LDS Community and GP ANSOR
Work Together Building Solidarity

Report of the One Day Service Activity in Cangkringan, Sleman, Jogjakarta

In order to expand and strengthen the brotherhood and unity among fellow countrymen, especially among Christians and Moslems, LDS community and GP Ansor organized a social service activity – a day of painting of a mosque and a musholla in Wukirsari village, Cangkringan, Sleman on Saturday, August 20^th. This same activity was also performed in Salam village, Gulon, Muntilan. Over 100 volunteers from both the LDS community of Central Java and members of the Pemuda Ansor Sleman participated in the mass painting of the Pondok Pesantren Al-Qodir, an Islamic boarding school) presided over by K.H. Masrur Akhmad, and the Tegal Tanjung musholla. The event started at 2:00pm until the opening of the fast at 5:00pm.

In attendance at the opening of the fast, among others, were H. Fahmi Akbar Idris from the Central Leadership of GP Ansor, GP Ansor DIY chairman Karsono Mohammad, and GP Ansor Sleman chairman Yuwan Si’ro SH. Also in attendance were the Director of Public Relations Indonesia, Hendro Suranto SH, and the Public Relations envoy for the Central Java District, Sutarno Prayitno, representing the LDS community.

“Representing myself and as the organizer of GP Ansor headquarters, I fully support this unity-building activity. This must be done by two religious communities of different backgrounds. Activities such as this will fortify the four pillars of our country which are Panca Sila, UUD 45, Bhineka Tunggal Ika and Negara Kesatuan Republik Indonesia” said H. Fahmi Idris in his opening speech. “Efforts such as this will make the tie of brotherhood even stronger among the people of this nation. Let us live together in unity, not in disparity,” he added.

“We of the LDS community are ready to work together with all parties as long as the purpose is good and beneficial for our society” said Sutarno Prayitno in his response speech. “After the Eid this activity will be continued with medication distribution, cataract surgery, and providing clean water for the residents living on the slopes of the Merapi mountain here after the recent eruption.”

One of the leaders of the volunteer groups from the LDS community of Solo, Sukro Wikamto, when asked for his comment stated that this one day social service activity was very positive in building unity among his fellow countrymen, which unity has been in decline nowadays. “I feel glad to work together in order to strengthen and fortify the unity and solidarity of all of us children of God. Even though this step seems small, it means a lot to me,” he said.

Haryono Soemadi
(jjg/ks)