Indonesian nuns and priests make good envoys abroad

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.