Jakarta (AsiaNews) - With little fanfare but with concrete results the German Bishops' Conference Organization for cooperative development is marking 50 years of support to the people of Indonesia. Better known in the Asian country with the nickname of Misereor, the association has contributed to numerous initiatives that foster "democratic" development, collaborating with various NGOs and supporting their ideas, without discrimination or favoritism.
At a two day conference held last week on the island of Bali Misereor Indonesia director Ulirch Dornberg, outlined this commitment to r 49 local partners. The support provided, he explains to AsiaNews, is in favor of all human beings in need "without distinction of race, sex, religion or nationality."
Joining the many priests and lay Catholics in Indonesia attending the two-day meeting, there were also different personalities of the Muslim, including women wearing the traditional hijab, and representatives of pro human rights associations based in Jakarta.
The purpose is to strengthen "unity in diversity" in Indonesia, in a troubled time in its history. The election of Joko "Jokowi" Widodo as president - who will take office at the end of the month - could open "a new chapter" for the country, giving rise to a "better" and more developed reality.
The goals of the German organization is the need to ensure a better future for farmers in remote areas of the archipelago. This has led to environmental awareness programs, educational projects and campaigns against mining in protected or sensitive areas.
"This is just the beginning - concludes Ulirch Dornberg - for a further strengthening of the network." Among the various realities that have long collaborated with the German Misereor there is Caritas in the forefront in the fight against human trafficking and aid to victims of natural disasters, particularly earthquakes, floods and landslides.
Indonesia is the world's most populous Muslim nation, Christians represent 5.7 per cent of the population with Catholics just over 3.6 per cent. Catholics are an active component in society. Over the years, they have contributed to the nation's development and played a major role in emergency operations, as was the case during the devastating floods of January 2013.
