A. Brief Background of Indonesia
Indonesia is in Southeast Asia and is considered as the world’s largest island country consisting
of over 17,000 islands. With over 275 million people, it is also the world’s fourth most populous
country and the most populous Muslim-majority country. Although religious freedom is guaranteed in
their constitution, there are only six religions that the government officially recognizes: Islam,
Protestantism, Roman Catholicism, Hinduism, Buddhism and Confucianism. Indigenous religions are
only partly acknowledged. Around 87% of the population are Muslims while 11% are Christians who
are mostly in the eastern part of Indonesia. The United Methodist Church came to Indonesia from
mission work in India. The mission spread in Sumatra (1905), Java (1905), West Borneo (1906), and
Bangka Island (1911). These Methodist churches became autonomous in the 1960’s.
Indonesians have a motto: “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika” or Unity in Diversity. The country consists
of thousands of distinct native ethnic groups with Javanese being the largest. They consider themselves
“many, yet one” because through their diverse culture and religious pluralism, they have a national
language and a common history of colonialism from the Dutch (Netherlands) for 350 years and a
victorious revolution against it.
Indonesia is known as an agricultural country rich in natural resources like oil, natural gas,
minerals, palm oil, rice, coffee, tea, medicinal plants and other agricultural products. In the previous
years, the Indonesian government claimed that it had a relatively steady economy and it is considered
as a regional power in terms of economy. Yet in 2019, 9.41% of the population still lived below the
poverty line, and the official open unemployment rate was 5.28%. Moreover in 2020, it experienced
recession because of the global Covid-19 Pandemic. This meant added difficulty in the lives of the
Indonesian people, especially the women and children.
The following are the missionary work conducted by the United Methodist Women (UMW) in
Indonesia for the past two decades. This report highlights the programs, projects and activities of the
UMW-Asia and the Pacific in partnership with Indonesian women, youth and children.
B. Summary of the Ministries with the Indonesian Women
Several orientation and consultations were held throughout the years in Indonesia. Church
women organizations in Indonesia are the most active in Asia among the Clergy women leadership.
The group of facilitators in those years was facilitated by the leadership of Rev. Indriani Bone, Pastor
Hennie Laluba, Pastor Sutarti with the Regional Missionary Office Emma Cantor. The Indonesian
women spearheaded the following program
a. Strengthening Methodists Clergy Leadership
b. Created new fresh visions responsive to women, youth and children’s needs
c. Organize Women Clergy
c. Strengthen Church women’s organization
d. Define responsive programs for women, youth and children in annual conferences and
national levels
e. Laubach Literacy on Health, Gender Issues, Human Rights, Violence against Women,
Economic Initiatives and Leadership Skills
The UMW – Asia and the Pacific visited Wilayah 1 Jakarta and the villages in Bandar Lampung. The
visit was done to conduct consultation among the church leaders in the national level and also on the
grassroots local churches and women leaders. The RM Emma Cantor joined the meeting of the WSCS
Executive Committee and she also had a meeting with the Bishop. She discussed the importance of
mission work and encouraged them on what else they can do together. She also visited four villages and
local churches and gathered updates on their economic livelihood. They also organized an activity for
the women and she acted as facilitator.
In June 27-29, 2004, the UMW – Asia and Pacific also conducted a Bible Women Program
Follow-Up in Medan-Wilayah 1 with the GBKP. They visited the Crisis Center for women of GBKP in
Brastagi. They held a consultation and sharing with the staff and committee members. GBKP MORIA
– the national women’s organization of GBKP is fully intact in terms of its program and direction. They
have created a system to respond to women’s needs and crisis. The Crisis Center has a legal program,
counseling, training and shelter. The GBKP needs financial support for their program initiatives. They
also need a Bible Women training for their indigenous villages for capacity building.
The UMW – Asia and the Pacific continued to guide and develop strong relationships with the
Christian women leaders in Indonesia. The Bible Women Trainers’ Training (BWT) were still done on
the years that followed. For example, in August 2006 series of training were again conducted in
Indonesia. In August 4-11, 2006 it was done in Seram Islands, Moluccas where it was led by Rev
Indriani Bone (Person in Mission for IM-WYC Indonesia), Rosemalia Barus (Christian Council of
Indonesia Women’s Desk Program), Ester Ga and Regional Missionary Emma Cantor (UMW-Asia and
the Pacific).
The BWT was the first initiative of Women’s Division to reach out among indigenous women in
the islands of Indonesia. Indigenous peoples counts as the poorest in the sectors of the society, be it
sociological, political and economic, not counting the cultural richness they are endowed with. Many of
the communities have been inflicted by internal conflict, thus many of them became internal refugees
in their own communities. The BWT as requested by women leaders is one of the things that the
Women’s Division can offer, respecting their decisions in moving forward.
During the same period (August 12-15), another BWT was conducted in Papua, Irian Jaya,
Indonesia headed by Rev. Jean Harussa and also Indriani Bone, Rosemalia Barus and RM Emma
Cantor. This is also the first initiative of the Women’s Division in the islands of Papua, Irian Jaya which
is seven hours flight from the mainland Jakarta. Like Seram which is a mountainous area, Papua is also
isolated from economic developments and women are the most affected of all the sectors of society.
They carry multiple and difficult burdens in bearing lives of their families and communities.
The objective of both the activity is to enable and empower ecumenical church women and youth to
effectively participate in the teaching and healing ministries of the church and the community. In each
of the two BWT, there were 60 indigenous/village women leaders, youth and women pastors who
participated to become effective teachers in church ministries. Their consciousness on women health
issues, women’s rights and dignity, resolving conflict, restoring peace and economic empowerment
were raised. The needs and status of indigenous women in their respective areas (Saram Islands and
Papua, Irian Jaya Islands) were identified and the group developed strategic action plans that they can
carry back home to the local church and community.
In 2006 also, UMW-Asia went to Wilayah 2, Jakarta, Indonesia for the continuing “Education
on Leadership Formation Program”. The meeting aimed to strengthen and empower the leadership of
the WSCS and to discuss how women leadership can influence programs and ministries in the Annual
Conference level. Worship, Bible study reflections and inputs on feminist leadership were also done.
When new church leadership was elected in Indonesia they also requested the UMW – Asia and
Pacific to conduct a leadership development program of PIM Women’s Work on June 2006. As
Indonesia will have new sets of Annual Conference officers, this activity is part of building up systems.
The activity was pursued and headed by Indriani Bone and RM Emma Cantor. They studied the WSCS
constitution and bylaws to propose amendments affecting participation. The group also identified the
needs and struggles in church leadership as well as developed strategic action plans for further growth
and development. They conducted the activity through the use of group dynamics, personal
testimonies, sharing of experiences and evaluation of past leadership.
Even before the lock-downs because of the global Covid-19 pandemic, the UMW – Asia and the
Pacific is consistently pursuing its missionary efforts in developing women and youth Christian leaders
in Indonesia. Last August 16-18, a Women and Youth Leadership training workshop was done in
Denpasar, Indonesia. A combination of local women leaders and a missionary team of the UMW from
the Philippines headed by RM Emma Cantor facilitated the activities. The Bible study focused on the
theme “Young Women Rise Up!” as facilitated by Pdt. Indriani. Discussions on various topics
concerning women’s issues were done. They discussed patriarchy, violence against women, human
rights, geneder empowerment and leadership for social justice and peace. Discussions were also done
regarding Nutrition and Healthy food.
C. Missionary Work for the Indonesian Youth
The creativity and energy of the youth is so high but they need redirection to maximize it for
their development. The youth organization as a whole is weak and needs to be strengthened. The need
for a youth ministry program is urgent but has no support even from the hierarchy.
In June 24-26, 2004 Wilayah II Youth Camp and Leadership and Capacity Building was held in
Bandur Lampung, Indonesia. The objective of the activity is to strengthen the leadership capacity
among youth, deepen faith consciousness among the youth and discover youth talents, needs and
interests. Less than 500 young people from the 4 districts attended. They were active in group
workshops on Leadership, HIV/Aids and Worship. A joyful cultural exchange was also experienced as
part of the Youth Camp.
Participants from the districts also shared their situation, needs and challenges. They
particularly shared the youth situation in Bandar Lampung. They identified the youth problems and
challenges as the following:
a.) there are thousands of youth who are out of school and are jobless, many are victims of
human trafficking
b.) deep need of alternative resources and skills to run youth economic program RR
c.) The Gereja Methodist Church Conference – Indonesia is not attentive to youth needs and has
no program initiatives for the youth
From the discussions of the youth participants and the UMW – Asia, it was resolved that there
should be a continuing education, consistent organization strenthening and an intenional leadership
development for the Indonesian youth. There should also be and advocacy for youth ministries at the
level of church hierarchy and leadership. The lobbying for youth perspectives and response to basic
needs and difficulties is also a serious concern.
D. Missionary Work for the Indonesian Children
The UMW – Asia and the Pacific also conducted programs in Indonesia that serve the
Children’s rights and welfare. In 2006, a Seminar Workshop for Children’s Ministries was done in
Wilayah 2, Jakarta, Indonesia. This activity was requested by mission partners in Indonesia due to the
worsening of children’s situation in a pluralistic, multi-cultural and multi-ideological context of
Indonesia. Children, along with the women and youth, were also among the least attended sector of the
society. During this time, even the United Nations are having intensive and intentional campaign for
children’s education all over the world.
The activity aimed to enable the youth and children’s resource and ministries for indigenous
communities in Wilayah 2, Jakarta. The event engaged 40 adult and youth to become effective
nurturers for children’s ministries. Their awareness were raised on issues affecting children and
identifying their needs and status. They learned skills to enhance children’s ministries in the villages.
They were able to form the Children’s Ministries Core Group and developed action plans for local
implementation. These were done through creative workshop for children, Bible study sessions, story
telling, workshop input and sharing of personal experiences on children’s work.
E. Current Missionary Work in Indonesia
In this year 2022, although we are still experiencing the global Covid-19 pandemic, the existing
health protocols has allowed a relatively safe international traveling. Because of this, the UMW now
called United Women in Faith (UWiF) – Asia and the Pacific were able to conduct a Women
Empowerment Retreat Workshop and Consultation. It was done in coordination with the Methodist
Women in Indonesia and held last July 29 to August 3, 2022 in Salatiga, Ypgyakarka and Jakarta,
respectively. Around 60 women from the community, youth and clergy participated in the activities.
Methodist Woman Leader Ibu Elisabeth, Rev. Indriani Bone, and Pastor Sutarti led the event along with
the United Women in Faith – Asian Missionary team from the Philippines headed by Ms. Emma Cantor.
The activity focused on Empowerment in Faith, Economy and Leadership.
The retreat workshop started with faith empowerment through a Devotion morning led by
Agustina Samosir. She reflected on John 8: 1-11 and pointed out how Jesus showed partiality to the
marginalized. They also a lively discussion on economic empowerment as the participants shared their
difficulties in livelihood because of the covid-19 pandemic. They also shared their practices in earning
additional income through “Trash Band” (collecting recyclable garbage and selling it), “Crayons to
Candles” (making candles out of broken crayons and selling it) and home industry of making
communion wine and ginger tea.
A meaningful sharing on leadership empowerment was also done as United Women in Faith
Asia discussed its importance. Women leadership of the United Women in Faith as “A progressive
communion of women, both Methodist and non-Methodist, which supports the advancement of church
women especially in leadership and economic empowerment” were also tackled. The activity ended
with a consultation of the women clergy focusing on their struggles and challenges as they continue to
encourage women pastors to keep on learning, developing simplified modules for local women studies
and engaging more on leadership activities to enable themselves for mission. Since the year 2000 to the
present, United Women in Faith – Asia and the Pacific has been consistent in it’s commitment in doing
meaningful and relevant missionary work in Indonesia. It served for the empowerment and service of
the Indonesian women, youth and children so they can live a full life, be agents of social transformation
and enabled for mission work.
The United Women in Faith (UwiF), has journeyed with the people of various countries in Asia
through it’s continuous orientation, leadership training and guidance to their women church leaders.
Particularly in Indonesia wherein the church leadership changes every two years, the UwiF-Asia and
the Pacific consistently gives leadreship orientation, seminars and retreats to the new set of leaders.
This is to ensure the growth and development of the leaders as well as the members. In their national,
annual and district conferences, the overflow of creative activities prioritizing the women can be seen.
Organizationally, through their elected leaders, their constitution, their vision and love of mission they
strive to accomplish their programs and projects for women, youth and children. But practically, they
have limited resources to sustain such activities. Usually their programs only have two to four years
sustaining capacity based on their resources. To support them in these challenges, the UMWiF initiates
programs, projects and activities that help them in sustaining their organizational envisioning, program
concerns, strategic planning, leadership development, training and capacity building, study sessions
and even inspiration and encouragement in their missions.
Attached here are the photos of missionary work in Indonesia.
International Ministries for Women, Youth and Children in ASIA and PACIFIC 