Popayán
The international helpers from Area 3 carried out the first part of their visit to the groups in Colombia between October 3 and 12, 2025. The tour began in the city of Popayán, accompanied by two national helpers. The group consists of 32 members, both men and women, who receive the Latihan regularly, with the majority participating in the visit. The result was the strengthening of the helpers’ Dewan, especially among the men, with the reactivation of two helpers who had been on hiatus. The group commented on the importance of the visit and reaffirmed the strengthening of the Popayán group in recent years. Working with women helpers, together we addressed issues of mental health and the latihan.
Cali
The tour continued in the city of Cali, where a group of approximately 60 members, both men and women, receive their Latihan regularly. The helpers had a special task of accompanying the return to the Dewan of a male helper who had been on hiatus and a young couple, a man and a woman, who will begin their process of becoming helpers. During the visit, there was a pleasant atmosphere among the whole group, with great expectations for the future of the Subud house, which has made significant progress in its restoration. There was a strong feeling of working together, committee and helpers.
Armenia
The visit continued in the city of Armenia, which has a group of 12 active members, both men and women. The visit gave impetus to the reactivation of the group, which for several months has been experiencing a phase of weakening following the pandemic and due to the location of the Subud house, with which not all members of the group are comfortable. According to the regional helper’s report, the visit took place in an atmosphere of tranquility and harmony. The Dewan of helpers received support and a helper who had been on hiatus was re-instated. The work gave them the feeling to take on the challenges that lie ahead for the group.
Amanecer
On October 8 and 9, the international assistantship accompanied the Amanecer group, which has 24 active members, both men and women, and included members who came mainly from Pereira and Armenia. The work with helpers strengthened the local Dewan; a non-active helper felt to return, and initiated the candidacy of a local member to become a helper. The group was very pleased with the kejiwaan work and expressed their desire to continue working with the local and regional assistants. We also spent time with Foundation Amanecer, and the group shared their issues and experiences, some of them difficult, with ongoing problems about property, etc. Amanecer still feels like a wonderful, special place, when members are receiving latihan regularly.
Bogotá
The last visit of this first phase of visits was to the city of Bogotá, which currently has 40 active members. During the visit, the group was felt to have a lively Latihan and great dynamics. The work focused mainly on harmonizing the male and female Dewan and on the specific work of each helper. The visit also included a cultural activity promoted by SICA Colombia with the presentation of a recently formed choir and the launch of a poetry contest in honor of Bapak and the spiritual world of Subud.
It felt like a time for change, for some. 3 women helpers tested to become inactive, or honorary (to do something else after many, many years). And one young woman became an applicant helper. Hopefully, more will test in the near future.
