Indonesian nuns and priests make good envoys<\/p>\n
Endy M. Bayuni, The Jakarta Post, Santiago<\/p>\n
An ambassador is an honest man sent to lie abroad for the good of
\nhis country, the saying goes. Fransiskus Kama and Sister Ni Ketut
\nwill definitely not tell a few untruths for Indonesia, but they
\nstill make good ambassadors for their country here in Chile.<\/p>\n
The two, among 10 Indonesian nuns and priests sent to study
\nand work here by their congregations back home, are dedicating
\ntheir lives not only for the church, but also for Indonesia.<\/p>\n
Their contribution in providing a positive image of Indonesia
\nwas recognized by Indonesian Ambassador Suwarno Atmoprawiro in
\nhis speech at a dinner he hosted on Friday for visiting President
\nSusilo Bambang Yudhoyono.<\/p>\n
\"Their presence helps to give Indonesia a good reputation
\namong the people in Chile,\" the ambassador said.<\/p>\n
At a time when most other ambassadors are probably struggling
\nto explain about religious life in Indonesia, in the wake of the
\ncommunal conflicts as well as terrorist attacks blamed on radical
\nIslamic groups, the presence and work of Indonesian priests and
\nnuns here makes the job of Ambassador Suwarno easier.<\/p>\n
\"Tell me about the government's education policy to ensure
\nschool-age children go to school,\" Sister Ni Ketut asked the
\nPresident.<\/p>\n
Originally from Bali, she was sent here by her congregation in
\nSurabaya six years ago and now has permanent resident status.<\/p>\n
\"I talk to people here, I talk to them about values, about the
\nvalues that exist in Indonesia and about the values that exist in
\nChile,\" she told The Jakarta Post.<\/p>\n
\"We did not choose Chile. Rather it was the university here
\nthat went to Indonesia and made an offer for us to come and study
\nand work here.<\/p>\n
Fransiskus, who hails from Manggarai in Flores, said that it
\nwas more a personal calling, rather than an order from the
\ncongregation, that led him and the others to relocate to Chile.<\/p>\n
\"We came here because we enjoy it. Of course, we miss our
\nfamilies. We are so far away from Indonesia,\" said Fransiskus,
\nwho admitted that he was at a point of deciding whether or not to
\ncontinue in the priesthood.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/indonesian-nuns-and-priests-make-good-envoys-1447899208",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}