The
movement to continue to relive and to bring to earth the sense of unity amidst
differences of faith even though during the Pandemic Covid 19, is still done by
the Multiplication of Stube HEMAT in Bengkulu through the volunteer, Yedija
Manullang who stays at his hometown, Doloksanggul, Humbang Hasundutan regency,
North Sumatra.
After visiting the Doloksanggul Grand Mosque (20/09/2020), Stube HEMAT visited the St. Fidelis, Catholic Church in Doloksanggul (23/10/2020). The visit was planned to be carried out in September, but it was postponed due to the drastic increase of positive Covid-19 patients in Humbang Hasundutan, which caused a temporary suspension of church activities.
The visit of Stube HEMAT was welcomed by Pastor Etus as a pastor at the church at the church guesthouse. By implementing health protocols (washing hands, wearing masks, and maintaining physical distance), Yedija Manullang thanked to him and expressed the idea and purpose of their visit who wanted to learn and discuss deeper about tolerance in Doloksanggul.
Pastor
Etus said that diversity within the framework of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika is a fact
that cannot be denied, and it has been implemented by the founding fathers of
the nation long before the current generation. "The diversity that exists
in Indonesia is God's plan. As an East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), I cannot choose and
plan to be born as an NTT, as well as all those who were born in Batak ethnic,"
said Pastor Etus.
Pastor Etus is a migrant to Doloksanggul from East Nusa Tenggara and was resettled in 2019 after previously serving in Doloksanggul from 2008 to 2010. While living in Doloksanggul, Pastor Etus saw that the culture of Batak people is very strong and be the glue for community among a diversity of clans and beliefs. He added that during his life in Doloksanggul, he had never seen incidents of persecution or intimidation against people with different beliefs. "As far as I can see, there has never been an incident of intimidation against people or a small group. It shows that the harmony among the Humbahas community is still good, maybe it is different in some other places," said Pastor Etus.
The discussion which lasted more than an hour got warmer with a banquet from the church with hot sweet tea and fried bananas. Laura Manalu, one of the discussion participants, was grateful that she joined Stube's activities, from the visit to the mosque and Catholic church, because it is useful to have additional insight about tolerance. She also opened her paradigm and views about people with different beliefs. On that occasion, Yedija Manullang also introduced the Public Journalism program and invited the youth of Doloksanggul church to join. This program will promote the topic of people’s efforts to observe problems, to struggle with them, and to try to formulate solutions. This program will run from October to December 2020.
Hopefully, this brotherhood strengthens the sense of unity in Doloksanggul, as well as in Indonesia. ***
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