Wirausaha Muda Indonesia Sukses Padupadankan Bisnis dan Lingkungan

“‘Follow your passion, and be the best at it.” Menjadi moto hidup yang patut diteladani dari seorang pribadi muda, kreatif dan inspiratif. Marco Devian (22), pemuda asal Kota Bandung, Jawa Barat ini memiliki segudang prestasi.

Marco, begitu sapaan akrabnya, menempuh pendidikan formal di Wesley College dan kemudian melanjutkan studinya di Curtin University Australia. Business Managament and Marketing serta Sport Science (Double degree) menjadi pilihan yg tepat untuknya. Hal tersebut tentu bukan tanpa alasan. Bisnis garmen (@majagarment) yang kini ditekuni, menjadi bukti keseriusannya dalam dunia bisnis walau usia relatif terbilang muda.

Mungkin Anda masih ingat dengan sebuah ajang pemilihan Green Ambassador yang sempat menjadi trending topic di situs jejaring sosial twitter. Nama Marco Devian mulai akrab setelah gelar 2nd Runner up dan Best Social Media Influencer berhasil disandangnya dalam ajang bergengsi tersebut. Kemampuan dan pengetahuan seputar lingkungan ia pelajari secara autodidak dengan melakukan green campaign selama 11 di negeri kangguru, Australia .

Kesadaran akan green lifestyle sudah melekat dalam dirinya, hingga bisnis @majagarment yang kini ia rintis pun menerapkan green business practice. Konsep Green Business merupakan upaya penerapan efesiensi dan efektivitas bisnis dengan nilai-nilai bermuatan lingkungan. Hal tersebut meliputi office layout, distribusi, dan juga upaya daur ulang produk (Maja Green). Lebih jauh Marco menuturkan, konsep green business practice juga berarti berbisnis dengan jujur dan memberi kualitas terbaik pada seluruh stakeholders.

Prestasi di bidang olahraga pernah pula ia raih di tingkat internasional, diantaranya Juara 1 Blue Gum Tennis Championship, Best and Fairest Player 2008 Wesley College, dan Juara 3 Melville Tennis Championship 2006.

Pria yang tumbuh sebagai atlet dan dididik dengan pola pikir seorang entrepreneur ini juga berprestasi dalam hal akademik, terbukti dengan keberhasilannya meraih Highest Score for Economic Subject saat menempuh pendidikan di perguruan tinggi Australia. (VQ)

Written for Good News From Indonesia by Vicky Dwisaputra

Indonesia Dalam Lensa Elisabeth Hetty

Di suatu malam yang cerah ceria, 2 Juli 2010 di Bentara Budaya Bali (BBB) pada sebuah pameran foto oleh seorang fotografer jurnalistik KOMPAS terkenal, Julian Sihombing, untuk pertama kalinya saya [RA] bertemu dengan Elisabeth Hetty [EH]. Memang masih belum banyak yang tahu siapa seorang Elisabeth Hetty, tapi di Bali, perempuan ramah, murah senyum dan rendah hati ini cukup dikenal. Dan beberapa hari terakhir saya baru mendengar kabarnya karena sebuah pameran foto yang diselenggarakan Hotel Harris untuk Elisabeth Hetty selama tiga bulan.

Tentu saya tidak ingin menyia-nyiakan kesempatan ini. ini pertama kali saya bertemu dengannya sekaligus melihat langsung karya – karyanya berupa foto-fototentang keeksotisan Indonesia. Memang banyak fotografer dengan tema serupa, tapi sangat jarang dapat ditemui fotografer sekaligus pelukis. Bisa dibilang Elisabeth Hetty ini adalah orang kedua yang saya temui dalam hidup saya setelah paman saya sendiri, yang memahami fotografi sekaligus melukis! Berikut petikan wawancaranya:

RA : Apa kesibukannya sekarang?

EH : Sejak hamil aku keluar dari Bali Artemedia, terus kerja dari rumah aja. Editing buku fashion, terus sekarang lagi ngerjain pracetak untuk buku masak terbitan Gramedia Pustaka Utama.

RA : Sebetulnya cita-cita dari kecil ingin jadi apa?

EH : hmm… kalo cita-cita sih gonta-ganti. Waktu kecil  kalo ditanya orang, aku selalu jawab jadi guru. Terus pas udah SMA aku pengen banget jadi sekretaris. Jadilah aku kuliah sekretaris di Palembang. Akhirnya kesampaian jadi sekretaris redaksi di PT Gramedia Pustaka Utama selama 5 tahun. Nah saat aku jadi sekretaris itulah, aku seneng motret-motret. Trus berawal dari sekedar hobi, aku kumpulin uang untuk lengkapin peralatan fotografi. Nah pas udah sering terima order motret wedding dan motret model, aku berhenti jadi sekretaris dan memutuskan untuk serius di fotografi.  Akhirnya aku kuliah di IKJ untuk mengasah ‘sense of art’. Aku masuk jurusan seni murni-lukis. Sebenarnya aku awalnya milih DKV (Desain Komunikasi Visual) tapi dosen yang menyarankan bilang ‘garis’ ku beda. Menurut pertimbangan mereka, desain grafis bisa dipelajari kapan saja Terus aku ikutin aja saran para dosen. Eh ternyata aku menikmati juga di jurusan itu. Kata mereka sih, aku lebih cocok di seni murni, punya garis ciri khas (mungkin tekanannya atau apa) untuk jadi pelukis.

RA : Kenapa jadi lebih tertarik ke keeksotisan Indonesia yang dijadikan tema dalam dunia fotografi?

EH : Karena dari dulu aku suka ‘nature’ dan ‘ordinary people’. Lewat dua hal itu aku bisa melewati beberapa cobaan berat dalam hidup.

RA : Kota-kota di Indonesia kan banyak, lantas kenapa Bali jadi tujuan?

EH : Karena aku sudah muak di Jakarta. Kota yang terlalu ambisius buatku, hehehehe. Aku memutuskan untuk hidup sendirian (dulu) di Bali. Hmmm.. karena sebelum ke Bali, aku ngerasa kayak ada yang panggil-panggil aku, tapi aku gak tau apa. hahahaha.. Waktu itu sih aku mikirnya, mungkin rejeki. Aku bener-bener gak punya koneksi sama sekali pas ke Bali. Fokus aja, pengen mulai hidup baru, hehehehe. Pernah ke Belitung (tempat shooting Laskar Pelangi) di sana pemandangan bagus banget, tapi aku ngerasa gak ada ‘aura’.

RA : Bisa ceritakan sedikit tentang pameran fotonya di Hotel Harris? Bagaimana ceritanya hingga bisa pameran di Hotel Harris.

EH : Karena ada tawaran dari sana. Jadi mereka ada space khusus untuk pameran foto rutin. Kuratorial juga gak ada. Mereka hanya awasin dan pilih. Kalau foto-foto di pameran itu adalah foto-foto waktu aku ke Yogya, Magelang, Bali dan Sulawesi. Semua ada 18 foto..

RA : Apa ada charity dari hasil pameran ini?

EH: Gak ada, padahal aku pengen gitu tapi mereka gak ada program gitu. Dan pengennya sih pameran di BBB. Hehehe…

RA : Kalo ada charity, ingin mengkhususkan untuk siapa?

EH : Untuk anak-anak terlantar ajah..

RA : Sejauh ini, sudah ada yang “tertarik” ngga?

EH : yang tertarik sih banyak tapi belum ada yang beli. Aku amatin sih pas pameran foto dimanapun emang jarang orang beli, yang dikejar lebih ke assignment, misalnya motret untuk corporate atau apa lah..

RA : Adakah fotografer/pelukis yang menginspirasi Elisabeth Hetty dalam berkarya?

EH : Gak ada. Hahaha beneran ngga ada. Aku langsung terinpirasi sama obyek foto saat motret. Dan aku lebih suka hitam putih, karena bisa lebih luas berimajinasi. Kalau colour, warna daun misalnya, kan terbatas seperti yang tersaji di foto. Tapi kalau B/W kan bisa lebih luas. Tantangan dalam foto hitam putih adalah ketika ngeliat foto itu, pikiran kita langsung membayangkan warnanya.

RA : Setelah pameran selesai, apa target selanjutnya?

EH: Targetnya ada, jujurnya sih biar lebih eksis di Bali. Hehehe.. kalo bisa dibilang sih, lebih mengenalkan Indonesia biar kita lebih cinta Indonesia. Misal seperti di foto Candi Ratu Boko itu, diambil dengan pengambilan yang beda, kayak bukan di Indonesia, heheheh… Jadi pengen nunjukin bahwa itu sebenernya itu ada di sini.

RA : Menurut Anda, perkembangan seni baik fotografi maupun lukis di Indonesia ini seperti apa?

EH : hmm… menurutku sih fotografi dan lukis di Indonesia sangat terpengaruh sama perkembangan teknologi. Dalam fotografi, kalau dulu untuk motret sunrise kita bener-bener musti nunggu waktu sampe pas banget dapet sunrisenya. Tapi sekarang, karena ada photoshop jadi bergeser. Kapan aja bisa dapet foto sunrise. Asal jago photoshop. Kurang greget jadinya. Berangkat dari situ, aku lebih milih untuk tetap pake kamera analog untuk memuaskan idealisme dan pake kamera digital utk cari uang, hahaha… Kalo lukisnya, mengamati di Bali nih, ternyata banyak banget pelukis bule yang karyanya bagus-bagus banget dan mereka secara otomatis punya link di luar negeri. mereka gak perlu tenar, tapi mereka kaya dengan ‘menjual’ Bali melalui lukisan.

RA : Dan apa pelukis lokal malah tenggelam?

EH : Tenggelam sih enggak, tapi kurang ‘lincah’ melihat peluang. Waktu di Jakarta, yang aku tau di Bali banyak pelukis lokal ternyata, nah banyak juga seniman dadakan dari luar negeri yang melayani pemesanan besar-besaran keluar negeri. Di sini banyak seniman bule yang hidup mewah karena mereka kirim karyanya ke luar negeri dan mahal-mahal pula. Jadi prihatin aja dengan pelukis lokal, hehehehe… Suamiku aja, dia pinter melukis, otodidak pula, eh sekali seminggu dia kerja di tempat bule, melukis di sana dan dibayar mahal. Si bule itu punya semacam home industri gitu lah. Bikin lukisan dari mozaik kaca-kaca gitu.

RA : Dan apa yang seharusnya dilakukan pelukis lokal?

EH : hmm…. mustinya sih pelukis di Indonesia lebih bisa melihat peluang. Jadi bisa lebih cepat kaya, hahahaha…

RA: Selain dari nature dan orang-orang Indonesia yang dipotret, apa juga ingin berusaha memunculkan kritik sosialnya?

EH : hmm… kritik sosial sih gak ada, tapi kehidupan sosial ada. Lebih ke ‘menyentuh’ bukan ‘kritik’. Misalnya kesetiaan orang jawa untuk membatik meski pendapatan mereka dari membatik itu gak seberapa..

RA: Bicara tentang lukisan, aliran lukisannya termasuk apa nih?

EH : Aliran lukisanku abstraksi, abstrak tapi masih keliatan bentuknya. Yah selanjutnya bisa diliat di blogku: exogallery.wordpress.com Ada beberapa lukisanku di situ.

RA : Pertanyaan terakhir nih, adakah tips-tips khusus bagi yang ingin berkarya seperti Anda?

EH : hmmm… apa ya? Saat motret atau melukis, harus selalu pake ‘hati’. Kamera dan kuas atau alat lain cuma alat. Karya tanpa pake hati pas buat, akan terasa ‘kosong’ pas ngeliat karya itu. Misalnya, pas motret pengemis, jangan cuma dijadikan obyek. Ajak ngomong, kalo perlu duduk ikut ngemis juga, rasain suasana di situ. Trus abis motret pengemis itu, beliin dia makanan. Hehehe.. Tipsnya itu aja selalu pake hati. Pas motret pemandangan bagus, pake hati juga, biar alam itu memuculkan auranya, hehehehe… fotonya pasti lebih bagus!

Bagi yang berkesempatan pergi ke Bali dalam waktu dekat ini, silahkan kunjungi pameran foto Elisabeth Hetty di lobby Hotel Harris. Buruan, hanya sampai September!

Dan teruslah berkarya, Elisabeth Hetty!

Interview and posted on Good News From Indonesia by Riefka Aulia

Photo source: exogallery.wordpress.com

Jalal, Refleksi Perjuangan Menggapai Cita-Cita

Pernahkah kalian membayangkan akan bernazar untuk bersepeda dari lokasi kalian tinggal hingga ke tempat kalian kuliah yang jaraknya bukan lagi hitungan jari melainkan ratusan kilometer? Membayangkannya saja mungkin kalian sudah lelah, apalagi menjalankan nazar tersebut. Namun, percayakah kalian seorang anak yang berasal dari kota di Jawa Tengah berhasil melaksanakan nazar dengan melakukan perjalanan Pati-Depok karena diterima di Universitas Indonesia. Ialah Muhammad Jalaludin Sofan Fitri, siswa SMA Negeri 1 Pati, Jawa Tengah. Dengan sepeda ontelnya yang tradisional, ia mengarungi perjalanan pantura menuju kota yang menjadi cita-citanya, Depok.

Saya berkesempatan untuk mewawancarainya di tengah kesibukannya mempersiapkan diri menghadapi perkuliahan tahun ajaran 2011/2012.
T : Halooo Jalal, gimana nih kabarnya? Sehat-sehat kan? Setelah menempuh
perjalanan panjang Pati-Depok, gimana perasaannya?
J : 3 S, Sehat, Senang, Susah. Hehehe

T : Boleh sedikit diceritakan Jalal, latar belakang pendidikan kamu, berusia
berapa, dan asli dari mana nih?
J : Saya bersekolah di SMA Negeri 1 Pati, Jawa Tengah, berusia 19 tahun, saya
asli dari Blora.

T : Apa sih yang melatarbelakangi kamu untuk menempuh perjalanan Pati-
Depok?
J : Ya karena ada sebuah janji yang telah saya buat kepada Sang Pencipta, Allah
SWT, dan kepada teman-teman saya apabila diterima di universitas, saya akan
melakukan perjalanan dari rumah ke tempat kuliah dengan bersepeda.

T : Bagaimana perasaan kamu diterima di universitas tersebut?
J : Alhamdulillah senang, ada, susah juga ada. Senang karena masuk Fakultas Ilmu Budaya UI,jurusan
Sejarah dan susah karena saya mau tidak mau harus memiliki tanggung jawab menjadi
mahasiswa untuk mengabdi kepada masyarakat hehe.

T : Mengapa kamu mengambil jurusan Sejarah dan Universitas Indonesia?
J : Karena saya suka membaca tentang sesuatu yang barbau masa lalu, apalagi
tentang strategi militer, dan saya di UI karena banyak sekali inspirasi tokoh disana, (Soe Hok Gie, Andrea H, dan lainya).

T : Berapa lama waktu yang dibutuhkan untuk melakukan perjalanan Pati-
Depok?
J : Sekitar 5 hari, dan selambat-lambatnya 7 hari, tetapi alhamdulillah bisa 5 hari

T : Jam berapa kamu berangkat dan di hari apa? Serta hari dan jam berapa
kamu sampai di Depok?
J : Jam 12 siang dari Pati hari Selasa, dan sampai di Depok jam 09.00 siang hari
Minggu kemarin.

T : Mengapa kamu bernazar seperti itu? Unik sekali.
J : Karena saya suka, dari pada naik sepeda motor, kita tak akan pernah
menemukan sebuah kehidupan di belahan pantura hehe.

T : Boleh diceritakan pengalaman kamu dapatkan selama nazar dipenuhi
Dan selama perjalanan Pati-Depok di beberapa kota yang kamu lewati?
J : Banyak mbak, dimulai dari Pati, Kudus, Demak, Semarang, Kaliwungu,
Kendal, Batang, Pekalongan, Pemalang, Tegal, Brebes, Cirebon, Karangampel, Indramayu, Pamanukan, Cikampek, Karawang, Cikarang, Bekasi, Jakarta dan Depok. Semuanya memiliki pengalamannya sendiri-sendiri dan sangat khas.

T : Selain sepeda, bekal apa saja yang kamu bawa selama perjalanan?
J : Pastinya PMO= Pakaian, Makanan, Obat-obatan dan peralatan lainya.

T : Apa perasaan kamu ketika kamu tiba di Depok dan akhirnya nazar
kamu terpenuhi?
J : Saya sangat bersyukur, karena tak ada yang kurang dari saya satupun justru
tambah banyak ya itu pengalaman.

T : Siapa saja pihak-pihak yang telah mendukung kamu dan apa bentuk
dukungannya ?
J : Teman-teman Paresmapa (pecinta alam), Guru-guru SMA, teman-teman SMA
juga banyak orang-orang perjalanan yang saya temui, dan masih banyak lainya
yang tak saya dapat semua saya sebutkan. Dukungan dalam bentuk semangat untuk maju dan dalam bentuk materi lainnya.

T : Apa cita-cita kamu ke depan?
J : Saya ingin menjadi seotrang penulis

T : Adakah yang ingin kamu sampaikan kepada teman-teman GNFI?
J : Tetap semangat, jangan gengsi karena akan merusakmu. Nikmatilah apa
yang kau miliki, jangan bangga karena memakai milik orang lain.

Baik, terima kasih banyak Jalal. Selamat berjuang dan belajar di Universitas Indonesia. Semoga kelak menjadi sejarawan yang sukses yah.

Interviewed and written for Good News From Indonesia by Adisa Ittaqa Putri D.Soedarso

Tim PR Unpad Menjuarai PR Week Campaign Competition 2011

Hotel Nikko, Jakarta, (Selasa,19/7) menjadi saksi sejarah kemenangan team Public Relations Fakultas Ilmu Komunikasi Universitas Padjadjaran dalam meraih posisi pertama di PR Week Campaign Competition 2011. Acara ini diselenggarakan oleh EGA Briefings bekerja sama dengan MM Communication Trisakti dan Supporting by IPRA dan Perhumas. PR Week Indonesia ini merupakan adaptasi dari PR Week US. Tujuan PR Week ini adalah untuk mengembangkan Public Relations di Indonesia serta memberikan fasilitas kepada para mahasiswa untuk belajar dan mempraktekan public relations. Di dalam PR Week ini ada Student Forum dimana di sana ada Campaign Competition, ada Academic Forum, Professional Seminar, Dan Workshop.

Berikut adalah hasil wawancara kontributor GNFI kepada trio juara yang saya rangkum dalam percakapan berikut :
T : Haloo Nada, Aria, Balqiss. Selamat yaa atas keberihasilan kalian meraih
prestasi mengagumkan. Menjadi juara 1 dalam kompetisi PR Week. Gimana perasaan kalian setelah meraih prestasi ini?
Nada : Perasaannya yang pastinya seneng banget bisa menang setelah lewat
perjuangan yang panjang. Yang pastinya seneng udah bikin senyum orang tua.
Aria : Tentu kami bangga karena bisa mempertahankan gelar Juara Bertahan kampus
kami dalam kompetisi ini, namun selain itu kami juga menjadi sadar bahwa
kemenangan ini bukanlah akhir langkah kami, namun motivasi untuk lebih mengembangkan diri, karena dalam kompetisi ini kami menjadi sadar bahwa masih banyak kekurangan kami.
Balgis : Tentu senang dan lega, senang karena akhirnya perjuangan kita serta
dukungan kerabat bisa terwujud

T : Kalian sekarang semester berapa?
J (all) : Kami dari Universitas Padjadjaran, Fakultas Ilmu Komunikasi Jurusan Public
Relations. Kita baru semester 4.

T : Apa itu PR Week Competition?
J (all) : PR Week adalah kampanye selama 10 tahun (2005-2014) yang diusung oleh EGA Briefings bekerja sama dengan MM Communication Trisakti dan Supporting by IPRA dan Perhumas. Bertujuan untuk mengembangkan Public Relations di Indonesia serta memberikan fasilitas kepada para mahasiswa untuk belajar dan mempraktekan public relations. Di dalamnya terdapat Student Forum dimana di sana ada Campaign Competition, ada Academic Forum, Professional Seminar, Dan Workshop. Campaign Competition merupakan sebuah kompetisi perancangan kampanye PR yang merupakan bagian dari rangkain acara PR Week. PR Week ini sendiri merupakan acara tahunan untuk mengembangkan kualitas insan PR yang diadakan oleh EGA briefings dan didukung oleh International Public Relations Association (IPRA).

T : Boleh ceritakan, proses dari awal kalian mengikuti kompetisi ini?
J : Pada awalnya kita mau ikut kompetisi internal Maroon Profession, tapi kompetisinya ditunda, jadi kami bertiga membentuk tim untuk kompetisi PR internal dalam kampus, namun pada saat yang sama publikasi tentang PR Week muncul dan kami tertarik untuk mencoba. Akhirnya setelah berkoordinasi dengan pihak Jurusan dan Himpunan kami diberi pembekalan materi untuk menyusun proposal tahap pertama. Tema yang kami pilih waktu itu adalah “Impact of Globalization on preserving cultural heritage”. Akhirnya setelah berembuk kami memutuskan untuk mengangkat isu tentang Permainan Tradisional dalam proposal kami. Proposal ini kami kerjakan dengan santai dan attitude nothing to lose karena kami tidak yakin akan lolos. Ternyata proposal kami dipilih sebagai Top 3. Saat itu kami senang namun sekaligus juga dihadapkan dengan tugas untuk membuat proposal baru dengan tema yang lebih sulit diterjemahkan yaitu “Preserving National Values in Global Dynamics : The Role of PR”. Setelah kami berdiskusi dengan dibantu tim pembimbing kami, akhirnya diputuskanlah untuk mengangkat nilai Gotong Royong dan pencapaian Millenium Development Goals sebagai isu yang akan dipromosikan melalui proposal kampanye kami yang berjudul “Facing Global Issues in Indonesia with The Spirit of Gotong Royong”. Setelah proposal selesai kami melakukan latihan presentasi di hadapan dosen dan dekan kami di kampus, dan akhirnya kami mempresentasikan proposal ini di hadapan dewan juri dan rekan – rekan mahasiswa PR dalam grand final Campaign Competition yang dilaksanakan pada 19 Juli lalu di Hotel Nikko Jakarta.

T : Siapa saja pihak-pihak yang terlibat dan yang mendukung kalian maju
mengikuti PR Week Competition 2011 ?
J (all) : Pihak Fakultas, Jurusan, keluarga dan Himpunan Mahasiswa kami benar – benar bekerja sama dalam mendukung keikutsertaan kami dalam kompetisi ini. Selain itu, dukungan penuh dari pembimbing kami, Bpk. Anwar Sani, Bpk FX Ari Agung Prastowo, dan Ryan E. Pratama sebagai juara PR Week 2009 serta juga teman – teman kami.

T : Oh ya, rival kalian di 3 besar siapa saja?
J : Universitas Gadjah Mada and Universitas Al Azhar Indonesia
T : Isu apa yang menjadi tema dalam kompetisi ini dan apa yang kalian
angkat dari tema tersebut?
J (all) : Tema besar dari seluruh rangkaian PR Week ini adalah “PR As The Agent of Social Change” dan dari tema besar itu untuk tema kompetisinya ditentukan “Preserving National Values in Global Dynamics”. Yang kami angkat itu adalah mengenai Gotong Royong, kita ingin publik paham bahwa gotong royong tidak hanya identik dengan orang – orang di desa. Tujuan yang ditargetkan untuk tercapai adalah partisipasi anak – anak muda Indonesia dalam usaha untuk mencapai Millenium Development Goals dari PBB.

T : Apa perasaan kalian menjelang lomba dengan menghadapi lawan yang
juga berasal dari universitas ternama di Indonesia? Optimiskah kalian?
J (all) : Yang pastinnya deg-degan soalnya kita peserta termuda disini. Awalnya ada sedikit perasaan tegang, namun kami memutuskan dari pada memikirkan siapa yang akan menjadi lawan kami, lebih baik kami fokus untuk menyusun proposal. Alhamdulilah,strategi ini efektif bagi kami. Kita sangat optimis karena kita udh siap dengan segala materi, latihan presentasi juga, dan ide unik yang kita usung di proposal.

T : Apa yang membuat kalian percaya diri untuk bisa menang?
J (all) : Kami merasa Percaya Diri setelah saat presentasi ternyata 2 rival kami mengangkat tema yang sama yaitu tentang pelestarian bahasa Indonesia, dan tampaknya juri merasa isu yang mereka angkat kurang sesuai dengan tema yang telah ditentukan. Selain itu, kami percaya diri karena adanya usaha serta dukungan baik dari keluarga, jurusan dan teman-teman.

T : Menurut kalian, apa yang membedakan isi proposal kalian dengan rival
kalian?
J (all) : Penerjemahan tema yang tepat, kami bisa menurunkan istilah national values tersebut menjadi satu nilai spesifik (gotong royong) dan mengaitkan nilai tersebut dengan isu MDGs yang sangat global. Keunikan dari spesifikasi tema.

T : Apa yang hendak kalian sampaikan dari proposal tersebut?
J (all) : Bahwa kami sebagai bangsa Indonesia memiliki potensi luar biasa untuk mencapai sesuatu yang hebat karena dalam jiwa kami sudah memiliki semangat gotong royong yang dapat dimanfaatkan untuk menyatukan bangsa ini dalam mencapai suatu tujuan. Dengan semangat gotong royong juga kita (pemuda Indonesia) bisa menyelesaikan permasalahan global yang ada.

T : Menurut kalian bagaimana dunia Public Relations di Indonesia?
J : Saat ini dunia PR memang semakin berkembang, tapi dengan hal itu bukan berarti kami bisa merasa santai dan yakin akan mendapatkan pekerjaan, karena PR bukanlah profesi tertutup dan banyak dimasuki oleh orang berlatarbelakang non-komunikasi. Kami sebagai mahasiswa PR tertantang untuk bisa bersaing dalam industri yang berkembang pesat sekaligus sangat kompetitif ini. Public Relations disini bukan hanya sebagai profesi yang bertugas sebagai corong komunikasi tetapi sebagai agen perubahan sosial.

T : Bisa kasih saran ke temen-temen kalian di Indonesia bagaimana
bisa menjadi seperti kalian saat ini?
Nada : Jangan pernah berhenti untuk berkarya dan jangan puas terhadap suatu hasil karena bagi kami kemenangan ini bukanlah akhir dari perjuangan kami, tapi awal bagi kami untuk terus belajar dan berkarya
Aria : Cukup dengan merasa berani untuk mencoba berkompetisi dan janganlah merasa puas dengan kemampuan yang sudah dimiliki, teruslah gali potensi dan kembangkan kompetensi kalian.
Balgis : Keberanian dan kerja keras. Menurut saya pribadi kalo kita gak punya keberanian kita gak akan bisa keluar dari lingkaran yang mengekang kita.

Oke, terima kasih Nada, Aria, Balqiss, sekali lagi selamat atas prestasi kalian, semoga sukses dan kelak menjadi PR Profesional. Amin!

Interview conducted and written for Good News From Indonesia by Adisa Ittaqa Putri D.S.
Edited by Farah Fitriani

Raja Oktovin, Bronze Medalist of IMO 2010

GNFI recently got a privilege to interview Raja Oktovin Parhasian Damanik through email. Remember him? you can read this post to remind you about him. yep, he is one of the winner of International Mathematical Olympiads 2010 which  took place in Kazakshtan.  Raja who was born in Medan, October 6, 1992 is now studying Computer Science in University of Indonesia.

What’s so funny about Raja who spent his childhood in Pekanbaru, is the fact that he sometimes, like everybody else, get bored with mathematics. but that doesn’t stop him from learning more and more. check his story out and get ready to feel proud!

When was the first time you realized that you like mathematic? What made you want to study it?

Honestly, I can’t say that I like mathematics all the time, it can get very complicated and boring. I don’t know exactly how I love mathematics, but I don’t really enjoy studying math in school. I still remember the moment elementary school that I cannot memorize the product of several integers like 7 x 8, etc, and I used to count it like 8+8+8+…+8. Once, my teacher saw me doing this, she was upset, and she asked me to get out of the classroom to memorize them all.

Math becomes interesting to me when it requires me to think logically, revealing the complexity in it, and writing the solutions to the problem as clear as possible. I hate counting and dealing with integers and formulas, it is boring.

Did your parents teach you mathematic?

They didn’t but they support me a lot.

How did you end up in joining IMO 2010? Did you apply for yourself?

I got two IMOs, one in 2009 and one in 2010.

In Indonesia, IMO contestants were selected from several steps of selection tests.

Firstly, I had to be chosen to represent my school in Olimpiade Sains Kota and Olimpiade Sains Propinsi. It was in 2007, when I was in the first grade of senior high school. It was a great thing that I made it to Olimpiade Sains Nasional 2008 in Makassar (before this, I never leave Sumatra). Before the national olympiad, I and Riau team had training in University of Indonesia. My hope at that time is just that I made it to IMO Training Camp (bronze medal or better) and thanks God I did it.

Training camp is very hard but I got priceless experience and skills there. There are 3 stages of selection test, the third one is for the six chosen students as the last preparation only. In the first stage I actually failed at 19th place (only 15 students could go to stage II). When I had studied back in school like other students, I was told by my teacher that I was invited to the stage II and I think that it was the first miracle.

The second miracle happens in stage II. No one had ever predicted me to become IMO contestant, but yeah I succeeded at Asian Pacific Mathematics Olympiad 2009 and it affects 60% of my score placing me to the 4th place.

Wow, until now, if I think about it, I feel flying because it’s just a pure magic and all I can say to myself is, “It happpens to you, Raja!”

IMO 2009 was held in Bremen, Germany. I achieved Honourable Mention; decent enough for me.

Three months later, I had training camp again, stage I for IMO 2010. All stage II contestants from previous year didn’t need to take national olympiad again.

IMO 2010 training camp system had changed to 4 stages. Doing IMO 2009 helped me a lot and I made it to IMO 2010 again. IMO 2010 was held in Astana, Kazakhstan.

Wow, i didn’t know that those students had to have a training camp before competing in the olympiad. Could you tell the readers about your preparation for IMO?

Yes. There is no secret, but there are three things I always remember: Dream, Work, and Pray.

In technical term, in mathematics you do really need others to discuss, you cannot learn by yourself. You have to learn about writing solutions so that others can understand what you are talking about in your tedious  mathematical solutions (sometimes you need good hand-writing too).

By discussing, you learn a lot from people about several techniques in cracking hard and non-routine  problems. Book does help, but discussion (and challenging each other) may help a lot.

It is well-known that large forum for dicussion is very important in mathematics, such as olimpiade.org (Indonesia students) and artofproblemsolving.com (international).

So, discussing problems is the key points. Any memorable moments you have when you were there?

Nothing special but all-day happiness there. A lot of friends, laugh, and the beauty of six problems in the test. Lol.

LOL. yeah, i can imagine the beauty of the problems. How did it feels when you achieved the medal?

I forgot how it felt, at that time, I felt random. Excitement, satisfaction, never blends to one. But I felt really sad because it was my last IMO. Even I do really miss all the moments in training camp and IMO itself right now when I’m writing this e-mail. IMO remains unforgettable memories for me.

Sure it does. How many international competitions that you have joined?

Just few, the only official olympiad from government I know is IMO. I wonder if I lived in Jakarta. (Raja lived in Pekanbaru before going to University in Indonesia)

could you please mention the awards that you have achieved?

Just few, too, but I got it in several fields like poem, english debate and speech, bridge, and music!

Before I enjoyed mathematics I actually participated in art-related or language-related competitions such as 1st place Pekanbaru Indonesian School Debating Championship 2007, 2nd place of Riau Poem Musicalization, and others that I cannot tell now. It was 3 years ago and it was hard to find the documents for now.

- 5th place FKIP Mathematical Olympiad Universitas Riau 2008

- Silver Medal FMIPA Mathematical Olympiad, Gebyar Matematika Universitas Riau, 2008

- Bronze Medal, Indonesia National Science Olympiad in Mathematics, Makassar, South Sulawesi, 2008

- 1st place FKIP Mathematical Olympiad Universitas Riau 2009

- 2nd place Sumatra Mathematical Olympiad (Seni Bermatematika), Univesitas Andalas 2009

-  Bronze Medal, Asia Pacific Mathematical Olympiad 2009

- Honourable Mention, International Mathematical Olympiad 2009 in Bremen, Germany

- Bronze Medal, International Mathematical Olympiad 2010 in Astana, Kazakhstan

Can’t do much because I had olympiad since 2nd grade of my senior high school in 2008.

Wow, that’s a long list. Congratulation, Raja! Anyway, What do you like to do in your free time?

Honestly, I do math. Sometimes, facebook takes my free time, too. Hehe. Updating and commenting statuses are worthful to feel my time with laugh and critical thinking.

Where did you go to school? Did you join any mathematic club in your school?

SMA Negeri 1 Pekanbaru. Yes, but I think the math club is not official, lol.

You’re studying in UI? Majoring in Computer science? Why didn’t you study mathematic?

Yes! There was actually an accident when I filled in the form of which major I’d like to choose. I wrote down Mathematics Major and Computer Science Major, but I don’t know what is going on, it seems that I wrote CS on the first choice.

One of the trainer in IMO, Pak Yudi Satria, is a lecturer in UI and he was also confused with the result. Before it was announced, he had discussed with the dean about me studying in Mathematics Major, but something is going wrong. Haha

No matter how, I got two seniors, Kak Ajat Adriansyah (FMIPA, IMC 2007 and 2008) and Kak Prastudy M. Fauzi (Fasilkom, IMO 2003 and IMC 2006) who have always become my source of spirits and ‘walkthrough’ here to study in Computer Science UI.

-end of interview-

What can we conclude from Raja’s story is that, sometimes, it is okay if we get bored with something we love, but as long as we keep doing it, we will eventually succeed. just keep dreaming, working, and praying. don’t forget that miracle happens all the time.

Thank you for a pleasant interview, Raja! once again, congratulation for your winning!

Photo Sources : Raja’s Private Collections

Dr. Danrivanto Budhijanto: Asia’s 1st Man To Get The Honor

I recently had a great opportunity and privilege to interview Dr. Danrivanto Budhijanto, S.H., LL.M in IT Law, through e-mail. Mr. Budhijanto is the first Asian who received  LL.M (master of laws) degree in IT Law from John Marshall Law School, Chicago. He’s now a Commissioner in Indonesian Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (BRTI)-Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, and also a lecturer in Padjajaran University, faculty of law.

I shall now share, the contents of the e-mail I received, exclusively with GNFI readers.

LIST OF QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

FROM DR. DANRIVANTO BUDHIJANTO, S.H., LL.M in IT Law FOR GNFI

1. To begin, could you tell us about what brought you there? What made you want to study in America?

The United States of America (USA), as the leading country in global electronic communications, especially via the Internet, has already dealt with most of the major cyber space legal issues and problems. For law schools, the challenge is to educate law students as future attorneys in an area of jurisprudence that is new and rapidly evolving. Within the twenty years, top law schools such as Harvard, Yale, the John Marshall Law School in Chicago, University of Stanford and the University of California at Berkeley have set up centers devoted to the study of, and the teaching of, Internet law. For these reasons, USA law schools are the most appropriate place for conducting study and research focusing in the development of cyber law.

2. Did you get any scholarship back then? If you did, what kind of scholarship was that? And what institution issued that scholarship?

I was awarded in 2002, a Fulbright scholarship from US Department of States in collaboration with AMINEF in Indonesia and Indonesia Economic Law, Institutional and Professional Strengthening (ELIPS II) from USAID-United States Agency in International Development.

3. Where were you studying?

My master of law study is in the John Marshall Law School (JMLS) Chicago. For many years, JMLS has served as a leader within the legal community in addressing issues of computer and information law and policy. JMLS began offering courses in computer law and privacy even before establishing the Center for Information Technology and Privacy Law in 1983. The leading national and international experts from practice and academia who serve on the Center’s advisory board and adjunct faculty enrich the degree programs and other academic activities of the Center for Information Technology and Privacy Law.

Many of students come to JMLS with substantial relevant experience of their own; students frequently learn from one another as well as from their professors. Indeed, interaction with professors and fellow students is a key component of the academic program. At the same time, however, the Center’s programs are designed to be as flexible as possible; most courses are offered in the evening or on weekends, and some are scheduled as intensive workshops and master classes.

The LL.M. (Master of Laws) in Information Technology Law provides lawyers and law school graduates with specialized knowledge in the law and policy of information, computers, and communications technology. The program’s substantive focus is the law and policy of information, computers and communications technology. The program is led by members of John Marshall’s full-time faculty – nationally and internationally recognized for their expertise in these areas. They are joined by a group of adjunct professors and lecturers who bring into the classroom practical knowledge and experience from their cutting-edge law practices. Visiting faculty from institutions around the world also contribute actively to the educational program.

The core curriculum includes courses on computer law, cyberspace law, information policy and intellectual property in digital environment. Students also select from a wide variety of elective courses, many of which will change from year to year to keep pace with rapid developments in technology and the law. An LL.M. in Information Technology Law is conferred upon the successful completion of 22 semester hours of credit, including four required courses as above mentioned, with a final cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher. I have taken 22 semester hours of credit including 3 hours credit for Master Thesis in Spring 2003.

4. What is so interesting about cyber law that makes you want to pursue a master degree in that particular field?

Global electronic communications have created new spaces in which distinct rule is will evolve and cut across territorial borders, creating a new realm of human activity and undermining the feasibility and legitimacy of applying laws based on geographic boundaries. The law of any given place must take into account the special characteristics of the space it regulates and the types of persons, places, and things found there. The law of cyber space will reflect its special character, which differs markedly from anything found in the physical world.

5. How long had you been there before finally graduated from the law school?

Before starting my study in JMLS Chicago in September 2002, I have the opportunity to have such adaptation with American academic atmosphere. The Fulbright via Institute of International Education (IIE) offered me to participate in pre-academic training in Monterey Institute of International Studies (MIIS) in California. The three weeks training in MIIS, provided us a full-compact package to know and understand the American class activities including but not limited class participation; note taking tips; research paper writing. After completing the master thesis defend seminar on June 2^nd2003, finally I could take a breath and fulfilled my lounge with fresh air. Completing LL.M (Master of Laws) in two semesters (9 months) its might considering as a mission impossible, especially if we required writing a thesis and defending it before a professors panel.

6. What achievement did you get when you were graduated?

My degree is Master of Law in Information Technology and Privacy Law (LL.M in IT Law) from JLMS in Chicago and also the first Asian student with LL.M in IT Law degree in that time.

7. Before you, was there any other Asian student who pursued a master degree in cyber law?

In the Class of 2002, only me as an international student and other are American students. No Asian student recorded has a LL.M in IT Law degree in JLMS Chicago before 2003.

8. How does it feel when you received the achievement?

My achievement is for my late beloved Father; he was passed a way when I landed in a first time at Chicago. He had a true believed that to understanding cyber law is a must studied in US, because a rapid development of their technologies, business, industries and laws that regulate those kind of activities. And also all my teachers and professors that inspiring, motivating, and helpful to pursue my dream.

9. What have you done to improve cyber law in Indonesia?

After completing my master of law degree, I am fully involved in several legislative drafting such as Indonesian Cyber Law Act (Law No. 11 Year 2008 regarding Information and Electronic Transactions); Multimedia Convergence Bill; Information Technology Crime Bill. I am also served as a Commissioner in Indonesian Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (BRTI)-Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (Kementerian Komunikasi dan Informatika RI). After 3 years graduated from JMLS in Chicago, I am started my doctoral degree with topic of research is legal aspects of information and communication technology (ICT) convergence in the framework of Indonesian development. My doctoral degree completed in 2009 with an honor of summa cum laude.

10. What advice do you have to GNFI readers who want to be like you?

There is an absolute rule in excellent study, I am called the “2R + 1E” rule. The first R is References; the second R is Researches; and E for Experiences. Never try to study without references; then critically read and analyze the references with research approach; and involve in experiencing what you studied. In life, your future is reflected in your present footsteps.

[end of interview]

Thank you so much for a pleasant interview, Mr. Danrivanto! Your experience is truly an inspiring journey to your fellow Indonesian.

Photo Source: Private Collection, UNPAD

The echo of Angklung in Europe

Everyone knows that angklung is a traditional musical instrument, and it’s made from a particular bamboo that only grow in Indonesia. But, not many Indonesian knows that angklung is also popular in European countries. Wanna know why? Because Keluarga Paduan Angklung SMAN 3 Bandung made that happen.

KPA 3 is an angklung music group consisting of SMAN 3 Bandung students. There are many breakthroughs they made in angklung world, and one of them is ESA, Expand The Sound of Angklung. ESA is an event where KPA 3 joined music festivals in Europe. Since 2002, there have been 4 ESA, and here is the list of international music festival and awards they have achieved:

1. Expand The Sound Of Angklung 2002, a cultural visit to several European countries from 16 July – 9 August 2002, and participated on international events, as follows:

• 29th International Folklfestival in Gannat, France.
• 19th International Folklfestival in Moerbeke-Waas, Belgium.
• Expand The Sound of Angklung 2002 also held two concert in Heidelberg and Kiel, Germany.

2. Expand The Sound Of Angklung 2004, a cultural visit to several European countries from 22 July – 28 August 2004, and participated on international events, as follows:

• Aberdeen International Youth Festival (AIYF) in Aberdeen, Scotland This festival is the biggest youth festival in the world, which focusing on development of music and theatre of youth.
• 36th International Festival of Mountain Folklore in Zakopane, Polandia This is one of the oldest competition on folk tradition. KPA3 is invited as the first participant ever from Indonesia. In this festival, KPA3 achieved 3 trophy, as folows:

2004 – 1st place in musician category of 36th International Festival of Mountain Folklore, Zakopane, Republic of Poland
2004 – 2nd place in singer category of 36th International Festival of Mountain Folklore, Zakopane, Republic of Poland
2004 – Audience prize of 36th International Festival of Mountain Folklore, Zakopane, Republic of Poland

• 50. Mezinárodni Folklorni Festival, ?erven? Kostelec, Czech Republic In this festival, KPA3 achieve 1st audience prize of 50. Mezinárodni Folklorni Festival, ?erven? Kostelec, Czech Republic Expand The Sound of Angklung 2004 also held four concert in Bremen & Muenchen (Germany), Paris (France), and Brussels (Belgium).

3. Expand The Sound Of Angklung 2008, a cultural visit to several European countries from 15July 2008 – 7 August 2008 and participated on international events, as follows:

• 2008 International of Petras, Greece § 2008 Norbanus Festival at Norma, Italy.
• 2008 Festival of Rassegna at Castigleone del Lago, Italy.
• 2008 International Society of Music Education International Conference at Bologna, Italy.

4. Expand The Sound Of Angklung 2010, June 29th – July 29th, 2010. KPA 3 joined 4 festival:

• International Festival Folkart Maribor ( June 29th – July 3rd, 2010 ) Organized annually under the patronage of the International Council for Organizations of Folklore Festivals and Folk Art (CIOFF), the International Festival Folkart, Maribor is an important platform for folklore groups and musicians. The festival takes place at various venues: the central stage is a floating stage on the river Drava and there are also several open-air stages in squares and streets all over the city of Maribor,Slovenia.

• Summa Cum Laude International Youth Music Festival Vienna ( July 3rd – July 8th, 2010 ) Hosted by VIA MUSICA (Vienna International Association for Music and Culture Exchange) and provides a unique platform for the world’s most talented youth choirs, bands and orchestras to perform in Vienna’s magnificent Musikverein..The six-day Summa Cum Laude Festival was expanded to include both the Summa Cum Laude Competition as well as the Summa Cum Laude Celebration. KPA 3 achieved a special award and was honored to perform in the gala winner.

• International Folk Festival (Festival Internacional de Folklore) of Ciudad Real (July 13th –July 20th, 2010) Organized by Association of Songs and Dances of Ciudad Real (Mazantini Group), International Folk Festival (Festival Internacional de Folklore) of Ciudad Real is held every year in mid-July. This festival is part of the International Council of Organization for Folklore Festivals and Traditional Arts (CIOFF).

• International Folk Festival (Festival Folklorico Internacional) of Extremadura, Badajoz (July 21st –July 29th 2010) Beginning in 2003, International Folk Festival (Festival Folklorico Internacional) of Extremadura, Badajoz is organized by The Federation of Folklore Extremadura. This festival gives opportunity to perform a dance or music indigenous to their town or area and learned by another group or associations.

KPA 3 is well known because of its achievement in angklung world. Beside ESA there are many local music festival they’ve joined and awards they’ve earned.

GNFI had a great opportunity to interview Nabila Putri Kencana and Vica Asrianti, members of Keluarga Paduan Angklung SMAN 3 Bandung. Both of them were very delighted to tell GNFI about the experiences they had when they were abroad. Nabila, who recently graduated from SMAN 3 and is now studying management in UNPAD, went to Europe with ESA team in 2008. While Vica, SMAN 3 10th grader, went to Europe with the team in June to July 2010.

GNFI: When was KPA established?

Vica: KPA was established in October 4, 1980.

GNFI: What started ESA in the first place?

Vica: In 2002, there were some students who wanted to expand KPA and angklung. They wanted angklung to be popular not just in Indonesia, but also in other countries. Some alumni came up with the idea of going abroad and not long after that, they coincidentally received some invitations from cultural events. The first festival KPA joined was the 29th International Folk Festival in Gannat, France.

GNFI: That’s awesome! How many ESA have been held ever since?

Nabila: Four. ESA 2002, 2004, 2008, and the latest was 2010.

GNFI: Is it always in European countries?

Nabila: Yes it is. Because we always go there when we are in school holiday, and at the same time it’s summer in Europe. There are many cultural festivals held every summer, unlike America. That’s why we focused on going there.

GNFI: I see. How many students are in the team usually?

Nabila: There are 35 students with one teacher.

GNFI: That’s a lot of number! How many of them play angklung? Is there anything else they do beside playing angklung?

Vica: All of them. Beside playing angklung we also dance traditional dances like saman, jaipong, jali jali and balinese dances on stage.

GNFI: Are you saying that all of the students can dance? They’re not only playing angklung?

Nabila: In 2008, the were only few of the students who can dance.

Vica: But in 2010, all of us can dance. Most of us even had to learn more than one traditional dances. If we’re not playing angklung, then we dance.

GNFI: How about the costumes?

Vica: We brought angklung costumes, traditional costumes and dancing costumes.

GNFI: How many singer do you usually have in team?

Nabila: Only one person sings. But all of us also sing in a particular song, like Rayuan Pulau Kelapa.

Vica: That’s right. I even cried when I sang that song.

Nabila: Me too.

GNFI: Really? What made you both cry?

Vica: We were just very proud of hearing Indonesian songs in foreign country. And it was also a heart-rending moment seeing Indonesian’s flag, proudly standing next to other countries’ flags.

GNFI: I couldn’t agree more. And how about the audience? Did those foreigner enjoy your performances?

Nabila: Surprisingly, they did. Some of them even kept following us in every performances, because they really liked us.

Vica: Yes, it happened to me and my group too. When we were in Badajoz, there was an old photographer who really liked us. By the end of our performance, he gave each of us a CD of our photos. He also printed some photos and signed it.

GNFI: Wow, that’s truly amazing!

Vica: Indeed. Their responses were very great, better than we received when we played in Indonesia. Foreigner were amazed to see angklung.

Nabila: They are… they’re just very curious to know how an odd looking musical instrument like angklung could make beautiful sounds.

GNFI: When you played in Indonesia, the responses weren’t that good?

Vica: I have to admit that in Indonesia, people like to see us but they’re not interested in preserving the cultures.

GNFI: I see. Back to ESA, what else did you do beside performing on stage?

Nabila: We also sold some Indonesian souvenirs.

GNFI: Really? What kind of souvenirs?

Nabila: Angklung, angklung’s badge, CD midi angklung, blangkon, kecapi miniature, wayang golek, batik bed cover.

Vica: Batik shirts and scarfs.

GNFI: Cool. And did they like it?

Vica: They did. There were many customers who bought our batik scarfs. It was a real fun selling those in foreign countries. It made us learn their languages.

Nabila: It was pretty hard when we were in Italy. Many Italian don’t speak English, so I used my body language to tell the the prices. It’s kinda funny but I got some skills after that. Skills to sell something.

[End of interview]

See? Their stories are just amazing. I had a great time interviewing them. Anyway, if you wonder what songs that KPA 3 usually play abroad, here is the list:

• Ludwig van Beethoven Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 67,
• Mov. I Allegro con brio Clément Philibert Léo Delibes Pizzicati from The Ballet “Sylvia”,
• Act III Johann Strauss, Jr. Wiener Blut Walzer, Op. 354 Johann Strauss, Sr. Radetzky March, Op. 228 Jacques Offenbach Orpheus in the Underworld Overture: Infernal Gallop
  John Towner Williams Williams’s Suite of Score – from John Williams Music Scores
• Andrew Lloyd Webber Memory from the Musical “Cats”
• Giuseppe Fortunino Francesco Verdi Libiamo ne’ lieti calici (The Drinking Song) from The Opera “La Traviata
  Eros Djarot Suite from Badai Pasti Berlalu
• Guruh Soekarno Putra Melati Suci
• Halo-Halo Bandung
• Medley Persada Indonesia
  Lalayaran – Hariring Haleuang Tembang (traditional Sundanese)
• Es Lilin (traditional Sundanese)
• Jali – Jali (traditional Betawi)
• Janger (traditional Balinesse)
• Tapanuli’s Splendor (Series of Batak folksong)

KPA 3 has proved to the world that our traditional musical instrument and folk songs are amazing. By the way, KPA 3 is preparing for its next concert. If you’re interested in watching it, just let me know

Photo Source: Private collections

Thank you Ms. Nabila Putri Kencana and Ms. Vica Asrianti for the time!

Bandanaira: Indonesia Is A Nation With Inspiring Stories

I was in front of a TV during the last 17-Agustus celebration, with two senior citizens, when I switched the channel to MetroTV and found two young ladies being interviewed on Indonesia issues. The interviewer later introduced them as Bandanaira, a duo of Lea Simanjuntak (singer) and Irsa Destiwi (pianist), offering something patriotic to Indonesian audience. They were then asked to sing few songs from their album “The Journey to Indonesia” which was so stunning and heartwarming at the same time.

Believe me or not, the two senior people sitting next to me were weeping when they sang their new single ‘Aku Indonesia‘ (well, I myself was close to tears too). I encouraged myself to ask one of them what went wrong. He said, “Something is crushing my heart.  I fought the Dutch, I fought the Japanese, I’d die for this great nation. But, what about young people in this time? Are they willing to sacrifice for Indonesia too?”

GNFI has the honor to do an exclusive interview with Bandanaira. Here we go:

GNFI: Many bands/singers enjoy popularity and privileges singing mainstream music, but you opted to bring something really different to Indonesian audience. Aren’t you worried that it’d be difficult for you to penetrate the market?

Irsa: Frankly, we didn’t think of anything but making a great album of rearranged Indonesian national songs. We did it sincerely, no expectations.

Lea: Bandanaira is a long- term project. It will take years to educate the nation to love their national songs. We don’t take it as a problem, though. As long as we can produce good work for our country.

GNFI: The journey of Indonesia. The idea of such theme isn’t really booming in Indonesia. Did you intend to dedicate that album for the sake of your country, or also for commercial?

Irsa: For the sake of our country and nation. It was so sad to find that our children were no longer singing our own patriotic songs. That’s why we wanted to reintroduce these great, beautiful tunes to the young generation.
We created all new arrangements in order to attract the audience to listen to the songs.

Lea: We dedicate our album ‘The Journey of Indonesia’ to all our heroes, who delivered Indonesia to a new chapter of independence. Also to all the people of Indonesia who can now easily breathe in the air of freedom. In hope that they can achieve a new spirit of love for this country. We hope that our album can bring a change of perspective towards Indonesia, you know, for the nation, especially for the young generation.

GNFI: I do really like your duo name, Bandanaira. It reminds me of my good old days bands like Karimata, Krakatau; names derived from places in Indonesia. Any particular reason you chose the name? Or is it simply an easy-to-spell name? Have you been to Banda Islands?

Irsa: Yes, we simply wanted to name our duo something typical Indonesia. Me and Lea searched for names, there were few of them but we fell in love with the word Bandanaira. It sounded just right.
I’ve never been to any of Banda islands. Yet I would really love to go. I want to experience bandanaira. I heard it’s extremely stunning.

Lea: Why thank u… Yes, Irsa & I really wanted a name that resembles Indonesia. We did a vote, just both of us. And among all the other beautiful names of places in Indonesia, Bandanaira was the one we chose. We browsed a few sites about Bandanaira (no, we’ve never been there… yet) & grew to love the island. We hope that this duo can reveal true beauty, like the island itself.

GNFI: How do you see Indonesia nowadays, especially in this globalized and fast-moving world? Do you think that we are lagging behind our peers?

Irsa: Indonesia nowadays, full of intolerance people. and I loathe it. Yes in some points, we are lagging behind. iI only we all unite and respect each other, we could be such a great and strong nation. Moreover, catching up is easy whenever we’re all on the same page. Moving forward together.

Lea: Lagging behind? Well in some points, yes. For example: education, health, etc. But I’m sure we are potential in many other fields, one of which is art. In my opinion, if we really want to catch up with our peers, we should start with fields we are most potential in. I hope that our government focus on giving us more facilities such as better concert halls, art centers, schools of art, etc.

Irsa: Hmmm I guess #4 answers #5.
In my opinion, the young generation should be more creative in doing something, in order to bring Indonesia to be more acknowledged internationally. Do the best sincerely all the time. That would make some great contribution in the development of this country, I guess.

Lea: One of the barriers in the development of Indonesia is the lack of ‘connectors’ or if I may say, ‘bridges’ between the government & the people. Most medias show more unnecessary news rather than the ones that can actually give hope. This builds fear in the nation, especially in the young generation, which is why I think, is the reason why they’re not giving enough for their country. It’s really understandable why they’re afraid, angry, and perhaps even disappointed at this country (this is what inspired us in writing our newest single ‘Aku Indonesia’), but I hope they won’t linger in that situation, for a nation has to rise.
As an optimist, I say yes, of course we have time & chances to catch up.
But of course there’s a price to pay. And that, I shall answer in question #6. Haha…

GNFI: Share me your dreams about Indonesia 10-20 years from now.

Irsa: Well, I don’t dream that much. So it’s kinda hard to answer this question. I just have one hope for all Indonesians to go back to the great 5 principals of Pancasila. I mean, Pancasila is just the most suitable …., hmmm what do you call it? Idiology… for Indonesia. Ya anyway.
Oh and, kill and burn all the corruptors. Respect pluralism. Then, we can live peacefully.

Lea: A nation with inspiring stories about how the country survived. Healthier children with broad minds & big smiles. More Indonesian scientists, musicians, & athletes competing in international events!
BUT…
We sure have to go through a ‘detox’ phase, heheh… Yes, we should all go on a strict diet of selfishness, corruption, arrogance. And equip ourselves with more knowledge, produce more great local products (I love how young Indonesian designers are growing right now), and have enough love. You know… do every little thing to make a healthier, sexier Indonesia?

GNFI: Back to music. Do you think you’ll compose more patriotic songs in your next album?

Irsa: It’s possible. I mean, why not? Mixed repertoire would be very interesting, I guess. But still, the main theme of Bandanaira is collecting and rearranging old patriotic-national Indonesian songs.

Lea: Of course!

GNFI: Do you have fave singers/bands?

Irsa: Hmmm… personally, as a pianist, I listen a lot to Brad Mehldau. (Among) Indonesian artist I adore, Indra Lesmana, that’s it.
For singer, I heart Lea. She is one complete package of what you call an artist. She sings, plays instrument, composes, acts, dances. She knows what she’s doing. There I said it Lea!!! Hahaha…

Lea: Aerosmith, Ari Lasso, and Barbra Streisand.
Aww… I’m touched, Irsa. Thank u. Xoxo

Bondan & F2B: We Can Be GLORIOUS In ONE

I was stunned by the video clip of a young people in a group called themselves Bondan & Fade 2 Black, singing a song titled U.N.I.T.Y attractively. I am no longer young, but seeing them in that video clips , or live on TVs really brought back my beautiful memories of my younger era. It is young people like them who will move up Indonesia and its people to a higher stage globally, and this nation will need more people like them to generate more powers towards national pride and prosperity.

GNFI had the honor to interview them just few minutes ago,  and their response made me even more proud of them, and Indonesian young generation as a whole.

Here’s our chats:

GNFI: Hi, there… Bondan & F2B. Did you realize that you have sent huge shockwave to young people in Indonesia trough your songs?

B&F2B: At first we didn’t expect that it would give a huge impact. We just proceed with our vision and mission in music which is Keep It Real and be Positive.

GNFI: What or who inspired you to write those songs?

B&F2B: We consider ourself as a messenger. Sharing our positive experience to others by songs and lyrics. We put our lyrics in every songs we made as 80% REAL (things that already happened in our life or things that we dreamed to happen) and 20% IMAGINATION.

GNFI: I like all of your songs. I am particularly impressed by the song titled U.N.I.T.Y. Tell me about what the song tries to tell us.

B&F2B: The song tells us that in life, its normal that things are made in variety and differences, but it doesn’t mean that we’re different. UNiTy tells us how we can be fun in ONE, how we can be glorious in ONE, be sophisticated in ONE and VERY POWERFUL as ONE.

GNFI: I know you have been going to many places in Indonesia. Tell me about your favorite place, and why?

B&F2B: BONE, South Sulawesi. Why? Because it’s a long journey to get there but it was an awesome ride. From the Sultan Hassanudin airport, Makassar, it took us 5-6 hours to get there by land. During the journey, we went in and out of cages, hills, jungle. Great view and sightseeing a long the way. Whoot a ride!!!

GNFI: What do you see about Indonesia today?

B&F2B: It is a really busy and modern (nation) now. The technology and economy is growing so fast. Indonesia will need to keep up with it though.

GNFI: Are you confident that Indonesia will be economically big and influental in the future? How many years will it take to make it so?

B&F2B: YES, I’m sure we can. 15-20 years from now. =P

GNFI: What about Indonesia you like most?

B&F2B: Food, cultures, peoples, and women.

GNFI: Now back to music. Do you think that government’s support to music industry is adequate? Why?

B&F2B: Nope. PIRACY IS STILL EVERYWHERE. I don’t see sufficient MOVE government made to support our music industry. Even we can see the president’s music album in the pirated booth along the streets =P

GNFI: Any plan to go international with your music?

B&F2B: Of Course. But haven’t yet know when. Though, we are trying… maybe GNFI can help??

GNFI: Do you have anything to say to GNFI readers and Indonesian young people?

B&F2B: I Believe that Indonesia is the MOST incredible, rich, and beautiful country in the region (at least). We can be BIG and influence other countries. Singapore & Malaysia won’t be like they are now without us. What do they have? We helped them getting money trough various way… DAMMNN!! Let’s love our own culture and products… let’s minimize traveling out of country, instead… go for domestic tours.

Thanks GNFI for helping the world to SEE INDONESIA in the positive perspectives.

ReZpect

Bondan Prakoso & Fade 2 Black

Bondan & Fade 2 Black has also committed to preserving Keroncong music, which is a noble commitment. Let’s support them.

By Akhyari Hananto, the founder of Good News From Indonesia Network Community.

[GNFI Special] Alanda Kariza: I Am Proud Of Indonesia. Every inch Of It.

GNFI has the honor to present Alanda Kariza, a young writer who attracts many attentions. Alanda Kariza was born in Jakarta, February 23, 1991. She started writing in 2001 when she was a student in primary school. She became the school bulletin’s staff and won an essay writing competition at that time. In middle school, she started to write short stories and poems. Therefore, her debut novel, “Mint Chocolate Chips” (Terrant Books, 2005) was released when she was only 14 years old. Because of her work, she was trusted to be a contributor for 21-Degrees Magazine and freelance journalist for Gogirl! Magazine when she was studying in year 9.

Her works were also published in Hai and Bukuné Magazine when she had gotten into high school. Besides in writing, Alanda also received The Yayasan Pendidikan Jaya Awards (in the form of scholarship) twice and won the first place in Budi Luhur’s English Speech Competition. On June 2006, Alanda founded Komunitas Kepedulian Remaja Indonesia: The Cure For Tomorrow. Then, she was the youngest finalist in CosmoGIRL! of The Year 2006, dismissed the other 700 applicants.

GNFI interviewed her a week ago on some issues regarding Indonesia, and we’d love to share it with you. Here we go…

GNFI: How do you find Indonesia nowadays? You may take any angle to respond to this question.

Alanda: I have always seen Indonesia as a nation that I can be proud of. It has all of the potentials, and we are doing the things we can to optimise it, I believe. In terms of both natural and human resources, Indonesia has it all. It can even become a regional economic powerhouse if we keep on improving things as the days go by. Unfortunately, the thirst for power that a lot of politicians have might slow our progress a bit, or even more. There are a lot of genius people, but the others want to take them down—for power. The media also brings negativity and thrust it into people’s mind, which make even more people stop having faith in this country. I think the most important thing that we ought to have if we want to make Indonesia a great country is to think positively and start doing things, instead of whining. Nowadays, there are a lot of people who can only whine and transfer negative energy to others, and it’s far from good. We need to shift people’s mindset. As soon as we see Indonesia as a great nation, people from other countries will think the same way.

GNFI: What to do to develop Indonesia and make it at the same peer like China, or Brazil, for instance?

Alanda: Good question. I think the President needs to choose the best people possible to lead a few ministries that hold crucial issues: finance, education, environment, tourism, and youth and sports. Those are the promises of Indonesia and we need the best people who are able to optimize our potentials. Indonesia also needs to strengthen its current infrastructure, or even build the new ones. Having specialized cities also would stop Jakarta from becoming “the city of dreams” or “the city that has everything”. We also need to build other cities and provinces and drive people to want to live there.

GNFI: How do you see Indonesia in 30 years times to come?

Alanda: I see Indonesia as a great nation. If we can already be in the BRIICS, N-11, and G-20, I cannot even imagine how good Indonesia can be in 30 years. We have seen that young people are brilliant and promising. But, to achieve it, we also have to provide good education. I personally think that I have always been a misfit in Indonesia’s education system, because it does not allow me to try to find (and maximize) my passion from the very beginning. 30 years from now, there should be tons of schools for the misfits who have the ability to resilient.

GNFI: If you are a government official, what kinda position you prefer to hold? and why?

Alanda: The Minister of Education! Education is the foundation of a nation, and there are still a lot of things that have to be done to have a good education in Indonesia. I want to reduce the number of people who study overseas because they think that Indonesia’s education is not good enough and end up working in other countries. Yet, I also want to stop seeing children working on the street. We all deserve a good education, and the government is responsible for our education, as stated in the constitution. I would like to shift the education system, from “making machines” into “creating human intellects”.

GNFI: What kind of country do you want Indonesia to be like and why?

Alanda: I want Indonesia to be the center of environmental education in the world. It has natural resources that need to be preserved. By making it as the environmental center of the world, more people would study about Indonesia’s biodiversity, and at the same time, preserve it.

GNFI: Kindly share with us, what part of Indonesia you are proud of the most?

Alanda: Hmmm. Every inch of it. Well, except: corruption, terrorism, and crime, of course. We might not be well-developed yet, but I have faith in our way in developing Indonesia as long as we have the positive energy in mind, and in heart.

GNFI: Do you have any other views to share?

Alanda: Nope

GNFI: How did you find GNFI? Any suggestion for improvement?

Alanda: I forgot, I think from someone’s blog who has a link to Akhyari’s blog. I then started reading it daily, and spreading the news to Indonesian people, especially the youths. Because, youth are the ones who make the change .