REPORT ON VISIT TO INDONESIA NOV 2008

During his report to the meeting in Cameroon June 2008 Father David showed photos taken during his many visits earlier in the year. One of the photos taken in Jakarta was of a large group gathered with the Sisters to welcome and listen to our General Promoter. Having just taken over as the Coordinator for the Asia/Pacific Region, I was aware that this now was also my area.  As we are all aware, the Spirit works in amazing ways, and much to my surprise a promotional flight direct from Perth to Jakarta was being offered at a cheap price. After praying about the possibility of another trip, I emailed Father David for his advice and immediately an answer came with much excitement wishing me well and asking me to pass on his regards and greetings to all.

Day 1: Unfortunately my plane was delayed over 4 hours, which really was a disappointment as plans had already been made for 7.00pm Mass and a shared dinner at the Convent where the Congregational Leader Sister Lusia Kusrini OP had invited me to stay for that night. I rang the Theo’s mobile (whom I had not met at that stage) and told him of my dilemma.

Arrival at Jakarta: To my surprise the sister who accompanied Theo and Grace to meet me was Sister Elisabeth and we recognised one another immediately from the 2000 First Dominican Family Gathering in Manila, where we had worked together as part of the Asia/Pacific Region. Knowing we had a long drive to the Pejaten Dominican Convent they had phoned ahead and told Father to go ahead with the Mass as it was getting late. Upon arrival I dropped my case and joined in the shared meal and after which I gave a PowerPoint presentation, which had to be shortened due to the plane delay

Dominican Volunteers International: Yet another surprise as Miss Jho Trocio (known as Joan) was also introduced to those present and taught us all a DOMNET song, everyone joined in. I had met Joan on one of my many visits to Manila, and on one occasion we were both part of a drama group workshop run by Sister Nancy Murray OP. It was a workshop neither of us will ever forget. It was wonderful to be able to chat and renew our friendship. Joan will be able to do great work in Indonesia with the Sisters.

Day 2: Borneo: Sister Elisabeth, Theo and I flew to Pontianak –Kalimantan, about an hour’s flight from Jakarta and were met by Father Robini OP and the local Lay Dominican Chapter President, Mr. Edy Fransiskus. They drove us to lunch at a nearby local restaurant where we were guests of one of the owners. We then drove to the Pastor Baros Seminary to meet with Father Edmund Nantes OP who had arrived about 3 months earlier and is lecturing there in Theology and English. Once again I was pleasantly surprised to meet Father Edmund, having met him in Rome and Manila. He showed us around part of the Seminary and we were then taken to their new Indonesian Dominican house where Father Adrian Adiredjo and Brother Andre (due then to be Ordained 8/12/2008) live.

What a joy to meet the 3 new aspirants, Aris, Andreas and Rambang who are currently learning English hopefully to further their studies.

7.00 pm that evening Father Edmund celebrated Mass for those present including local Lay Dominicans, approximately 26. The 3 aspirants led us with the music and song for the Liturgy.

All those who attended brought food as well as lots of joy for the shared meal.

Day 3: Father Edmund came and said Mass for those of us present. Father then drove Sister Elisabeth, Theo and I to meet with Father Robini at the Centre for Research and Inter-religious Dialogue (C.R.I.D.)  We met the young Muslim man in charge of the Centre and a student assistant, they both work jointly with Father Robini. Through an interpreter we learnt more of the wonderful work that “they” are all doing to further the education of faiths between one another.

We were once again treated to lunch by the same wonderful benefactor and sadly said farewell to the Friars, and Edy our local Lay Dominican President, who had become great friends with Theo and of course will be of future assistance. We flew back to Jakarta, and were met and taken back to stay again with the Community of Sisters at the Mother House.

Day 4 - Journey to Dominican Convent at Cimahi. On this trip I was accompanied by all the coordinators for my visit i.e. Theo, Grace, Stefano, Heriyanto and Sister Elisabeth, giving me an opportunity to get to know them a little better. 7.00 am we attended Mass at the local Seminary and then commenced our long drive to Cimahi. Firstly we stopped and made a visit at the TMII (Taman Mini Indonesia Indah) the beautiful Indonesian Museum, which was such a treat. It would take more than a day to see the total exhibition so it was decided that we would take a little time and go to a large building that houses all of the gifts that were given to the late Soharto over his 30 years as  President.

About 3 hours later we were at Karitas, (Home for the Aged originally established by the Dutch) which was on route.  

The Sisters do wonderful work with the elderly and the Opas and Omas who are lovingly looked after put on a musical recital by each playing a type of bamboo kolintang (xylophones) which was a joy for us. We had afternoon tea and continued on our long journey.

Arrival at Cimahi – we were welcomed by the community of sisters, and we had just enough time to freshen up and go direct to the Chapel where we joined in chanting Evening Prayer.

After dinner we were welcomed into the Community room for a short while and there was excitement about the forthcoming arrival of our own Australian Sister Gabrielle Kelly OP a week later.

We had been on the move since my arrival and were running out of time to discuss one of the main reasons for my visit, i.e. the possible development of a Lay Dominican Chapter in Jakarta, so Sister arranged for the Coordinators and myself to move to a small room. There are approximately 7 or so who are already interested in furthering their Dominican spirituality.

Day 5 – Back to Jakarta. Mass at 5.00am followed by Morning prayer. Father Adi O.S.C. (Order of Sacred Cross) said Mass and then joined us in the garden for breakfast and a chat and with us visited s the Sisters’ apostolate  of the K – 10 school next door. Unfortunately time slipped away and we missed the Sewing course, clinic and home for the aged.  We were very impressed with the school, the teachers and the surrounds. Of course it would have been easy to spend more time but we had the long trip back.

Rosary Group at Bogor: Sister had been asked to arrange for me to talk about the origins of the Rosary and its connection with the Dominicans, and also briefly what it means to be a Lay Dominican. We arrived a little later than expected so the group had already commenced, however we joined them in praying the Rosary, with many trimmings.  I was then invited to speak, with Sister Elisabeth acting as interpreter. Amazingly the group had not heard of the ‘Dominicans’ so it was easier for Sister to speak to them in Indonesian and give a brief summary of our tradition and charism.  Many questions were asked and we were all certain that the Spirit was already at work. They had brought a shared lunch for us all and it gave a wonderful opportunity for us to circulate and meet some of those present. Sister Elisabeth is intending to do a follow up.

Rain! It started to rain on the way back, and it rained and rained like nothing I had ever seen. In no time the drains were overflowing and the roads extremely slippery and dangerous.  This delayed our arrival back in Jakarta. When we reached Grace’s home it was impossible to drive down the street as it was flooded. Theo managed to drop everyone off and take me to meet his wife Ratma and daughter Stefane, who had kindly asked me to stay with them for my last night.

Farewell Evening hosted by Grace and her husband Tommy Many of the Sisters and their associates & friends, the Organising Committee and a large group interested in Dominican spirituality gathered to say farewell and thanks. Earlier Grace was worried that we would not be able to attend due to the flooding, but amazingly it had disappeared as quickly as it had come and everyone arrived. Beautiful words were spoken in thanks for me making the trip and in the hope that I will return in the near future. Some committee members spoke before Grace presented me with a magnificent batik silk scarf, which I will always treasure.

I said in my thank you, that my trip to Jakarta had been very special. It had not been planned - it eventuated after prayer. However, it was the most wonderful thing I had done for myself in the whole year.

Our Sisters are doing wonderful work in this beautiful part of the world and now with the presence of our Friars it will be easier for Lay Dominican Chapters to flourish.

Ms June Ross O.P.

Lay Dominican – I.C.L.D.F.

(International Council Lay Dominican Fraternities)