A Green Heart: Mgr. Samuel's Environmental Mission

Samuel Sidin, the Bishop of Sintang, West Kalimantan, is also renowned as an environmental advocate. Photo credit: Samuel Sidin.

SINTANG - dayaktoday.com: Samuel Oton Sidin, affectionately known as "ugahari" (simplicity), is an environmental champion. He is also a devoted Dayak priest.

The award from the Government of the Republic of Indonesia to Samuel Sidin for his contributions to environmental conservation and education in West Kalimantan is called Kalpataru. On the outskirts of Pontianak, in Sui Ambawang, Samuel has an environmental model named "Rumah Pelangi" --The Rainbow House.

Born in Bengkayang, West Kalimantan, on December 12, 1954, his journey began after he completed high school. He then pursued his studies at the Major Seminary of the Capuchin Order in Prapat, Pematang Siantar, North Sumatra. His education played a crucial role in shaping his future and fueled his passion for environmental advocacy.

Doctorate achieved; revived barren landscape

An invaluable opportunity came when he earned a Doctorate in Rome, leading him back to Pontianak as the superior of the Capuchin Order. There, he responded to his calling as a Franciscan, nurturing a love for the environment in a barren area of Ambawang, near Pontianak.

With dedication and hard work, he transformed the dry land into a lush green forest through his project, "Rainbow House." After 15 years of conservation, the once parched region now holds a reservoir of water that sustains the local community.

His remarkable efforts reached all the way to Jakarta. On June 5, 2012, coinciding with World Environment Day, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono awarded Samuel the Kalpataru award, recognizing him as one of the twelve recipients of this prestigious honor.

However, Samuel's motivation for environmental conservation isn't driven by fame, rewards, or accolades. Instead, it stems from his deep love for others and the spirituality he gained from his seminary education, inspired by the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi, the founder of the Franciscan Order. Notably, St. Francis was declared the Patron Saint of Ecology on November 29, 1979.

Bishop Samuel promotes equality and conservation

Today, Samuel Sidin serves as the Bishop of the Diocese of Sintang in West Kalimantan. 

He was appointed on December 21, 2016, and ordained on March 22, 2017. While he is known for his environmental advocacy, his rise to this position wasn't a goal but rather an unexpected turn of events. As Gus Dur wisely said, "When you do good, no one will ask about your religion."

I had the privilege of meeting him at the Dayak Forum of West Kalimantan in Jakarta (FDKJ) in May 2016, where I also presented a book titled "101 Dayak Figures" Volume 2 featuring his profile.

With a humble demeanor typical of the Capuchin Order, ugahari shines like the sun. He serves as the spiritual leader of the FDKJ and prefers wearing sandals reminiscent of Roman soldiers.

A thin mustache graces his smile, while his face radiates charisma. Though he holds an academic title of Lic.Phil from the Pontifical University in Rome, he has moved beyond the conservative theological views of pre-Vatican II, which stated "extra Ecclesiam nulla salus."

For him, anyone who seeks to do good is deserving of heavenly reward.

This monsignor, who enjoys gardening and cherishes the environment, possesses an open-minded perspective. He believes that all living beings are equal in the eyes of the Creator. 

-- Masri Sareb Putra