DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY GUIDANCE EXPANDS INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION WITH INSTITUTIONS IN THAILAND

Bangkok, (DBK)—The Directorate General of Christian Community Guidance at the Ministry of Religious Affairs continues its international cooperation with the leaders of educational and religious institutions in Thailand. 

This initiative is the result of a four-day visit by Dirjen Bimas Kristen Jeane Marie Tulung to Thailand, from May 20 to May 23, 2024.

In the field of higher education, the Directorate General of Christian Community Guidance collaborated with IAKN Manado to sign an MoU with the Methodist Theological Seminary (MTS) in Thailand. The cooperation covers education and teaching, research and development, and community service on an international level.

Visiting the International Community School (ICS) located at The Park Land Alley, Bang Na Nuea, Bang Na, Bangkok 10260, Thailand, presents opportunities for cooperation in primary and secondary education. ICS is a private Christian school established in 1993 by a non-profit organization. The Bangna campus, established in 2004, currently serves approximately 1800 students from elementary to high school levels.

Dirjen and the delegation were received by the leadership and several administrators of ICS. Subsequently, discussions began regarding potential cooperation between ICS and Christian educational institutions in Indonesia.

The visit's agenda was notably packed. After addressing educational cooperation, Dirjen and the delegation visited the Evangelical Fellowship of Thailand (EFT). EFT is the national evangelical alliance in Thailand and a member of the World Evangelical Alliance. This group consists of over 3,000 evangelical churches, various parachurch organizations, and foundations, and is one of the five Christian groups legally recognized by the Thai government.

Following a meeting with EFT administrators, a plan for cooperation in service between churches in Thailand and Indonesia was established.

The next visit was to Ladravang Church and Nongchok Church in Bangkok.

At Ladravang Church, a Methodist church established 30 years ago, Dirjen and the delegation were welcomed by Mr. Oracja Kosangarkuk, the congregation leader. Similarly, at Nongchok Church, Mr. Mordr Paolo, the congregational leader, welcomed them.

An interesting discussion topic was "International Students," where several pastors and lecturers from Thailand expressed interest in pursuing education at PTKKN in Indonesia.

Those accompanying Dirjen included Olivia C Wuwung, Rector of IAKN Manado, Santi Kalangi, Head of Secondary Education Division, Anita Inggrith Tuela, Vice Rector for Student Affairs and Cooperation, and Wolter Weol, Director of Postgraduate Studies.