Timeless Memory: The Rain in Childhood Memories

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/12/31/your-letters-childhood-memories-rainy-days.html

It’s rainy season, ladies and gentlemen! Keep your raincoat and umbrella ready! Be prepared to get wet! And brace yourselves for the worst enemy, the traffic jam!

Yet, the funny thing is the smell of rain always brings back my timeless blissful childhood memories. It brings me to my old days spent in the countryside; lie flat on the green grass under the blue skies, facing the lashing rain. After the rain, the small white and pink wild flowers just shine in the pure sun, the brightest rainbow ever decorate the bluish skies, and the smell of fresh ground and grass waft through the air. It’s so great to be so carefree, having an unfettered life with care a damn attitude.

Rainy days help to bring back the love, fun and joy of childhood memories. The melodic rhythm of raindrops pattering on the roof creates the full symphony overhead and dream of far off adventures. My childhood friends and I would dart out of the doors on a rainy day when our mothers weren’t paying attention. We jumped in the puddles, splashing water. Getting soaked, we ran along the edges of the slushy paddy fields, seeking out frogs and eels. Then, we hunted for fallen mangoes and rambutan or jack-fruit under the downpours, gorging at them when we were lucky to find any.

Our greatest joy came when the rain flooded the small river in our village. Its water became light brown like chocolate milk. The current got wilder which we loved so much. We swam across the flooding river in groups, testing our gut. The strong current often carried us down the stream and we had to hug some rocks as our saviors. We cheered like wild Amazons when each of us succeeded to swim across the other side. We were just like fearless warriors!

Oh, can we bring back the joy that we got from such silly things? It seems has been lost decades ago. Gone are those days when we could find wildlife in the rain.

Now, in the concrete jungle of Jakarta, the rain gives us an excuse to curl up on the couch with a good book with a sip of hot tea or coffee on the weekend. Or just listening to the melodic rhythm of it drumming on the roof. However, during workdays, venturing outside after a storm and taking in a long draw of damp air, an earthiness with hints of dust and smoke seems to linger in the air. Then, there have been several powerful storms with lightning and thunder, menacing clouds and a great quantity of water that almost flooded the streets of the city, disrupting the train and paralyzed the traffic. Rainy days become constant nightmare to this city dwellers.

Despite these odds, I still have this odd tingling feeling about the rain. I miss playing in it. I miss going out and just getting wet to be wet and getting muddy under the guise of having fun. So, I steal times just to have walk under the drizzle, feeling the droplets splash on my face. Closing my eyes for seconds, I could see flashbacks of my childhood timeless memory in the rain.  

My Mum said that rain is God’s tears to wash away the bad things from the earth. It does indeed wash away the ugly part of this city, the clogging garbage, the choking haze and so forth. It also brings life by helping the plants and grasses to re-grow. After all, we are all just humble travelers in this world, fragile and hopeful. Yet, we also are strong and tenacious as water making its way through dangerous cliffs to reach its final destination.

On Teachers' Day

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/11/28/your-letters-happy-teachers-day.html

The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires (William Arthur Ward)

On the National Teachers' day, my mind flew back to the old memories during school. I have conviction these memories of teachers persist, continuing to influence my live years later. The sweet and bitter memories are indeed indelible, sealing the lifelong influence that a teacher can have.

I remember my exceptional English teacher in the junior high school by heart. I was greatly affected by his love of the subject and his teaching talent. English was always hard for me. I didn't understand things the first time. It was worsened by my shyness. Combined, they put me into a torture chamber. Then, this particular teacher went out of his way throughout the year to create a fun way of learning and touch our hearts. The way he humored the class with his eccentric English accent along with the creative methods he labored, have unlocked  the imagination and energy of the class. 

Somehow, he sensed that I was extremely shy. I was simply a drop of water in the vast ocean. Yet, he didn't scold or punish me for my drawbacks. Instead, he encouraged me to keep on going and assured me it's OK to err. He said every great person always learn from their mistakes. In measured steps and with great skill he asked more and more of me in terms of participating in discussions. Unlike other teachers who didn't even know I existed, he knew me by name and heart.  He believed in me and gently pushed me to face what I found hardest to do -- speak up my mind in the public arena. I will never forget him. He nurtured my love for the subject and for writing. He inspired me to do things I was afraid of to do. He helped me to build my self esteem and identify my strenght.

In contrast, I also recall one particular Math teacher in the same school.  Math was my worst enemy and nightmare. I don't remember his name, but he had a way of making me feel like a second class citizen because I was a slow learner in this subject. It was a daily battle. I was not lazy but numbers was sort of my Achilles'' heel. Instead of helping me to find effective way to master the subject, he had made me look like a fool. It was still as vivid as lava when he deliberately drew a long white line across my face in front of the class with his favorite chalk on the day I failed to sum up and divide numbers as he instructed. It was humiliating and left a scar on my fragile heart. Some students suffered the same fate. We disliked him greatly. His class sent a wave of terror through me. To this day, the dreadful memory etched on mind like an annoying parasite

These two opposite experiences make me strongly believe that teaching by heart and love is much more effective than by fear and terror. Inspiring ways of learning unbolt the gate of my mind, to soar high and free. It helps me to overcome fears and doubts. It paid off when I nailed the subject. While demeaning ways of learning seal the gate to the land of opportunity. It forever shields me away from moving forward due to constant fear and shame. It became my silent bane. Both consequently have great influence on the way I choose my path the years afterwards.

Hence, it is undeniable that teachers hold in their hands the Holy Grail for the future of our nation. The children they teach are the future generation who will take the leadership estafet from their forefathers. They are the critical guardians of the intellectual life as well as the character of the nation.

In this sense, teachers are the foundation upon which a child's character is built. School is the closest laboratory of character building to home because a child spends more time in school rather than at home. Therefore, teachers have great responsibility to educate, to advise, to counsel and to nurture their students in realizing their full potential, shaping their character altogether. They should give their students the tools to become authors of their own life story and builders of a better world. It is not an exaggeration then to say that teachers are the catalyst for the emergence of a revolutionary ideal through knowledge and education.

Having said so, it is significantly important for teachers to build the integrity and character of the children by choosing to do the right thing. It is a case of living by example, providing a good role model. Teachers become the gravity of social values, ethics and a set of beliefs their students look up to. Effective teachers unlock the energies, imaginations, and, most of all, the minds of their students. To be such an ideal, they have to be highly passionate and obsessive about teaching just like a painter is about painting or an artist is about art. They way they shape and mould their students will leave lasting imprints on their students. Great teachers help their pupils to prepare in their quest in life, and the opposite thrust them into a dark alley of mistrust and doubt.

It is also worthy to note that teachers have the role of more than just to tell, explain or demonstrate. In today's technological savvy, students can get those stuffs from the internet. Every bit of information and knowledge are stored online, and anyone can have access to this massive knowledge repository by one simple click on their desktop. One thing this virtual world lack is the power to inspire. This is the sole authority of human to do so. This is the privilege of a teacher to inspire their students to be better and contribute to help building a better world.

I personally believe that great teachers should become role models and idols for students. Apart from educating students on subjects by touching the students' minds, they have noble duty to also touch their spirits -- the way they see and feel about themselves for the rest of their lives. Such influence is truly a rare privilege that should be prized and nurtured.

So, Happy Teachers Day! We thank all the great teachers out there. We love you!

Bring the Peaceful Islam to the Fore

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/11/12/your-letters-showcasing-ri-s-islam-int-l-event.html

“Ya nabi salam ‘alaika, ya rasul salam ‘alaika, ya habib salam ‘alaika, shalawatullah alaika.” (O Allah! Bestow complete blessings and perfect peace on Sayyidina Muhammad )

Amid ocean of people clad in white, the enchanting voice of Habib Syech bin Abdul Qodir Assegaf grew louder along with the drumming of the humble musical instruments. His melodious voice, venerating his love to The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) successfully packed the traditional mawlid recitation rhythm that made it more beautiful and seductive to ears that hear.

As if under a spell, people started to sway back and forth and left and right to the accelerating rhythm of the hymns. A sense of brotherhood prevailed as their human delights clearly found its way through the peaceful melody that promotes traditional Sufi piety and opposes religious and political violence. Their faces beamed with joy and ecstasy. The recitation is acceptable in public ears in tones and rhythms, regardless of their religion, ethnicity, gender, age or background.

On the two main stages, the Vice President, the Governor of Bank Indonesia, The Governor of East Java, The Former Chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama Organization and dignitaries from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) as well as World Bank and IMF bore witness as thousands of people solemnly chanted the mantra in unison. This incantation spoke of love and compassion. The Salawat (devotional prayers) is the manifestation of the ultimate call to love Allah, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his family and compassion for humanity. This is unerringly an antidote of fear, prejudice and hatred which have plagued the Muslim community.

This mass shalawat marked the grand opening of the OIC Central Bank Governors Meeting held in conjunction with the Indonesia Sharia Economic Festival (ISEF) in Surabaya, East Java, on Nov. 3-9. Despite attended by around thirty thousands of people, the humble feast went smoothly without any major incidents. People brought along little candle-like sticks in red and white color, a symbol of Indonesia's national flag and unity. They followed up closely the processions in an orderly manner. Minor incident occurred when out of the crowds, a green flashlight pointed matter of factly at the face of the Vice President when delivering his speech. The law enforcers immediately apprehended the culprit into custody.

All and all, the event was a success in showcasing another side of Islam in Indonesia. Participants from diverse countries were immersed in the joy and solemness of the auspicious event. Some hummed along while others were busy taking some pictures, immortalizing the moment. It was indeed a rare occasion to have ocean of masses in such jubilee.

This peaceful campaign of love and compassion defies any notion that Islam is filled by the nihilists who know only how to destroy and devastate. On contrary, the night’s show culminated that Islam is a peaceful religion based on the dignity of all human beings which was often hijacked by cowards whose actions are the cruelest insult of the religion. The shalawat sheds some lights that Islam brings peace and harmony instead of chaos.

In this spirit of brotherhood and peace, Bank Indonesia chose Surabaya as the venue for the first OIC Central Bank Governors Meeting held in Indonesia to have in-depth discussion about sharia-based economic development among OIC members, focusing on raising awareness regarding financial-deepening strategies incorporated with multinational initiatives in collecting zakat (alms) and increasing community participation in the industry. Having the highest number of pesantren (Islamic boarding schools) in Indonesia, Surabaya has the potential as a pilot project site in order to be named the center of sharia-based product development in Indonesia.

Also, Surabaya is the second largest city in Indonesia whose population mostly adheres to Islam. It is also the first birthplace of ‘Walisongo (the nine saints of Sufis in Java) whose role in the spread of Islam in Java has lasting effects throughout the island.  Known as the City of Heroes due to its historic role in galvanizing Indonesians the international support for independence, Surabaya has rich culture and historical heritage to attract visitors as well as home to huge market for syariah products.

Against these backdrops, it is no wonder Surabaya is considered the best place to be the pioneer city for flourishing syariah economic products campaign nationally and globally.

It is imperative to tap the potential revenue from Zakat which so far has not been managed in an improved and integrated system for financial deepening and thus improving people’s welfare. Statistics showed that in 2012, Indonesia had had potential revenue from zakat of Rp 217 billion (US$18 million), equal to 3.4% of the country’s Gross Development Product (GDP). Unfortunately, in reality it only managed to collect Rp 2.7 trillion.

Dr. Zamir Iqbal, Lead Investment Officer, World Bank who attended as discussant in the “Islamic Financial Sector Assessment Program (IFSAP): Implementation of Macroprudential Frameworks for Islamic Finance” expressed his satisfaction in joining the event as many beneficial discussion paved ways to the adoption of shariah economics. Further, he liked the city for its hospitality and the diverse arts found in the various souvenirs being sold.

It is also heartening to hear some participants said that the experience transported them to the presence of spiritual brotherhood and the beautiful face of Islam which is rarely exposed and seen.

Ghulam Muhammad Abbasi of Islamic State Bank of Pakistan said he flew home with “lots of excellent memories of Indonesia’s rich culture and hospitality”. Ammar Hiouani of Central Bank of Algeria, praised “”Indonesian people are the right Muslims.””

To bring the other Indonesia’s iconic cultural symbol to the fore, the OIC Central Bank Governors meeting was concluded by introducing the Karapan Sapi (Cow Race) of Madura and Reog Ponorogo dance to the dignitaries. These two cultural shows reflect the diversity of Indonesia’s 300 plus ethnic groups that have their own language, cuisine, traditional dance, arts shows and so forth. The rich cultural heritage is one of Indonesia’s true national riches in wait to be exposed and explored.

And I am truly blessed to be one among witnesses of such jubilant occasion.

Trip to the Past: Reliving the Old Batavia

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/10/29/citizen-journalism-a-trip-past-revisiting-batavia.html

Sunday morning 09.45 a.m. My husband and I joined a fascinating historic tour throughout Jakarta, with around 40 people. The focus was to relive the forerunner of Indonesian railway track. The tour led us to three oldest train station in Jakarta Kota or popularly known as Beos; Jatinegara, and Pasar Senen respectively.  The tour also followed a number of remarkable places from Scott Merrillees ‘ book Greeting From Jakarta, Postcard of A Capital 1900-1950. The event was organized by local online community Sahabat Museum (Museum Friends) aiming at encouraging young people to learn more about the history of Jakarta.

For this special occasion, Sahabat Museum, invited Scott Merrillees as guest speaker along with some volunteers from the community. Cracking a joke or two with funky approach, these speakers offered a detailed account of each historical site we visited. We retraced the history of the train with a joy ride from the iconic Jakarta Kota to Jatinegara and back again to Pasar Senen train Station. Then, it was as if we boarded on the time travel train, pulling us back into the past. We were transported into a visual journey through a bygone urban landscape.

In one of the enlarged postcards, Scott showed us that there was a time when Jakarta boasted one of the region’s most advanced streetcar networks. Taken in the last decade before Indonesia declared its independence from the Netherlands, the picture encased an electrical tramline running through Fatahillah Square, the onetime political center of the Dutch East Indies.

The participants also learnt from Aditya, another speaker, that indeed the railway track in Indonesia, evolved more than 150 years ago.The first station ever built in Indonesia is not the Jakarta Kota or the Tanjung Priok Station. It was built in Semarang instead in 1864 to cover the regions that were rich in sugar cane, coffee, tobacco, teak and other wood. The Dutch government appointed Spoorweg Nederlandsch Indische Maatschappij (NIS), whose headquarters, now known as Lawang Sewu (A Thousand Doors) Building was responsible for its construction. And precisely on August 10, 1867 a train slid for the first time at this station with track line ended up as Semarang–Surakarta–Yogyakarta.  Afterward, NIS continued extending the railway to western — Batavia–Buitenzorg (Jakarta–Bogor) — and eastern parts of Java in the same year.

At Beos which stands for Bataviasche Ooster Spoorweg Maatschapij, the speakers took us to the architecture design that was said to be the best one at its age. It was matrimony between modern west technique and structure with the local characteristic. Thus, Jakarta Kota Station was then decided to be one of culture preserve in Indonesia. The trains not only connect cities, but also people, because through railways we can take a glimpse of our common heritage and history.

The participants also had the chance to retrace the picture from the old postcard of the book to its actual site. Under the scorching sun, we ventured into the sprawling and polluted Jatinegara packed with its traffic congestion and disorderly rows of market vendors spilling over the streets, to discover the former Mester Market. The sweltering heat did not stop Scott to narrate the old postcard from his book, pointing its exact location of the now shabby, worn out, and the poorly maintained building in front of us. Drenched in sweat, choked by haze, most of the participants listened attentively to him. Some posed some questions, and the smiling Scott tried his best to provide an answer.

All and all, the speakers have turned history which formerly associated with boredom into a colossal fascinating journey to the past. We came to know the beauty of Batavia, the Indonesian capital’s colonial past, before it has changed over centuries due to massive urbanization and modernization. The former beautiful century old Batavia transformed into a concrete jungle of Jakarta.

What surprised me more is the fact that people of various age took part in the event, with the youngest aged 8. In fact, I did not see many wrinkled faces and grey hair, which commonly associated with museum and history, in the group. It’s heartening to know many younger generations are interested in the history of the city we live in.

Mita, a graduate from English Literature, said she had joined the Sahabat Museum Tour for the third time. History has long been her passion since her childhood as her parents used to learn more about Indonesia’s long past. She said she has planned to take her master degree in history. Asked on what the reason she was interested in the subject, she eagerly said ,”I want to learn more about history in general. But specifically, I want to do some historical research about the Indonesian Communist purge in Indonesia. Like many other Indonesians, I have relatives who were greatly affected by this sad chapter of Indonesia’s history book. I want them to have a closure by my research.”

Lea, a Slovakian who married to an Indonesia, revealed that she joined the tour because she had just arrived in Indonesia last week. “My husband knew the program online, and he asked me to come along. I said why not? It’s a good start to know something about the city.”

With that in mind, Lea and her husband did not have a second thought in joining the program. It’s quite rewarding when at the end of the tour, she was one of the five participants to get the book “Greeting From Jakarta, Postcard of A Capital 1900-1950”, as doorprize.

Galoeh, one of the volunteers in Sahabat Museum, disclosed that she became an active member of the Sahabat Museum since 2003, one year after its enactment. For the past ten years, she has participated in various tours and events arranged by its founder. A Graduate from Dutch, like Mita, she has long developed passion for history. Becoming part of the community offers her an opportunity to get to know more of people with the same interests. Also, it opens an endless window to travel around Indonesia to retrace the historical sites scattered around the archipelago.

“The community offers me flexibility to participate in their regular events. I could come and go as time allows me too, depending on my working schedule. It’s fun, sophisticatid and I get to know many people too. Thus, this allows me to have less complication n in arranging my timetable.”   

Joice, the mother of the youngest participant, said she took her son to the tour to introduce him to the commuter line in Jakarta. “My son has never been boarded on KRL, so it’s like a dream come true for him.”

Taking one day trip back to the past is amusing. It’s nice to walk along old sites, savoring the remnants of Indonesia capital’s colonial past. Yet, it is sad to see many old buildings have been demolished and left dying. It’s shocking to discover that so little is being done to protect the architectural heritage and the city’s history.

Raising awareness by promoting such tour perhaps is one of the best efforts to preserve our historical sites. Sahabat Museum helps to raise such awareness, and I sincerely hope that under the new Governor and the New President, these reminders of our past; our glory and triumph, our defeat and fall; will come into spotlights. These historical sites should not fall victim under modernization.