Universitas Kristen Indonesia Tomohon

Patchouli oil distillation activities in Lansot Village, Tomohon City, have generated serious ecological problems, including water pollution caused by the disposal of distillation waste near residential wells, air pollution from fuel combustion, and machine noise that disturbs public health and comfort. These conditions reflect low ecological awareness and the absence of adequate waste-management regulations and technology. This study aims to develop an ecotheological perspective for patchouli farmers in sustainable waste management based on the concepts of relational ontology and theocentric stewardship by Jorgenson and Padgett. Using a qualitative case-study approach, data were collected through field observation and in-depth interviews with farmers, affected residents, and local government. The findings show that waste problems are not merely technical but rooted in limited ecological education and social tensions reinforced by close kinship ties, which discourage public protest. The study concludes that integrating Christian faith values through ecological discipleship and collaboration between church, government, and farming communities can enable just, participatory, and sustainable waste management.

This article examines the mission of the church within the context of religious and cultural pluralism in Indonesia by emphasizing interfaith dialogue as a relevant and contextual form of Christian witness. In a plural society vulnerable to identity-based conflicts and intolerance, the church is called to engage in mission not through exclusive or confrontational approaches, but through dialogical practices that respect human dignity and religious diversity. Grounded in the paradigm of Missio Dei, this study affirms that mission is the church’s participation in God’s ongoing work of love, justice, and reconciliation in the world. Through theological and biblical reflection, interfaith dialogue is understood not as syncretism or theological compromise, but as a faithful and incarnational expression of gospel witness. The article demonstrates that interfaith dialogue has strong biblical foundations and offers significant implications for contemporary churches, particularly in fostering interreligious relationships, social engagement, and transformative presence within Indonesia’s plural society.

The teaching of Ekam Sat Vipra Bahudha Vadanti “Truth is one, though the wise call it by many names”offers a meaningful framework for interreligious engagement in diverse societies. Rather than treating other religions as theological systems to be judged or criticized, this study shows that they are understood as authentic and meaningful expressions of spirituality. Such an understanding resonates with John Hick’s view of a transcendent reality that is encountered and interpreted through different religious and cultural traditions. The pluralistic outlook that emerges from this reflection is not merely theoretical but grows out of lived philosophical reflection and everyday social experience. In this way, the findings contribute to and enrich Paul Knitter’s typology of interreligious relations. The religious life of the Hindu community at Pura Jagadhita Taas illustrates a distinctive and dynamic form of religious practice, marked by a high degree of fluidity. Here, religious communication is shaped less by rigid doctrinal claims and more by shared ethical values such as harmony, moral virtue, and respect for human dignity. Seen in this light, Ekam Sat functions not as an abstract theological formula, but as a lived spiritual orientation one that encourages inclusive social attitudes and strengthens cohesion within pluralistic communities.

One of the national strategic goals is digital transformation, and 30 million MSMEs are expected to become digital by 2024. Nevertheless, Manado culinary MSMEs, especially those in the Flamboyan Street Food District, continue to experience a digital divide because consumer behaviour is becoming increasingly reliant on social media content, online reviews, and electronic money transfer systems. The proposed study will help develop a consumer-behaviour-based digital strategy model to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of culinary MSMEs. An explanatory mixed-methods research design was used to gather quantitative data (100 digital consumers) using PLS-SEM and qualitative data (in-depth interviews, FGDs, and direct observations of MSME actors). The results show that customer engagement strongly mediates the influence of digital strategy on competitiveness and that competitiveness is a strong personal contributor to business sustainability. The qualitative findings indicate that digital literacy, regular online promotion, and enabling infrastructure are essential to the adoption of digital technology. In general, this study has found that consumer-focused digital approaches can enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of MSMEs in the culinary industry in Manado. Practical recommendations include the establishment of digital marketing strengths, multi-stakeholder cooperation, and the adoption of context-related technologies in line with the local culture and groups.

Tuberculosis remains a major global health challenge, particularly due to the increasing emergence of drug-resistant strains, highlighting the need for new antimycobacterial agents from natural sources. Clerodendrum minahassae, a medicinal plant traditionally used in North Sulawesi, has demonstrated antibacterial activity; however, its antimycobacterial potential has not been previously explored. This study aimed to evaluate the antimycobacterial activity of the ethanolic leaf extract of C. minahassae against Mycobacterium smegmatis as a surrogate model and to estimate its minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). The extract was tested at concentrations of 5, 7.5, and 10 µg/disc using the disc diffusion method. Inhibition zone diameters increased in a concentration-dependent manner, ranging from 9.40 ± 0.52 mm to 10.60 ± 0.92 mm. Quantitative analysis using Bloomfield-based linear regression revealed a strong dose–response relationship (R² = 0.9926), from which MIC and MBC values of 0.63 µg/disc and 2.52 µg/disc were estimated, respectively. These findings indicate that the ethanolic extract of C. minahassae exhibits measurable inhibitory and bactericidal activity against M. smegmatis at relatively low concentrations. While this study represents an exploratory screening, the results support the potential of C. minahassae as a source of bioactive compounds with antimycobacterial relevance. Further investigations involving fractionation, compound identification, toxicity assessment, and validation against pathogenic Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains are warranted.

This paper reports a quantitative research on CM Christian forgiveness, reconciliation, and life in GMIM churches in Indonesia. This study examines the actualization of theological beliefs regarding forgiveness in daily relationships using a cross-sectional survey of adult members of various congregations and their role in the vitality of congregations. The concept of forgiveness is heavily asserted as a non-negotiable Christian ministry, and it is commonly experienced as peace in the soul. Respondents associated the forgiveness of other people with obedience to God and the release of anger and bitterness, and they considered other spiritual practices, such as prayer, to be relevant supports towards release. Simultaneously, the participants have a reticent and discriminating attitude: they note that they find it more demanding to forgive serious or recurrent crimes, and they always distinguish between intrapersonal forgiveness and interpersonal reconciliation. It is typically considered that reconciliation would only be acceptable where there is repentance, change of behavior, and relational safety, and in most cases under the mediation of pastors or elders. The sense of congregational climate indicates that teaching forgiveness is perceived to be consistent and clear, and practices of conflict handling and leadership modelling are perceived to be uneven. The patterns of correlation show that a better sense of belonging, perceived unity, and active engagement in ministries are linked to stronger forgiveness and reconciliation orientations. This study concludes that forgiveness and reconciliation are not just theological principles but also practical sources of congregational well-being and valuable tools in Christian witness in a plural and postcolonial society.

This study aims to analyze the concept of piety in John Calvin’s theology and its implications for the life of the GMIM Efrata Wusa congregation. Piety is an important issue given the weak spiritual awareness of the congregation amid the pressures of modern life, which has caused prayer and worship practices to lose their deep meaning. Using theological literature study methods and field research in the form of interviews and observations of special ministers and congregations, this study found that Calvin’s teachings on prayer, repentance, self-denial, and obedience are highly relevant to restoring the spirituality of the congregation. Calvin viewed piety not merely as personal discipline but as a lifestyle rooted in the knowledge of God and manifested in real life. The GMIM Efrata Wusa congregation, in its confession, demonstrates openness to contextual and comprehensive spiritual formation. Therefore, Calvin’s understanding of piety can serve as a theological foundation for the renewal of spiritual life within the context of the local church today.

The church is called to serve with integrity, but is often faced with ethical and moral challenges that threaten the credibility of its ministry. Often the church is used as a means of power, with church leaders preferring to compromise with corrupt systems for the sake of position and a comfortable life rather than upholding faith and truth. This points to a deep crisis of integrity in ministry. This study aims to reconstruct the understanding of integrity in ministry through a hermeneutical analysis of the narrative in Luke 23:50-56a, which focuses on the figure of Joseph of Arimathea. As a member of the Sanhedrin, Joseph was faced with a difficult choice: to prioritize his position or to act out of compassion for Jesus. He chose to take down and bury Jesus' body, an act that went against the Sanhedrin's consensus and could potentially endanger himself. This study uses a qualitative approach, with narrative hermeneutics based on E. G. Singgih's method, which includes: structure, plot, characters, conflict, setting, time, style, and narrator. The results of the study show that integrity in service lies not only in institutional obedience, but in the willingness to transcend institutional and social barriers. Joseph's actions show that true service is rooted in moral courage and compassion, which are capable of setting aside personal, political, and comfort interests. Contemporary churches must reconstruct their understanding of ministry to emphasize courage, ethics, and commitment, even when facing personal risk. In this way, the ministry of the Church can once again become an authentic and transformative witness.

This study evaluated the antidiabetic activity and phytochemical profile of the ethanolic extract of Scleria sumatrensis Retz. Using an alloxan-induced diabetic rat model. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan (150 mg/kg BW) after a 12-hour fasting period, and fasting blood glucose was measured at three standardized time points: GD1 (baseline), GD2 (72 hours post-induction), and GD3 (day 14 post-treatment). GC–MS analysis revealed several major constituents, including ethyl α-D-glucopyranoside, ethyl linoleate, ethyl linolenate, phytol, tocopherol, and β-sitosterol, which are associated with improved insulin sensitivity, modulation of PPAR-γ–related pathways, antioxidant protection of pancreatic β-cells, and reduced intestinal carbohydrate digestion. Rats were assigned to negative control (vehicle), positive control (metformin 45 mg/kg BW), and extract-treated groups (75, 150, and 300 mg/kg BW). Percentage reduction from GD2 to GD3 was analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post-hoc test. The extract produced a significant and dose-dependent decrease in fasting glucose (p < 0.001). All extract doses differed significantly from the negative control, and the 300 mg/kg dose demonstrated glucose-lowering efficacy comparable to metformin. These findings indicate that Scleria sumatrensis possesses vigorous antihyperglycemic activity consistent with its lipophilic phytochemical composition. Further studies are required to verify the underlying mechanisms and identify the most active constituents.

This study explores the role and extent of community participation in shaping inclusive public spaces in Tomohon City, North Sulawesi. Using a mixed-methods case study of the Tomohon City Square, data were collected through surveys of 100 users, field observations, and interviews with 10 key informants. The findings show that the community holds significant influence in creating inclusive public spaces, primarily through informal participation such as community activities and grassroots initiatives, while formal involvement in planning remains limited. The study concludes that strengthening participatory mechanisms in urban design can enhance users’ sense of belonging, accessibility, and the social quality of public spaces. Overall, the research highlights the importance of citizen collaboration in developing locally grounded, inclusive urban design practices.