The World Student Christian Federation (WSCF) delegation had the distinguished opportunity to tour the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BosF) in Bogor. This enriching visit was arranged by Prof. Bungaran Saragih, the founder of BosF and former Minister of Agriculture of Indonesia. Prof. Bungaran, a venerated senior and former member of the WSCF Centennial Fund Board, extended the invitation. The BosF, devoted to the preservation of orangutans and their natural habitats, acts as a sanctuary against the significant threats posed by habitat destruction and the illegal pet trade.
During our visit, we were privileged to witness the critical conservation efforts undertaken by BosF and had an opportunity to engage with the orangutans, also known as “the forest’s people”, under supervised conditions. It became profoundly evident that the challenges faced by these gentle beings have a direct impact on human welfare. The preservation of their habitats is intrinsically linked to the health of our environment, benefiting us all.
The visit was structured around three insightful discussions within the auditorium:
- Prof. Bungaran led the first session focused on public witnessing and generational dialogue. Here, he emphasized the need for WSCF students and seniors to drive societal and political changes.
- The second dialogue was headed by Dr. Atnike Nova Sigiro, Chairperson of the National Commission on Human Rights Indonesia (Komnas HAM). She elucidated the significance of Human Rights, the Human Rights Chart, their implications for individuals, and the role of states and governments in safeguarding these fundamental rights globally.
- The final discussion concluded with remarks from the WSCF General Secretary. They underscored the intersections between Climate Change, Forest, and Ecosystem protections. These are essential rights that need to be upheld in order to maintain human dignity within the prevailing economic system, which is fraught with inequalities.
This enlightening visit served as a platform to emphasize the current state of the ecumenical movement, the role of national Student Christian Movements (SCMs), and the importance of bridging generational gaps. The goal is to ensure the sustainability and future growth of the Federation as a key platform for nurturing ecumenical leadership.
