Some social activities of postulants and novices (Bintaro – Indonesia).
Even though there has been a significant decline in the number of contagions, it seems that Jakarta still has to fight against the dangers and the social consequences of Covid 19. Due to health and safety considerations, many precautions are part of all the activities that involve large numbers of people who, at the same time, must pay attention to protocols and restrictions because of the pandemic. However, this situation does not mean that our community in Bintaro – postulants and novices – stays at home without doing anything. After discerning for quite a while, finally in January 2022 we decided to engage in two social activities, eager to make an impact in some local communities and supporting some families plunged into poverty.
First, on January 12, 2022, we postulants and novices were involved in distributing "sembako" (sembako: 9 main meals) in two different places. Together with Frs. Harno and Yakobus, we headed to the area by bicycle. This first social activity was carried out with the help of a family who with great generosity distributed various kinds of basic food in small bags. There were 200 food bags which were distributed to poor people in the neighborhood. Only by paying two thousand rupiah (approximately 20 cents Euro) they would get food enough for the needs of one family. It would consist of different types of vegetables and cooking spices. The distribution was preceded by an explanation about health issues such as the importance of eating nutritious food and drinking enough water, etc. So this activity was not only about distributing food but also about education. What a brilliant idea we never thought of! This activity went well and it was carried out with great enthusiasm, considering that for almost six months we had not had any pastoral activity “outside”.
Second, on January 14th we went to a rural but quite populated area. There, one catholic woman, with her Muslim friends, organizes activities to help the poor. This activity is the result of her pure initiative, which is highly appreciated. The activity is carried out in collaboration with Muslim women around the neiborhood in the spirit of life dialogue. Our community helped her with some money from our social fund and we were directly involved in distributing food to poor people. Only by paying half the price, they could get enough food for the whole family. The food distributed consisted of rice, eggs, cooking oil, instant noodles. We also visited the elderly who were staying at home by providing adequate food, according to their age and health situation.
What an amazing experience! With Pope Francis, we too experience that: « … Jesus’ followers recognise themselves by their closeness to the poor, the little ones, the sick and the imprisoned, the excluded and the forgotten, those without food and clothing. We can read that famous protocol by which we will all be judged. It is Matthew, chapter 25. This is a key criterion of Christian authenticity» (General Audience, 19 August 2020).
Erfin Fijay Siagian
Bintaro - Indonesia
