17.02.2023

New Perspectives for Educational Programs

The Students of the Theological School Sundermann (STT) in Nias, Photo: UEM

Rev. Andar Parlindungan, Executive Secretary Training & Empowerment and UEM Board Member, hands out new publications of the UEM to the leaders of the university Photo: UEM

"It was a valuable meeting with the teachers of Balewiyata Theological Institute, Manlang (Java), one of the oldest theological institutions in Indonesia. The institute of the GKJW deals with the topics: Interfaith Dialogue especially with Islam, Intercultural Church, Music and Liturgy, and Climate Justice. Together we were able to discuss numerous academic and pastoral collaborations." This is how Rev. Andar Parlindungan, Executive Secretary of the Department Training and Empowerment and UEM Board Member, evaluates his visit to Indonesia. Another example is the BNKP's Sundermann School of Theology (STT) in Nias. 370 students from the departments of theology and Christian education are taught by lecturers, some of them former UEM scholarship holders. The reconstruction of the university buildings after the severe earthquake in 2005 and the pandemic have confronted the university with great challenges. Nevertheless, the school has set new priorities in the areas of peace and reconciliation as well as pastoral care after natural disasters. Other stops on his visit include the UEM member churches GKPPD in Sumatra and congregations of HKBP. Andar Parlindungan: "We want to exchange information about the training programs of the UEM member churches and jointly create new training opportunities. This includes supporting young people through the Volunteer and Scholarship Program and the Leadership Training of the UEM.

*GKPPD = Gereja Kristen Protestan Pakpak Dairi 

*BNKP = Banua Niha Keriso Protestan 

*GKJW = Greja Kristen Jawi Wetan 

*HKBP = Huria Kristen Batak Protestan