02.11.2018

4th conference of ICDM in Jakarta

Hosted by STT-Sekolah Tinggi Teologi (High School of Theology) Jakarta, the fourth conference of ICDM-International Community of Diaconic Management- kicked off this 15th October 2018. 35 out of 41 members of ICDM attended the conference in Jakarta. A good number of 15 new members who graduated as Masters of Arts in Diaconic management in Bethel February 2018. The Conference was officially opened by Honorable Bishop Willem Simarmata, UEM- United evangelical Mission- Moderator together with personalities including Thomas Zettler from DAAD-Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst- (German Academic Exchange Services), Professor Dr. Martin Büscher, Rector of KIHO-Kirchliche Hochschule- of the Protestant University Wuppertal and Patron of ICDM, UEM staff and members of the staff and management from STT Jakarta our host. In his opening address, Bishop Simarmata, acknowledged work of the International Diaconic Management network and commended such platform of further learning and exchange. He stressed, that poverty reduction work of the Churches should be Christ driven, informed by social and economic factors, impacting both short and long-term political and social transformation.  
The conference participants learnt from Professors, religious leaders including Muslim  community in Indonesia and from each other in collegial counseling groups.  In his presentation on “ State of the World: Macro-economic and global political view - development and challenges”, Professor Dr. Martin Büscher, Rector of KIHO-Protestant University Wuppertal/ Bethel, highlighted the changes in the local and global values vis-à-vis the meaning of the good life. Thus, motivations of the free Market may often lead to unjust wealth distribution. And the values of love and justice in religion will always impact equity and the common good. He evidently showed that new trends challenge the churches to look at the good life not using the classical lens of “black and white”, rather to reflect about it using multi rational judgement by learning economic theory. He concluded his lectures by affirming that the Studies of International Diaconic Management and networking platforms like ICDM develop these competencies.    Dr. Joas Adiprasetya, Director of Public relations of STT, in his lecture on “Poverty Reduction in the context of Asia and Indonesia in particular“ espoused  a new concept  of Church as „Diaklesia“. First, he recalled that the Church is a diaconic mission. According to him, the Diaconia is not what the church does, rather what the Church really is. Hence, without transformative work, Diaconia would be a mere expression of service, subtle serving the interests of the oppressive and exploitative powers by covering up their complicity. If it does not challenge injustice and abuse of power, it ceases to be authentic Diaconia. Therefore, the Church should in the face of the prevalent poverty confess its escapism, immediately consider starting some actions for hope, risk embarking on the lonely and painful journey of challenging the status quo and now working with and for the poor by being friends with them. Dr. Martin Lukito Sinaga, Deputy President of the Working Unit on Reinforcement of Pancasila Ideology, in his interventions underlined that dealing with poverty need interdisciplinary approach. Hence, he entitled his presentation “Religious, Interfaith Movement and the Common Good“. For him, the Indonesian society is in need of interreligious reformation vis-a-vis poverty reduction. Only then, politics will no longer be manipulated by some oligarchy and the poor will not only receive the sentiments and grievances. He urged the members of ICDM to engage with both churches and government for the common good of everybody, including the poor. Responding to the previous speaker, Prof. Dr. Victor Aguilan of Silliman University in Philippines, in his presentation on “The Challenges of the poverty in the context of Asian Continent. Ethical and theological reflections of the Churches engagement”, demonstrated the existence of the poor and marginalized in the globalized world. He challenged the Churches worldwide to stop compromising in issues of the poor and dare to cooperate with the government when it works for justice and be ready to take Prophetic responsibility towards State’s violation against justice. In addition to the lectures and academic presentations, participants experienced some practical examples. Reverend Dr John Wesley Kabango, UEM Executive Secretary for Africa shared with ICDM members that today, UEM is gaining more recognition for its diaconic, intercultural  and contextualized work. Hence, the organization is being solicited as partner and or as expert. Bridging the practical with academic competencies, Reverend Matthias Börner Head of the International Diaconia and Bielefeld/Bethel Training Center recalled that UEM is partner with Universities in Germany, Africa and Asia in ensuring sustainable and effective empowerment of UEM members through qualifying educational programs and exchange of expertise and experts. ICDM members were shown  some areas of partnerships including being mentors of the BA students, participating in developing new competencies in Diaconia and serving as course counselors, fundraising for further education, and many more opportunities may be explored together with his department and UEM in general. As part of the praxis, members were privileged to visit to organisations in Jakarta. In KDM-Kampus Diaconia Modern, members learnt from a woman whose passion for the street children and youths not only moved their hearts but challenged them to listen to the real needs in community and to act. At NU-Nadrathul Ulama, the interactions with the Muslim community and witnessing their commitment and engagement for justice and peace gave the hope that cooperation for common good despite religious diversity is still possible Furthermore, the members met the students of the course four (K4) of international diaconic management who were having the first Module at the same time in STT. It was  the first time that such encounter happened- the alumni and the current students meet during the studies or the conference.  Besides, a group of 6 ICDM members - graduates of International Diaconic management - interacted with those prospective members sharing their present experiences in leadership and the competences gained during the  masters studies. It is was amazing to see that after graduation people have advanced in terms of management and leadership. Participants are now heading performing diaconic Institutions, fastest growing congregations, teaching the knowledge, and international network. Some concepts which seemed to be difficult to grasp during the course find their full significance in the real life and bear fruits exceedingly when they are contextually applied. Hence, people are making difference in their respective countries in Germany, Asia and Africa. At the end of the conference, ICDM elected the new governing board chaired by Reverend  Amaglo Yao Francis, seconded by three Deputy Chairpersons: Faraja Samuel Mwakapeje for Africa, Justin Rein Gultom for Asia, Corinna Lee for Germany. Other members of the board are Claudette Williams serving as Secretary, Yussuf Tariagan for the post of Financial officer and David Sihite, the officer in charge of Public Relations. At the inauguration ceremonies, ICDM was reminded that it has come so far, but it envisions further. Hence, they were encouraged to keep moving. To where next? Rwanda, next year and on the theme: PPP4 SDG- Public Private Partnership for Sustainable development Goals!! Isn’t exciting? By Frederick Wong Lap Kay and Mathilde Umuraza