On July 16th, the World Student Christian Federation (WSCF) Asia Pacific delegation, had the profound honor of being invited into a culturally enriching gathering at the residence of senior friend of the Indonesian SCM (GMKI), Maruarar Sirait. His gracious invitation allowed us to convene in an atmosphere of fellowship and intellectual discourse. This meeting, set against the backdrop of delectable Batak cuisine and enchanting live music, brought together esteemed figures who shared invaluable insights.

Our gracious host, Mr. Sirait, enlightened us about Pancasila, the backbone of modern Indonesia. Other distinguished speakers included Rev. Robinson Butarbutar, leader of the Huria Kristen Batak Protestan (HKBP), Burhanuddin Muhtadi of Indonesian Political Indicators, and Greenpeace Indonesia’s Leonard Simanjuntak, who all shed light on essential global issues and the role of Christian students in addressing them.

In an expression of heartfelt gratitude, our General Secretary, alongside the AP Regional Secretary, presented a commemorative plaque to the Sirait family. This token was in honor of Sabam Sirait, Maruarar’s late father. Sabam was not only an Indonesian senior friend but also a tireless advocate for justice, significantly for the Palestinian people. His legacy continues to inspire our work, and it was our privilege to recognize his contributions.

The evening concluded with the Sirait family bestowing upon us traditional Ulos fabrics as a memento of this extraordinary event. This gathering highlighted the shared commitment of the WSCF Asia Pacific to fostering unity and addressing global challenges, and we deeply appreciate Mr. Sirait’s role in facilitating it.