Wolfhowler

Back to Jakarta

After 10 days in Biak, I'm back to the fast paced lifestyle of Jakarta. It is amazing that both places are in the same country!

There is NO way for the people of both places to fully understand each others needs and aspirations. Yet this is a crucial element for the development of the needed mutual respect and acceptance.

In many ways the dilemma of the people of Papua can be understood as the dilemma of the Native Americans... living almost as guests in their own land.

I learned, that while experiencing much pain and grievances, the leaders we met with are seeking the welfare of their people by finding the means to equip them for the future. They want their people to have a strong self-esteem, to learn English and to know how to work with computers.

Picture (Kris learning from the local leaders)

Our team in Jakarta is now in preparations to meet this important opportunity. We are all in agreement that our response demands a long term commitment.

We also are seeking others who will join with us in helping people in this last corner of earth. Interested?

The Chief

Yesterday, Kris and I met with the Chief of all the tribes in Biak and Supiori. He and his wife met us in the back yard of their simple home which looks into a beautiful beach.

He is a deep man who is concerned with the onslaught of globalization among his people. Indeed, even in this remote island, the influence of our global culture is being felt at many levels.

His main concern is that the identity of the local people is disappearing while many are keen on getting the latest and newest things that arrive here. As attractive as many of these conveniences are, they end up enslaving the people to a mindless commercialism.

The Gospel has shaped the values of Biak for the last 100 years, however, every day the identity of the Church is looking more and more just like another tradition destined to be forgotten. 

We agreed that the values of the Kingdom, lived out daily, would give people the firm foundation they need and enable them to take advantage of the progress that globalization can bring. 

In the other hand, the scourge of Malaria continues to be the invincible enemy that must be conquered. All of the leaders we have met here battle with the virus quite often.

He welcomed us to Biak and offered his support for our efforts here.

Open door in Biak

Indeed, I'm here and I finally was able to come to the only place in the island that has a working connection.

Our time here has been most profitable we have spent most of out time in a nearby smaller island named Supiori. The people of this area have received us with open arms and are excited to implement a partnership with our team.

We have spoken to officials who have open doors and are willing to facilitate the implementation of the educational programs.

There are many interesting things one must adjust to fit in here. The food has been a particular challenge for me, I used to be able to just eat anything but this is changing...

Biak

Biak is an island in the far East side of Indonesia. It is part of the Papua Province, an area that has seen a great deal of strife as the local people seek to have greater autonomy over their future and the direction of their land.

We have been invited by local officials who are interested in the welfare of the children. The local schools are in great need of new approaches to motivate the kids.

We are bringing the Multiple Intelligence approach. This method, enables kids to discover their innate capacity. The MI approach breaks IQ into 8 different categories. This approach is very helpful as it validates who they are and helps the kids with their self-esteem.

In an area of the country where people are struggling for an identity, the MI approach gives kids confidence, a basic characteristic desperately needed here. We aim to strengthen their character so that they can make a positive contribution to their communities. 

We have seen the difference kids experience once they are into their own intelligence. The MI approach also opens new doors to discuss their own worth, which leads to very interesting talks.

These are special days in Indonesia. Muslims are celebrating Ramadan, a month long of fasting. During this time, Muslims are encouraged to get close to God and seek to bless their fellow man. 

I'm looking forward to this time in Indonesia, I will be meeting some old friends and will be catching up with other developments.