Stories of Growth, Struggle, and Hope: Weekly Update #11

Activities at Rumah Damai Bandung are slowing down but offfline classes are held as usual in the room that doubles as a kitchen. One of the classes studies the "Homecoming" book. It turns out that a child's development, starting from the womb, as a newborn, toddler, and through preschool, significantly influences how we currently respond to conflicts, build relationships, and make decisions. Even things that seem trivial, such as what the father's job is or who the adults around you were during childhood, are important to explore because they contribute to our sense of self-worth and character. 

(An offline Homecoming class session led by Nenden as the lead facilitator, creating a reflective and safe learning space)

Outside of class, we met with Natalia again. When she’s in Indonesia, we always receive an invitation every Wednesday, either to Chanaya or Jodamo. This time, we were invited to visit one of Jodamo's business lines, the Bougenville Tourism Park at the foot of Mount Puntang, Bandung Regency. There, we saw firsthand how global economic conditions are starting to impact the tourism sector. Fierce competition, price adjustment, and the presence of digital platforms that seem to facilitate transactions pose a challenge to visitor numbers. Now, the Bougenville Tourism area is quiet, leaving all the employees there feeling worried.  Nevertheless, we still see hope and optimism within them. Our presence there was to listen to their concerns. Witnessing the people, especially the fathers, struggling to earn an honest living with high loyalty and integrity breaks our hearts a little. Hopefully, the management can soon find a solution to increase the number of visitors again, so the employees' welfare can improve.

(A meaningful conversation with employees of Bougenville Tourism Park, listening to their experiences and concerns)

We also received an offer to provide training for Jodamo's staff and their retail business line in downtown Bandung. We hope these six training offers can be implemented soon, creating a mutually beneficial relationship for both Jodamo and IofC Indonesia. We can provide training services and earn income to cover the rent for Rumah Damai, while Jodamo can improve the quality and productivity of their employees.

Amidst this busyness, after the Homecoming study class, we discussed an independent documentary film made by Watchdoc. The film, titled Pesta Babi (Pig Feast), highlights the exploitation in Papua for over 60 years by the government and foreign parties, as well as the various injustices occurring there. From that discussion, we felt uneasy because the film is banned from being screened or watched. In fact, a joint screening event organized at a campus was disbanded by the police. However, we feel we cannot just stay silent, we must know the real truth. Currently, we are planning to watch the film independently while considering safety aspects.

The Trustbuilding team is currently recruiting new members while expanding its network to campuses in Bandung. They plan to collaborate with the campuses to run a trial trust building  program and the hope is that more university students will have the opportunity to experience the importance of the Trustbuilding Program sessions.

(Engaging with Aqidah and Philosophy students at UIN Bandung through a Trustbuilding Program (TBP) session practicing Quiet Time, sharing the essence of TBP, and building the foundation for future collaboration)

As a closing, the IofC Indonesia team has decided to send six Indonesian delegates to the Indo-Pacific Life Matters event in Brisbane. Huda, Riri, Meir, Rafi, and I will be going there. Therefore, we have to do some fundraising, one way is by selling our home made brownies and merchandise. Actually, we hope that Obaja from Papua can also participate, but his departure process turns out to be difficult. We continue to pray and make efforts so that Obaja can join us in Brisbane.

Written : Nenden Prawira

Edited and translated :  Ari Budi

Proofreader: Peter Heyes