Berburu Training for Facilitators
Dengan semakin tingginya minat publik terhadap program Berburu, maka JBRB memulai sebuah program yang dinamakan “Berburu Training for Facilitators”. Pelatihan Batch 1 diadakan bekerja sama dengan Inner Voice Institute; sebuah lembaga pelatihan yang menyediakan berbagai macam bentuk pelatihan khususnya yang berhubungan dengan self-awareness.
Acara diadakan di kantor Inner Voice Institute yang terletak di Jl. Kyai Maja No.13 (depan RS Pertamina) pada tanggal 20 dan 21 Juni, 2009. Pelatihan ini dimaksudkan menjadi sebuah sarana bagi JBRB untuk mendapatkan calon-calon pengajar Berburu yang baru seiring dengan rencana pengembangan program Berburu di awal tahun ajaran nanti.
Alhamdulilah, minat yang datang dari berbagai kalangan cukup tinggi. Ada 30 orang yang hadir pada pelatihan tersebut. JBRB mendatangkan beragam trainer selama pelatihan, yaitu Pardamean (Inner Voice Institute), Edward (Psikologi UI), A.R. Lendy (Inner Voice Institute), dan Atty Budiharti (Brain Booster Management).
Pelatihan tidak berhenti sampai di situ. Demi mengembangkan potensi para calon pengajar, JBRB mengadakan pelatihan bagian kedua di Museum Bank Mandiri pada tanggal 4 Juli, 2009. Kali ini JBRB bekerja sama dengan Forum Indonesia Membaca (FIM). Pelatihan terasa sangat istimewa karena Museum Bank Mandiri menawarkan nuansa romantis era jaman kemerdekaan. Kali ini para peserta mendapatkan materi tentang Children’s Positive Discipline yang diberikan oleh Mita Abidin dari Cikal.
Apabila kamu tertarik bergabung dalam program Berburu, hubungi Dela Dwinanda di 0817 807644 atau kirim e-mail ke Ika di revolusibudaya@gmail.com
Salam Berburu!
Jakarta’s forgotten celebration
Did you know that last June 22 was the birthday of our beloved city Jakarta? Some of you were probably aware of that fact, but I’m sure most of us didn’t care at all; that is exactly what happened in my office, everything went just like any other day. No one mentioned the fact that Jakarta was having its 482nd birthday.
Compared to our country Indonesia, Jakarta turns out to be so much older. But it is too bad that despite the fact that our capital is so old, the condition doesn’t show the kind of maturity that a city as old as Jakarta should have. Perhaps that is why we Jakartans don’t really care whether or not it’s a birthday. Because it’s always the same kind of Jakarta we all have: bad traffic, bad public transportation, pollution, flood, and poverty.
With all those problems, we don’t feel like celebrating it. I even forgot that last Monday was Jakarta’s birthday until I heard, accidentally, the news on the radio reporting that our local government had been conducting cultural events in several areas.
Our ignorance of this special occasion definitely reflects our attitude towards this city of ours. Admit it, most of us don’t like it here. Admit it, most of us always curse at this city every single day and always think that if not for the money we would have left this city so long time ago.
Am I being too much on this? I don’t think so. I was driving my car a few days ago from my office to a friend’s house in Blok M when suddenly a metromini cut me off. This bus came from nowhere and stubbornly stopped right in front of me. I was going to curse but decided not to when I saw the people’s faces on the bus. I felt sorry for them.
They all looked sad. None of them were crying, but I could tell they were all unhappy. Their bodies were squeezed against each other and they were all sweating. Suddenly I felt guilty for being inside my comfortable car. I felt guilty for having my air conditioner and radio on. I looked at those people and I realized that not all people in this great city of ours can enjoy Jakarta’s luxurious malls and nightclubs.
The funny part was the fact that the condition of the bus was no better than the people’s condition inside. Just like any other Jakarta’s public transportation system, this bus in front of me looked like the ugliest bus in the whole world. At that very moment, I was so ashamed of being an Indonesian. I couldn’t imagine what I would have said if there had been a foreigner sitting next to me; trying to mess his or her concentration from this very embarrassing sight, I would probably have said, “By the way, have you tried our busway?”
It seems to me that Jakarta is run to please the rich. Look at our big malls. Our malls are so luxurious that even my American friend, Bill, admitted that our malls are better than the ones in the United States. While walking inside a famous mall in Central Jakarta, he pointed at those branded items being displayed at various outles, and said, “Isn’t it amazing, there are actually many people in this city who buy all those unreasonably-priced products?”
But it is interesting to know that even the rich are not actually happy living in Jakarta. If you don’t trust me, ask them to describe Jakarta in one word. I bet most of them will say macet. In other cities, people probably have positive words like: beautiful, traditional, or peaceful. And that is why they always go somewhere far every time they have a chance. We shouldn’t be surprised to know that Jakarta’s rich people are among the main tourist sources for cities like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Bangkok; and not the other way around.
So, what now? Did 482nd birthday mean anything? It still did and should mean something.
I think it is time for all of us to look at Jakarta differently. It is time for us to treat Jakarta wisely and start doing small but real actions to this city. I remember I didn’t really like Jakarta in the past. But living in the United States for 2 years made me realize that Jakarta was not as bad as I had thought before. It was the first time when I realized that Jakarta had so many great things I couldn’t find in America. And one thing for sure, I missed those things so badly.
So when I came back, I decided I would treat Jakarta differently. I made a vow that I would start doing the things that I never had done before. It was not easy, but I managed to survive. First, for the very first time in my life I went to Monas. Then, I went to other cultural and historic attractions. I began to find out that Jakarta is more than just about malls and cafes. Second, I started trying all kinds of food that this city offers. I found out food in Jakarta is not mainly about nasi uduk or soto betawi. You will be surprised to know that the choices are unlimited. Third, I now use the traffic as a perfect therapy on patience.
At the end, we can always have thousands of excuses not to like Jakarta and all its elements. But, we all should know that there is a second choice to like this city, although it might only be just a little bit more; and to do it, it will need some efforts.
….Jkt….
I went to Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII) last Saturday not knowing that students were having a long holiday. So my car was stuck for one hour inside. My car was literally stuck; not moving. I didn’t really know why the place was so packed but I finally gave up and went home.
I have to say that I’m sorry to my friend Rany that I didn’t attend her wedding party. I wish I could have, but trust me, it was so macet.
I didn’t know that TMII was that famous. Last time I went there it was about more than 4 years ago when I had to be a tour guide for some foreign guests of my university. The place is indeed a very educational for children, so it’s highly recommended.
But I just found out yesterday on the news, TMII has a new attraction called Snow Bay Water Park. It looks like a very big water attraction. Isn’t that cool? I read that this new attraction has so many cool attractions like the largest “ember” in Jakarta. Find it out here.
So I went to TMII for nothing, but I couldn’t complain. I guess everyone just wanted to have fun. But sometimes I just wonder why bad traffic is everywhere in this city. Just when I thought I could enjoy driving on a Sunday, I couldn’t believe what I was experiencing: my car was stuck in TMII!!! What a story.
I could manage to control my emotion mostly because I just had experienced a wonderful trip to Bandung on Saturday; which I think I’m going to write something about it later. It was a short one, but I had so much fun. One thing for sure, Bandung has great great food. And cheap too!
Back to Jakarta. It seems to me, I have thousands of stories I can share to you about Jakarta. And it probably seems like I always have bad stories to tell. That’s not true. Although people keep telling me that other cities are better, I still believe Jakarta is the best (in my heart). Ha-ha-ha. I guess I need to tell you more on that one. Maybe later.
Jacko dead?
I went to my office just like any day. I got to my cubicle and turned on my computer. Suddenly, my work colleague sitting next to me said this very surprising words, “It’s so sad he’s dead; The radio is playing his songs now.”
“Who’s dead?” I asked her. “Michael Jaackson is,” she replied. I couldn’t believe what I heard, the King of Pop is dead. Finally?
I’m not a big fan of Jacko but I have to admit he’s a legend. I remember I was amazed to watch him sing and dance. His moonwalk is probably the most famous dance move in the world.
His album “Thriller” was once the best-selling album of all time. Too bad he couldn’t be consistent to keep his star power. In the last two decades or so, Michael Jackson’s life was full of embarrassing moments. He was accused pedophilia by the way.
But no one can deny that his songs are forever. Some of my Jackson’s favorite songs: Beat it, Heal the world, and Thriller.
Anyway, I’m not writing to have a long story on Michael Jackson. I’m not a big fan so I don’t have much to tell. He’s dead.
Just say hi
It’s been a long time since I wrote on this blog. I know I have to write more and of course consistently. A lot of people have asked me to do so. But somehow it’s so hard to write and get inspiration when I’m so occupied with my daily routine.
But I will try.
Anyway, I’m still in Jakarta; alive. Life’s good so far, although sometimes I find Jakarta so frustrating. Sometimes it’s hard to deal with those people out there, they think they know what they’re doing; but they actually don’t.
The traffic is always a big problem for me. If only I could fly, I bet it would be so much easier. Traffic, traffic, traffic: What the hell is wrong with traffic in Jakarta. Why there’re so many cars and motorcycles in this city? And why can’t they drive like normal people?
It’s good that life is not only about traffic. Once I park my car, I’m happy again. Well, it’s not that I always get stressed when driving. The worst case is when I’m late for something and my car is stuck in the traffic jam, that’s when traffic can be a nightmare.
There are things you can enjoy about Jakarta; and I don’t mean the malls by saying that. I went to Museum Bank Mandiri last weekend and it was so beautiful. I’ve been to Kota Toea for so many times now, and I really hope the local government can do more to the place in the coming years. The place has so much potential, so it needs to be improved a lot.
Food! Jakarta is a city with the best food. That’s what I think. Not only the expensive ones, you can find so many cheap but tasty menus in this city. Well, if you have a hygiene problem then you may only want to eat at fancy restaurants; because in this city tasty food doesn’t always refer to healthy food.
I wish I could tell you more about I what I feel. But, I have to sleep because I have to wake up early tomorrow for work. I’m so excited because I’m going to Bandung after work. I’ve got so many plans in Bandung; for sure food hunting will be my first priority.
I promise I will start blogging more once I get back from Bandung. By the way, Jakarta Butuh Revolusi Budaya is conducting a small event on July 4, 2009 at Museum Bank Mandiri, from 9 am to 5 pm. Anyone can come, but please make sure you reserve your seat by sending us an e-mail to revolusibudaya@gmail.com
Cheers!
The kind of women I love
written in early May.
Next to my office building there is this big billboard of a famous female deodorant product. It’s totally big. I assume all car drivers passing by are supposed to see this advertisement.
What the big billboard shows is a picture of a young and beautiful woman who is smiling while proudly showing her armpit! Well, what else can you expect? After all, it’s a deodorant product we are talking about.
For people like me who grew up in a metropolitan city like Jakarta, such a scenery might just look usual. And as a young and “normal” man, I admit that I do enjoy looking at beautiful women.
But this is not only about a beautiful woman. What the picture really shows us is a reflection of how our culture has shifted into a new kind of path. At least that is the condition in our big cities.
Imagine if a middle-aged woman from a small city like Malang comes to Jakarta and sees this gigantic billboard. She will probably say, “astagfirullah” while rubbing her chest.
In the old times, it was rude enough for a woman to show the upper part of her arms. To show her armpit would be out of the question. But now, women in big cities smoke, drink alcohol, and they even talk sex!
A few days ago, Indonesian women celebrated their so-called freedom day. April 21 is dedicated to the struggle of R.A. Kartini who was the pioneer of feminist movement in Indonesia.
Do you all think today’s women in Indonesia are much better than those in 80’s or 70’s? What are the measurements?
What do you think Kartini would say if she came back to life and saw a huge billboard of a beautiful Indonesian woman showing her armpit?
I think Kartini would cry. She would be so sad to see that Indonesian women have forgotten their Indonesian values; she would be sad to see how Indonesian women have turned themselves into nothing but slaves of capitalism.
If you don’t believe in what I say, just look around you. Nowadays, Indonesian women don’t feel proud of themselves before putting expensive makeup on their faces. They don’t feel confident before carrying a Louis Vuitton bag.
Not that I’m against cultural changes or anything but I think our feminist movement is following the Western style too aggressively.
Look at our today’s female magazines. Before, we only had several names like Kartini and Femina. They used to be quite traditional in many ways, but now they have to compete against imported magazines that teach our women a lot of sex and fashion tips.
Is this a good thing for all of us? Is this a good thing for Indonesian women?
It’s not that everything has gone bad with Indonesian women in big cities. I’m sure Kartini would also be proud to see how today’s Indonesian women can pursue education as fas as they want.
Kartini would also be proud to see how a lot of women have good positions in society. Now, Indonesian women are doctors, house representatives, judges, and even police officers.
What has gone wrong is that some women are forcing the wrong kind of emancipation to the society. The kind of emancipation that’s filled so much with Western values.
All I’m saying is, it’s not something sinful if a woman decides to be a housewife instead of pursuing a professional career. But at the same time, it’s ok for a woman decides to be a career woman.
For the last few days, I’ve heard an ad celebrating “Hari Kartini” on a Jakarta’s famous radio station. It basically supports women’s emancipation. It suggests that women and men are actually the same, willingness is all that matters.
And that is the kind of message that most media are telling our women. A message that says women and men are equal in everything; that women can do all the things men do. The kind of message that Western feminists always spread to rest of the world trough so many ways.
With all my respect to all women in the world, I seriously think we are not the same. You are women, and I think it’s ok if men are better in several things. Because I know you are better in a lot of other things too.
You don’t have to deny the fact that men are stronger physically. Because we men always envy your softness and patience; and you all should be proud of that.
Women’s emancipation is not about competition. It’s not about defeating men in all areas that they do. Women’s emancipation should be about maximizing the God-given strengths that women have.
And in doing so, it is perhaps a good thing if our women can combine their Indonesian values and the 21st values. For me, that is the kind of women I Love.
BERBURU goes to World Book Day at Museum Bank Mandiri
Last weekend, 16 and 17 May, JBRB had a special thing going on. We participated at the World Book Day by Indonesia Membaca. It was a real unique experience. The event was held at Museum Bank Mandiri which turned out to be a perfect place to have an exhibition.
We displayed some pictures and videos of our program BERBURU. We got lucky that there were several people who got interested in becoming BERBURU trainers. Great!
On Sunday (17 May), Me, Eja, Gilang, Ichsan, and Syukron took students of BERBURU from SMP Gratis Ibu Pertiwi to Kota Toea to celebrate the end of our program. The mission was to have fun; and I was happy to know that we all did have fun.
All students actively participated within the whole program. We all did games, singing, museum tour, and a campaign of BERBURU.
It was a fun experience for all of us. I hope we can do something like that again in the future, but right now we focus on conducting “Berburu Training for Trainers” which I’m sure will also be so much fun. I hope I will see you there.
JBRB on O Channel
Last Tuesday was a special day for me. It was my first experience to be invited to a talk show “Selamat Pagi” on O Channel. The shocking part was the fact that the show starts at 7 in the morning. I was pretty lucky that they provided me with a transportation, but still I had to wake up at 5.30. Not a fun thing at all.
The hosts were nice: Erwin Parengkuan and Jill.
My friend Reza was also there with me during the talk show. We both had a very nice conversation with Erwin and Jill. We talked a lot about our JBRB and social life in Jakarta.
Everything went well and smoothly.
And after the performance we had a very good response from public. Our FB account has received a lot of support and people wanting to join our program Berburu.
Now, I’m hopping Metro TV and TV One will invite us very soon 
Because I love you
Love is a big word. You will never be able to describe love in one sentence. It takes hundreds of pages of novels and books to explain what love is. People have to watch movies and read poems to understand love. But in the end, we will always be confused why we love him or her.
I believe in the power of love. I do believe that it’s love that will help me find my true happiness.
But, what is love?
I see people around me talk about love all the time. The say all those nice words like, “I care about you” “I’m thinking about you, always” or the most common phrase: “I love you”.
Yes, those words sound so beautiful. But what I have realized is that, and this is amazingly surprising, people who say those nice words the most are actually the ones who have the lowest level of understanding about love.
I call it romance bullshit.
You don’t have to say “I love you” all the time; every single minute, every single second. Show that you care by doing real things to the person you love.
What most people don’t get it, is the fact that love is all about sacrificing and understanding. Sacrificing here means trying hard to get what the people you love want. If you are a man and you work hard days and nights to support your wife and family financially, that is sacrificing.
But if you are a wife (or a husband) and you want to have a divorce because your husband cannot buy you the things that you want after he tried so hard, then you are a selfish bastard.
Because remember, love is also about understanding.
And both sacrificing and understanding should be done by both sides: husband and wife, boyfriend and girlfriend, and so on.
Imagine if you and your loved one can both sacrifice for each other and be understandable to each other too. I’m sure happiness will always be in your heart.
Go around the world and ask every couple who sacrifice and understand, I bet they will admit how money doesn’t really matter because they are happy.
Still, with all theories we have to love is not easy; be careful, it sounds simple but yet it is so hard to do. Maybe we can take a look on what Mother Teresa had to say about love: “If you judge people you have no time to love them.”
