Indonesia:

Seminar on Love in Action

The Union of Indonesian Buddhist Students (HIKMAHBUDHI-KMBJ) has held a seminar and discussion on Thich Nhat Hanh's book 'Love In Action: Writings on Non-Violent Social Changes' in cooperation with the Center of Indonesian Culture Studies (PUSKAKINDO) on October 11, 1997. The seminar aimed to enhance consciousness and social commitment to take part actively, positively, critically, and dynamicaly in efforts to uphold justice and peace through love in action.

Invited in the seminar was Somdech Preah Maha Ghosananda as the keynote speaker, together with five other speakers representing various religions, i.e. Dr. Said Aqil (Muslim), Sabam Sirait (Christian), Krishnanda W.M. (Buddhist), Ida Bagus Gunadha (Hindu), and Romo Ignatius Sandyawan (Catholic). Opened by the Ambassador of Cambodia, His Excellency Mr. Keo Puthreasmey, the seminar highlighted issues on the violences easily occuring in Indonesia which are viewed as the solution to the problems in the society as well as the nation.

The arise of sorts of social wavering, in accordance with the seminar results, reflects the conditions of the inability to accommodate the expectations of the society to social changes for a better life. It points out that there is something lost and unhealthy in the national building marked with the drop of ethical values whether in politics, economy, social and culture. Meanwhile religion is often manipulated for the sake of politics. These conditions are even worsened by the unjust law practices concerned with criminal violent acts.

To address the issues on social violence, the seminar came up with some thoughts of solution, which are as follows:

Every effort for understanding the aspiration of the people is essentially required, as well as seeking the alternatives to solve each problem wisely for non-violent social changes.
A deep reflection on the violence issues is needed to find out and to overcome roots of the problems which cause various violent acts through actions of love and compassion.
The cooperation and solidarity from all parties are encouraged to deal with problems of violence.
Truthful comprehension on religion should be promoted in order to prevent the manipulation of religion for destructive goals. Besides, all religions possess the universal love to be spread out for the prosperity of human beings which will further lead into the achievement of freedom, justice, and peace.
Righteous practice of the law should be conducted by taking into consideration the moral approach and voices of the people.

These thoughts of solution for non-violent social changes were further accumulated in the Principal Thoughts of the National Problems conveyed and discussed with the Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, Mr. Try Sutrisno, during a one and half hour courtesy call on November 4, 1997 at the Merdeka Selatan Palace, Jakarta.

Yabin is member of KMBJ