Indonesian nuns and priests make good envoys
Indonesian nuns and priests make good envoys
Endy M. Bayuni, The Jakarta Post, Santiago
An ambassador is an honest man sent to lie abroad for the good of
his country, the saying goes. Fransiskus Kama and Sister Ni Ketut
will definitely not tell a few untruths for Indonesia, but they
still make good ambassadors for their country here in Chile.
The two, among 10 Indonesian nuns and priests sent to study
and work here by their congregations back home, are dedicating
their lives not only for the church, but also for Indonesia.
Their contribution in providing a positive image of Indonesia
was recognized by Indonesian Ambassador Suwarno Atmoprawiro in
his speech at a dinner he hosted on Friday for visiting President
Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.
"Their presence helps to give Indonesia a good reputation
among the people in Chile," the ambassador said.
At a time when most other ambassadors are probably struggling
to explain about religious life in Indonesia, in the wake of the
communal conflicts as well as terrorist attacks blamed on radical
Islamic groups, the presence and work of Indonesian priests and
nuns here makes the job of Ambassador Suwarno easier.
"Tell me about the government's education policy to ensure
school-age children go to school," Sister Ni Ketut asked the
President.
Originally from Bali, she was sent here by her congregation in
Surabaya six years ago and now has permanent resident status.
"I talk to people here, I talk to them about values, about the
values that exist in Indonesia and about the values that exist in
Chile," she told The Jakarta Post.
"We did not choose Chile. Rather it was the university here
that went to Indonesia and made an offer for us to come and study
and work here.
Fransiskus, who hails from Manggarai in Flores, said that it
was more a personal calling, rather than an order from the
congregation, that led him and the others to relocate to Chile.
"We came here because we enjoy it. Of course, we miss our
families. We are so far away from Indonesia," said Fransiskus,
who admitted that he was at a point of deciding whether or not to
continue in the priesthood.