“Without broaden knowlede and deep thoughts, big dreams could not be achieved”
–Pearl S. Buck
Background
I always have a dream to be a first Indonesian catholic president because we had already a woman president. I stand out “catholic” here because majority of religion in Indonesia is Islamic (Sunni) faith, so that kind of dream needs some challenges to be passed for and need some passions to be showed of. That is definetely a big dream.
By mentioning “catholic” does not mean that I am a good one. I am not religious, but I am proud of seeing Catholic things that are manifested by architectures, churches, songs, books, discussions around the world. I am proud to be part of Roman Catholic church, it is not just a religion, but a huge international organization.
Catholic faith, more or less, is always influenced by European history of Renaissance, with the Pope as the central and highest hierarchial position in Roman Catholic church, had the main role to change Roman Catholic church policy and international politic as well. But Catholic and Indonesian history is not so “romantical” as Catholic with European history. Catholic and Indonesia is like talking about iPhone 7 in front of newborn babies in the era of Ben-Hur. Yes, sarcastic and unbelievable.
However, I am 100% Indonesian and I am 100% Catholic, so I look alike Flinstone who uses Mac laptop to hear some Franz Schubert’s classic songs. Only Indonesian-Catholic knows that mixed-feeling of being an Indonesian, and at the same time, having a Catholic faith. Everytime we introduce ourself, “I am Indonesian, but I am Catholic”.
We stress “but” here because many Europeans think all Indonesians are Moslems. This aspect of “Indonesian Catholic” will bring some unique perspectives while we are in Europe and especially for me, who loves Politic so much, give some opportunities to know everything that I do not know before.
This essay of course does not represent all Indonesian Catholicians. I just try to mix my second journey in Europe last summer (July-August 2016), also some memories from my first journey in Oslo, Norway in 2009, and with some political knowledge that I always use to see everything. I hope you enjoy this essay, not as an academic writing, but a reflexion about Europe from an ordinary Indonesian woman who loves international politic issues. This essay written in English to gain more readers and break up misunderstanding, to be more post-modern thinker style of writing.
European Union Nowadays
Terrorism is the number one issue, of course and that’s it. If I just say it, this essay had been ended now. When I was in Europe in 2016 is really different condition while I was in Europe in 2009. Europe 2009 was everybody’s dream. Oslo was great. Trondheim was amazing. Amsterdam was memorable.