Author: Patrisia A. Pantouw
Editor: Melissa Puspa Chandra
Author: Patrisia Ana Pantouw
Editor: Melissa Puspa Chandra
Achieving inclusivity in various fields is nowadays widely recognized as a crucial objective. Furthermore, this heightened awareness has motivated many people to pursue it through dedicated efforts.
Pastor A. Elga J. Sarapung is one of the activists who has been spearheading numerous inclusivity-oriented movements. What are they and how she does it? Let us find out below:
The Growth of an Inclusive Leader
Pastor Elga’s passion for advocating inclusivity began during her school years, as she lived among peers from diverse religious backgrounds. It solidified after she had graduated from Groningen University in the Netherlands, when she and a few others such as Pastor Eka Darmaputra, Ph. D., Daniel Dhakidae, Ph. D., the late Zulkifly Lubis, dan Doctor. Djohan Effendi. founded Institute for Inter-Faith Dialogue in Indonesia (DIAN Institute/Interfidei in 1991.
She was appointed as director immediately, and serves in that capacity until now. Additionally, she acts as one of the vice presidents of the Asian Conference of Religions for Peace, as Chair of the Interfaith Women’s Network in Asia Pacific, and as Secretary for Religions for Peace in Indonesia.
As an activist of inclusivity, Pastor Elga has been facing significant challenges, particularly in bridging differences to foster unity.
“How can people from diverse backgrounds—both within and across communities—come together, engage in dialogue, respect one another, and collaborate for the common good?” she reflects.
Another challenge lies in addressing governmental policies that occasionally undermine justice.
“Indonesia has Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution, but we still need to make sure that all levels of government – from the lowest to the highest – do not veer away from them,” she emphasises.
And, to all the challenges, her first solution is: “Respect others as you wish to be respected,” followed with, “Nobody left behind.”
“We always try to ensure that no one is ‘left out’ just because they are different,” she explains. “Also, everyone has the rights they deserve and therefore must be treated properly, humanely, and in a civilized manner.”
Interfidei, Then and Now
In its escence, Interfidei seeks to help create a civil society that is rooted in humanity and democracy. To that effect, since its founding in 1991 until now, it serves as a model for implementing inclusivity in Indonesia.
Initially, Interfidei was a forum in which religious thoughts and concepts of belief, as well as the dynamics of diversity (pluralism) encountered in real life, were shared, discussed and grappled with together.
Nowadays, it offers various programs that consist chiefly of local training sessions and workshops, geared especially towards those who are involved in the field of education, whether as students or teachers/lecturers.
“In our activities, we collaborate with GEDSI (Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion) to ensure no one is marginalized due to their differences,” adds Pastor Elga.
Inclusivity Does Not Mean Compromising Standards
When asked specifically about her definition of inclusivity, Pastor Elga explains, “Inclusivity means uniting society’s plurality without exclusion – whether based on religion (intra- or interfaith), ethnicity, race, culture, gender, disability, or other factors.”
Her leadership at Interfidei exemplifies this principle. While adhering to institutional regulations, she also fosters openness, encourages collaborative innovation, and ensures no single voice dominates discussions. Furthermore, she maintains a firm stance against negative elements, such as habitual tardiness and disruptive behavior.
Not only within the programs, Pastor Elga also prioritizes equality during day-to-day activities, such as insisting on shared meals in which directors, drivers, chefs and staff sit together as equals.
Through Interfidei’s tangible efforts under Pastor Elga’s leadership, the abstract ideal of inclusivity becomes a lived reality. They demonstrate that understanding and achieving true inclusion require persistent dialogue, a commitment to justice, and the courage to see difference not as a barrier, but as a source of collective strength for Indonesia and beyond.
Many have been inspired by her to help carry the torch of inclusivity to the finish line. Are you one of them?