminded about the changes that occur in the body of church gaining better church's order. This revolutionary vision and critical attitude is needed to be instilled among church members at that time when the church sold indulgence letters to cover debts and increase money to construct Basilica.
The history of church reformation must be understood by considering the meaning of church. Ekklesia (church) means to be called from darkness, it should respond as the savior of souls, be saved from the world through the fulfillment of church’s duty to serve God and human beings as the meaning of the cross.
How does the present church apply the teachings of Calvin-Luther reform and its development especially in Bengkulu? This is the topic of discussion held by Multiplication of Stube-HEMAT in Bengkulu and students with Jonny Simamora, a lecturer in State University of Bengkulu and elder of Lutheran Church, Huria Christian Batak Protestant (HKBP) Jitra, Bengkulu. In addition, he also pioneered the birth of BKSAG (Inter-Church Cooperation Agency) Bengkulu.
Located at Jonny Simamora's residence on Sunday (10/27/19) the discussion started with the introduction of Stube-HEMAT by Yohanes Dian Alpasa, S.Si, as the Multiplicator of Stube-HEMAT in Bengkulu. As an institution supported by Lutheran churches in Germany, it is important for the activists of Stube-HEMAT to understand church reform. Then, Jonny Simamora opened the discussion conversation by explain that he has been living in Bengkulu for 36 years, and serve as the elder in HKBP church for 16 years since 2013. The history of churches in Bengkulu began in 1956 with Ecumenical Church. According to Jonny, the growth of church in Bengkulu was fast enough, proved by the fact that many churches had been established specifically in North Bengkulu and Seluma. Discussing about church reform, the rapid growth of churches was not followed by the development of faith among church leaders and the congregation themselves.
There are two main points that support the statement, namely: 1) the church is still struggling with mammons and 2) the church is still doing pragmatic works with power relation. These two points become the hardest challenges for church. It is proven by a church which broke up and boast about the church organization even split off because of money. The practice of money in church which was opposed by Martin Luther at that time still happen nowadays, even the relation among churches in Bengkulu is considered not harmonious.
As the reflection of 502 years of church reform, the church must always be reformed, Ecclesia reformata semper reformanda est, the church must continue to evaluate itself by focusing on the purity of doctrines and its practices. The church must be salt and light (Matthew 5: 13-14). A living church is a church that serves, abandons its egos, and presents the peace of God, that is the true church.
Kiffli Simanulang, one of the participants revealed, "I feel grateful, being able to learn and be refreshed about church reform, a new thing for me. I also learn about the growth and relation of churches in Bengkulu.” He also appreciated the existence of Stube-HEMAT in Bengkulu because Stube really did provide assistance in the development of youth and students. He has participated in discussions at Stube three times and always got new quality discourse, not just a ceremony. May young people become critical and dynamic young ecclesia bring the shalom of God. (YM).
Youth Breaks Through Exclusivity
Wednesday, 25 September 2019by adminstube
"Youth Collaboration Across Differences In the middle of Society Exclusivity in Indonesian" was the topic of discussion of Stube-HEMAT Bengkulu Multiplication program on September 24, 2019, held at Kenrich Cafe, Jl. WR Supratman, Kandang Limun, Rear Unib. This one and a half hour discussion was hosted by Mutiara E. Lumban Gaol, with Hosani Ramos Hutapea as moderator and Yedija Manullang as the speaker.
The discussion was opened with an introduction about Stube-HEMAT as a student mentoring institution and sharing experiences of Yedija and Mutiara during their participation in 'Multicultural and Interfaith Dialogue' training held by Stube-HEMAT Yogyakarta. Yedija said that during the training the participant learn to understand that difference is not a reason not tobe united, but learn to live side by side instead. Even some religious leaders in Gunungkidul regency, Yogyakarta, initiated the establishment of a school of diversity (Sekolah Kebhinnekaan) which facilitates the meeting of young people and interfaith communities and faiths to hold discussions, visit or training. All of these lead to strengthen the bond of brotherhood as one nation. Those above motivated the speakers to promote the topic in order to give understanding and to inspire friends in Bengkulu.
The condition of Indonesian people can be classified as inclusive and exclusive. The inclusive society is a society that can accept and acknowledge the differences of other side, they are easy to interact with differences because they assume that essentially all community members are equal, while the exclusive society is a society that isolates themselves from differences because they do not want to be interfered by other groups both culturally and understanding. Meanwhile, Bengkulu province has variety of cultures from each ethnics and religions.
Regarding to this diversity, the suitable solution is collaboration, mutual trust building and cooperation, strengthening unity in diversity. The role of youth is urgently needed to create harmony, not only in Bengkulu but also in Indonesia, through small cross-community discussions based on religion, art, hobbies with other communities in Bengkulu. It must be fostered continuously because the debate on the exclusivity of each group will only lead to disunity and destruction. (Hosani Ramos Hutapea)
Celebrating Difference
Saturday, 7 September 2019by adminstube
Imagination leads someone from A to Z and organization takes us from one place to another, adds relationship, establishes communication and even be able to realize the imagination. This is what the writer felt in Multicultural and Interfaith Dialogue training held by Stube-HEMAT Yogyakarta with a theme "Connecting Soul, Celebrating Diversity" on August 23-25, 2019. The training gathered young people from various regions in Indonesia and even abroad (India and Timor Leste) to meet, to connect souls, and to share ideas among differences.
Before leaving Bengkulu, the writer implanted the principle to add knowledge and relationship. Various seminars and even informal discussions about differences had been ever attended by the writer, but there was so different when attending this Stube-HEMAT training, even it is still remembered in memory until now. The egalitarian sense of Stube-HEMAT work team was represented in this training and became a valuable base for the participants. There was no differences in status so that each participant had the right to receive the same service during the training, even they stayed and had meal with the participants, this is so special.
In the beginning of the training, the writer felt pessimistic to adapt to the differences, because people usually tend to seek 'safe' position with people they had already known or had connection with their previous activities. This time the writer chose to merge with other participants, not even with Mutiara, one of the delegation from Bengkulu from the same ethnic group. We were rarely interacting each other during activities. Besides pessimist, the writer was also doubtful of being able to gain new knowledge and experience due to English language barrier. From the beginning of the introduction, English was used and it can be imagined how the next agenda. Something occurred in mind why in the past people (read: ancestors) had ambitions to reach heaven and build towers of Babel? As a result, God disrupted their work and this became the origin of human languages. Thankfully, the Stube-HEMAT team prepared a translator.
In the midst of limitation and pessimism, the authors found the advantage to understand the material, how the material was delivered twice, using English and Indonesian! Well, although in English the writer only got a few words, but the Indonesian translation made them clearer. As the result, the writer dared to ask about the introduction of Stube-HEMAT and the Student Christian Movement of India (SCMI) even with halting English.
Sharing activity in small groups to discuss the diversity of each participant became a challenge when the writer joined a group with Santhi and Rebecca, both from India. The writer dared to talked with Rebecca, tried to keep asking because if Rebecca had a chance to ask, the writer might not understand. The writer started to ask about her origin, life in India, opinion about Indonesia and many things, even though the writer's gave response only "yes, good, no, really and of course". The writer also asked about Mahatma Gandhi to her and unexpectedly, she left and returned with Rupee and showed a picture of Mahatma Gandhi and gave it to the writer as a reminder.
In the second day, Wening Fikriyati, from Srikandi Lintas Iman explained the material casually through a simulation of diversity through simple matters. No less interesting was the cultural parade that present participants' performances using their unique traditional clothes. Indonesia indeed is so rich and blessed by the Almighty with diversity. So it makes no sense if there are people who doubt and destroy diversity, after 74 years of independence and hundreds of years the heroes fighting for it.
On the third day, a worship was held at GKJ Kemadang pepanthan Planjan. This church service was interesting and special because it used three languages, namely Javanese, Indonesian and English. This was an extraordinary worship experience and during the trip to church I saw Mutia, a Moslem participant, held a Christian bible without feeling awkwardly and she interacted with Rebecca. It was the first time in the writer’s life directly see harmony, usually it is only through social media.
Started from this training, the writer thought of an idea to respond the differences, namely to celebrate the differences themselves. The writer thinks that difference is absolute, so should we continue to live in conflict and not be united? It is not only present and the future need unity and collaboration. Indeed life becomes valuable if harmony occurs, diversity is based on mutual acceptance with appreciation. Not all differences can be uniformed and indeed can not be in uniformity. Therefore, through differences every human being learn from one to another. So, we must leave conflict and enemies in the name of differences and build collaboration for the common good. From this training the writer has idea of empowering youth church to be a 'role-model' of unity, and this must be echoed and manifested. Hopefully, soon this can be realized starting from church.
Finally, the writer acknowledged that the experience of three days of learning and dialogue about diversity with Stube-HEMAT Yogyakarta, has succeeded in connecting souls and feelings among differences from each participant to celebrate the differences. Thank you Stube-HEMAT and happy celebrating the difference! (Yedija Manullang)
Bengkulu, a wish for
‘role-model’ of tolerance
in Indonesia
Monday, 12 August 2019by adminstube
From year to year, Indonesia still faces abundant cases that are actually outdated and no longer relevant for us to discuss, but it still remains as a frightening phantom and potency to divide the unity of this country, namely intolerance. Cases of intolerance exist and even develop in Indonesia which is indeed diverse and plural. Diversity carries risk of fighting and conflict. Whereas in actual conditions, our diversity is a gift and uniqueness of Indonesia. For example religion diversity, religion does not teach evil, but goodness. We may be different in term, ritual and way of worship but the essence we believe in the existence of God, the Creator. By believing in the existence of God, we are reminded to live in peace and to care for Indonesia as gift from the Almighty. There is no developed country without peace. Indeed the differences do not become obstacles to live in harmony, peace and mutual respect with the final ideology of our nation, the ideology of Pancasila.
Bengkulu province which consists of 10 municipals or regencies, is one of the areas that has minimum intolerance conflict. It can be proved by the absence of news or media report on this issue. Bengkulu, who was established on November 18, 1968, has around 2 million population, dominated by Moslems.
Do Bengkulu fit to be a ‘role-model’ of tolerance in Indonesia? Setara Institute noted and examined 10 most tolerant cities in Indonesia, namely: Singkawang (West Kalimantan), Salatiga, Pematang Siantar, Manado, Ambon, Bekasi, Kupang, Tomohon, Binjai, Surabaya. Setara Institute also noted that there were some areas with minimum tolerance, namely: Aceh, Jakarta, Cilegon, Padang, Depok, Bogor, Makassar, Medan, Sabang and Tanjung Balai. Based on the data, Bengkulu was not included both. Is Bengkulu fit to be included in the list of high tolerance areas?
Do Bengkulu fit to be a ‘role-model’ of tolerance in Indonesia? Setara Institute noted and examined 10 most tolerant cities in Indonesia, namely: Singkawang (West Kalimantan), Salatiga, Pematang Siantar, Manado, Ambon, Bekasi, Kupang, Tomohon, Binjai, Surabaya. Setara Institute also noted that there were some areas with minimum tolerance, namely: Aceh, Jakarta, Cilegon, Padang, Depok, Bogor, Makassar, Medan, Sabang and Tanjung Balai. Based on the data, Bengkulu was not included both. Is Bengkulu fit to be included in the list of high tolerance areas?
Internally, we have not been able to accept each other, including ourselves (read: Christians in Bengkulu) still keep their ego among people, church and religion. Thus, to overcome such condition, understanding each other is a must. Godliness is the parameter for building horizontal relationships between human beings. It is not easy. Let the godliness be our personal affair with God and we implement it in building equality by not treating others as inferior. Next problem is our social interaction is less but the divinity seems to be much more. Our religion is true but that does not mean that other people's religion is wrong. This is what we must understand together, because the only one who knows whether we are right or wrong is only God.
Ps. Pakkat Sitinjak, S.Th., Chairman of the Bengkulu PGIW,Tolerance has two sides, internal and external. Internal is the relationship among Christians, including relationship between church and its fellowship. The ecumenical movement is still the internal foundation, even though we live among many church denominations. Churches often enlarge only organizations and not the vision of Christ, eventhough the relationship is still good and we can sit together with these differences.
Externally, our daily life with differences in ethnic, culture and religion is well in the absence of conflict but it needs to be improved with more intense narration and dialoque about unity. In fact, in several places in Bengkulu, churches and mosques stand side by side. Freedom of worship has not been banned. However, several places of worship have not yet received the building lisence because they do not meet the requirements. But this is not a major obstacle, we are lack of communication in our environment.
Cak Komarudin, Head of RT 3/07, the community leader, in Rear area of UNIB,We live in rear Bengkulu University area, with a motto of Unity in Diversity. This makes conflict or cases of intolerance not exist in this environment. Among the large number of people living in, it is about 1000 people and 900 of them are students coming from various regions in Indonesia. There are no differences from ethnicity and religion that make me do overlap or act unfairly. All are in accordance with our regulation and our national ideology. We also make rules to regulate life together and people in this area must obey it without inequality. But we should admit that there are still many of us who have not fulfilled the rules to accept and appreciate differences.
Furthermore, it still needs a further research related to intolerance in Bengkulu so that it can answer the question whether Bengkulu is deserved as a role-model of tolerance in Indonesia. Because there are several variables of condition to be tolerant areas in Indonesia. However, based on the writer’s opinion, Bengkulu province has fulfilled these criterias, such as Rama Agung village, Argamakmur, North Bengkulu regency. This is proved by its plural society, multi-cultural, multi-religious, multi-religious places, even at the center of the village was built a monument of worship places of all religions in Indonesia to respect diversity.We hope that tolerance in Bengkulu continues to be maintained and nurtured to promote unity among differences, with one hope that Bengkulu will be one of the regions as a role-model of tolerance in Indonesia. (YDJ)
Bengkulu and Tolerance
Wednesday, 31 July 2019by adminstube
The topic on tolerance is always interesting. There are facts and analysis that continue to grow. We may compliment an area with its harmony among its inhabitants but we may also be concerned about the fading of familiarity in one area showing intolerance. In Bengkulu, tolerance was once again discussed. The discussion was carried out to look back the journey of harmony in the province at the west coast of Sumatra.
Yohanes Dian Alpasa, the Multiplicator of Stube-HEMAT in Bengkulu admitted that he did not pay much attention to tolerance situation in this area. For the topic of strengthening individual skills of Stube-HEMAT participants was still the priority and as if this topic is set aside even though it is very important to discuss.
Fortunately Stube-HEMAT Bengkulu has a student who want to explore the topic of tolerance. Yedija Manullang was appointed to observe the process of tolerance's life in Bengkulu. Within one month, namely in July 2019, Yedija made observations and talked directly with several figures in Bengkulu. The figures area from academics, local village officials and council of churches in Bengkulu (PGIW Bengkulu). |
| Jonny Simamora, S.H., M.Hum, Law Lecturer at Bengkulu State University |
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| Rev. Pakkat Sitinjak, S.Th. Chairman of churches in Bengkulu (PGIW) |
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| Cak Komarudin, Head of housing group and community leaders at rear UNIB |
The results of the conversation were discussed with friends of Stube-HEMAT in Bengkulu. The responses of the participants were varied, some were enthusiastic and some were relaxed in responding. The event itself was held on July 31, 2019 in Bengkulu city.
Hosani Ramos Hutapea introduced Stube-HEMAT in Indonesia. She also shared her three years experience with Stube-HEMAT Bengkulu. There are many student communities and groups, either spiritual or secular activities are thriving. However, Stube-HEMAT still tries to offer a new way of discussion where the paticipants not only discussing but also implementing. Moreover there is also opportunity for the students to be sent outside Bengkulu to study more.
Yedija Manullang then opened a story sharing session. He started the presentation with a real story based on data from Setara Institute. Indeed, some regions, including Jakarta, have a high level of intolerance. But we are grateful that there are still areas that are able to maintain diversity and harmony. Difference is not a barrier for living together.
Based on Yedija's information and observations, he found that there were two types of tolerance. Internal and external tolerance. Internal tolerance is tolerance among Christians and the church. External tolerance is tolerance among people of different religion. The churches in Bengkulu have tried to introduce themselves to each other. According to Yedija, the conflict begins when one church feels better than another. The church does not want to recognize others. Nowadays, churches are trying to get closer and get along to create atmosphere of getting to know one another.
The discussion topic is expected to be distributed in training on Multicultural and Inter-religion dialogue in Yogyakarta, August 2019. With the existence of Stube-HEMAT Bengkulu, young people have forum for discussion and interaction so that cooperation between young people is expected to be stronger in maintaining tolerance especially in Bengkulu. (YDA).
Recognizing and Developing Personal Potencies A Student Workshop at Stube-HEMAT Multiplication Program in Bengkulu
Tuesday, 9 April 2019by adminstube
Everyone has self-responsible with his/her strengths and weaknesses. Good self-identification will help them to grow optimally and realize their dreams. However, one needs to remember about social responsibility. It is what Stube-HEMAT Multiplication program implemented in Bengkulu through a workshop entitled "Tips and Management of Online Writing" in Bu Lastri cullinary stall (Saturday, 6/4/2019), attended by sixteen participants from students in Bengkulu and church youth from GKSBS Kurotidur, North Bengkulu. The background is the students’ potential literacy skills need to be developed both in printed and online to bring impact to the communities around them.
The workshop presented Yohanes Dian Alpasa, S.Si (teol), as the multiplicator by introducing Stube-HEMAT and its services in Bengkulu since 2017. As far as the observations have been carried out, Bengkulu has potential human resources which is worthy to be developed even though the infrastructure acces is not fully adequate. Students deserve to get support being able to develop their area. Most of them who study in Bengkulu State University, Dehasen University and other campuses, came from outside Bengkulu. They are active in Christian communities and organizations so they have both spiritual and organizational experiences. Furthermore, Hosani Ramos Hutapea, a sociology student at University of Bengkulu revealed her experience attending activities in Bengkulu and Western and Eastern Values training at Stube-HEMAT Yogyakarta.
Next, Yedija Manullang, a student of Bengkulu University, majoring in agricultural cultivation, also a literacy activist in Bengkulu shared his experience through "Literacy will be fun if it becomes a Hobby". He shared his experiences in writing and published in online media. He acknowledged that he sent articles several times until finally published in online media. The important thing is to observe simple things, express them in writing and not easily give up.
Trustha Rembaka, S.Th, the coordinator of Stube-HEMAT Yogyakarta explained about Personal SWOT. This topic encouraged participants to recognize their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats that exist within. He facilitated them to find each aspect and write it on the paper with honesty and confidence. Then some participants shared the results and other participants responded and gave input.
The next session, Drs. Bambang Hediono, MBA, board member of Stube-HEMAT, lecturer at Busines faculty of UKDW, delivered a topic on business ideas and how to manage them’. He revealed that the participants had chosen a good choice by participating Stube-HEMAT activity because the institution equips students both theory and practice and even enable them to give benefits to community. Each participant has creative idea that can be developed even from hobby that will get benefit.
"The workshop was so impressive for me because I was motivated to read a lot and to grow my desire to write. I also found way to find out strengths and opportunities that I could use in the future", said Mutiara who studies Sociology at University of Bengkulu.
At the end of the event the participants delivered their impressions and opinions on two large paper sheets. Hopefully, after the workshop they will be able to express ideas through writing and drawing in online media, able to ‘brand’ themselves on social media and online media so that they can get benefit from the internet and impact on the community. (Yedija Manullang).
Indonesian Culture and Its Current Existence
Thursday, 31 January 2019by adminstube
Some of us have an understanding that culture is related only with art. We do not know that culture is all that integrated with human life. Culture is created by human to maintain life sustainability. The understanding of culture comes from Sanskrit, namely buddhayah, the plural form ofBuddhi (Buddhia or mind) interpretes as matters related withmind, and human mind.
According to Koentjaraningrat (1985), culture is the whole ideas, actions, and results of human work in people's lives. Koentjaraningrat divided the element of universal culture into seven parts, namely: 1) Language, 2) Knowledge system, 3) Community system or social organization, 4) Living equipment and technology system, 5) Living livelihood system, 6) Religious system, and 7 ) Arts.
Indonesia is famous with its diverse and unique cultures. In terms of language, Indonesia has a variety of languages in each ethnic. Its art also varies in the form of dances, paintings, plaits, etc. With the passage of time, the indigenous culture of Indonesia is gradually eroded and even almost forgotten. Responding to this, the Multiplication program of Stube-HEMAT in Bengkulu held a discussion with youth of Bengkulu (31/1/19) at 5:00 P.M at Asep Thea café. The discussion was hosted by Hosani Ramos Hutapea and Sabar Budi Simbolon as the speaker and the moderator of the discussion. Sabar Budi is a cultural activist in Bengkulu.He focused on culture of Indonesia (archipelago) and Batak culture. Besides culture, he is also active in Literate House. The discussion itself was attended by eleven participants.
From the discussion, it could be stated that there were restlessness in our surroundings about culture. Koentjaraningrat has ever reminded in his book about changes of human behavior and actions and it is the only reason. Today, ethical human behaviour, politeness, habit of smileand greetings have faded with the presence of individual attitudes of modern human. In the past, young people will bow their heads and greeting politely when meeting older people, or have contact smile with others when passing by on the road. Today such habit is rarely done. In addition, we also rarely use our own local language as daily spoken language, some feel proud more to use contemporary language or foreign language. It causes local language slowlyextinct.
Indonesian society which is identical with culture of mutual cooperation and friendship, is getting eroded by times. Itcan be seen on wedding ceremony that formerly used to rely on neighbours help, and then it changes to wedding organizer. Further, gathering activities done by visiting neighbours and relatives are rarely done because of the high fence of houses.
In Indonesia's religious diversity, intolerance is sometimes happen among religious believers. The attitude of mutual love and respect differences get decrease because of exclusive sentiment assuming that one religion/group is the only right one. Then, the current phenomenon of religious cloths, women should not greet men and sometimes their smile cannot been seen because they are close. It shows that the understanding of religion and culture bring to contradiction.
We are as aware and intellectual society should maintain and keep our belonging cultures. As we see Japanese, they adopt other cultures but not merely eliminate indigenous culture. Likewise, Indonesian should not solely accept any culturesfrom abroad, but should be smart and wise in filtering them.Therefore, we are as young generation should enrichourselves with knowledge and be responsible to maintain Indonesian culture. (YDA).