Tzu Chi Indonesia has reached a significant milestone – its 30th anniversary! As we commemorate this journey of three decades, Tzu Chi volunteers came together to reminisce about the ups and downs along the way. The event featured long-time Tzu Chi volunteers who have dedicated over two decades to the organization; they shared their experiences in the hope of inspiring current volunteers and shedding light on the challenging path we have traversed. Through unity and dedication, Tzu Chi in Indonesia has developed its four major missions: charity, medicine, education, and culture.
Stay Humble & Grounded
“Stay humble and grounded" was a core message reiterated during the event. In her speech, Liu Su Mei (劉素美), CEO of Tzu Chi Indonesia, emphasized the importance of gratitude and the need to avoid arrogance and complacency. “As we stand at the threshold of another thirty years, the focus should be on the faithful transmission of Tzu Chi's teachings and principles. The younger generation should courageously assume responsibility and invite more volunteers to participate, while cultivating leadership skills. Our organizational systems need continuous improvement, and we must keep pace with the times for Tzu Chi to ensure its sustainability.”
Ms. Liu expressed her deep appreciation for the challenges faced in the early days when everything was unfamiliar and obstacles were numerous. She never imagined that Tzu Chi Indonesia would achieve the level of success it enjoys today, with its four major missions deeply rooted in the country.
She acknowledged her gratitude to the first Tzu Chi commissioner in Indonesia, Jia Wen Yu (賈文玉), who introduced Tzu Chi to Mr. Eka Tjipta Widjaja (黃奕聰), founder of the Sinar Mas Group. Ms. Liu also thanked Mr. Eka Tjipta Widjaja for allowing his son, Franky Oesman Widjaja (黃榮年), to become a Tzu Chi volunteer. She also extended her appreciation to the two Deputy CEOs of Tzu Chi Indonesia, Sugianto Kusuma (郭再源) and Franky Oesman Widjaja.
Ms. Liu praised the exemplary relationship between the two vice CEOs as "mutual trust and mutual love," which has not only brightened Tzu Chi's image in Indonesia but has also brought assistance to countless people in need. This collaboration has transformed Indonesia, promoting harmony among different religions and ethnic groups.
In turn, Sugianto Kusuma, Franky Oesman Widjaja, and Jia Wen Yu expressed their gratitude for Ms. Liu’s courageous acceptance of the position of CEO of Tzu Chi Indonesia during its early days. They acknowledged that her leadership and commitment were pivotal to Tzu Chi’s success in Indonesia. Ms. Jia summed it up: “If it weren’t for Sister Su Mei’s initial courage, Tzu Chi Indonesia wouldn’t be where it is today. We are truly grateful to Sister Su Mei.”
March Forward Courageously
After reflecting on the heartwarming moments and inspirations from the past, Sugianto Kusuma urged everyone to march forward with determination. During the early days of Tzu Chi in Indonesia, volunteers were active in their service, even with limited resources and manpower. He emphasized that those present should not merely be spectators of past stories but should strive to become the protagonists, learning from the spirit and courage of the early volunteers.
"We can see that the world is changing rapidly, and many things have become digital. We need to adapt and learn how to make the best use of modern technology to do more good deeds," Sugianto Kusuma said passionately.
He encouraged the volunteers to continue their journey for another thirty years. "While we may think that we have done a lot in the past thirty years, it's merely the age of maturity for an individual. Our path is still long. We must consider what we can further promote and work towards it. Let us inspire more people to embrace compassion and become Tzu Chi members or volunteers so that we can help more people in need."
Franky Oesman Widjaja added that Master Cheng Yen's concept of "teaching the rich to help the poor, helping the poor to realize their riches" was the key to transforming lives. He stressed that wealth comes in various forms; these include having ideas, material wealth, and influence. If every prosperous individual were willing to help those in need, then poverty could be alleviated in Indonesia.
Franky continued by sharing an anecdote about Master Cheng Yen's explanation of the concept of the Thousand-Hand Guanyin (Avalokiteśvara bodhisattva). She said that everyone has two hands, and, when five hundred people come together to help the needy, it forms the equivalent of a Thousand-Hand Guanyin. In Tzu Chi, we can all become Bodhisattvas in the human realm. Franky expressed the hope that the bonds between fellow Tzu Chi volunteers will continue and allow them to walk the Bodhisattva Path.
Master's Inspiration
On July 22, when Tzu Chi volunteers from Indonesia returned to Taiwan to share their experiences of promoting Tzu Chi missions, Master Cheng Yen encouraged them: “We should aspire to be well-diggers. I have mentioned it before in our publications. Instead of building a pond with red brick walls, we should dig a well so there will always be water gushing out. Having built a hospital in Indonesia, you’re truly like well-diggers. Yet, is there water gushing out from the well? By ‘gushing out’, I don’t mean making money. I mean bringing forth your love to safeguard the hospital. What is most important now is to inspire more people to join our ranks. This is difficult, and it is even harder to inspire others to share the aspirations we have. How can we achieve that? By giving with great, selfless love, which is virtuous. Only virtue can draw people’s hearts to ours. I often say that we must inspire lasting and selfless love in all. Our hospitals are full of such love.”
The Master expects and has faith that, in Tzu Chi’s Indonesian hospital, every department will develop by carrying out management with love.
In Tzu Chi Indonesia, the fourth Mission of Medicine has been accomplished. Tzu Chi Hospital in Indonesia has officially opened its doors. We look forward to Tzu Chi Hospital being a place full of boundless love, where everyone provides support with love, where leadership is guided by love, and where the entire staff comes together to safeguard the health of the community.
A Jing Si Aphorism says: “We learn by doing and grow by giving of ourselves.”
Join Tzu Chi. Let us make our world a better place.
On September 17, 2023, the Tzu Chi Indonesia held its 30th anniversary celebration at the Jing Si Hall, with over 1,100 people in attendance, either in person or online. Among the participants were volunteers from various regions of Indonesia. CEO of Tzu Chi Foundation, Yen Po-Wen, Executive Office Director of Tzu Chi Foundation, Wang Yun Jing, Tzu Chi Indonesia staff, and long-time supportive members. (Photo by Arimami Suryo Asmoro; Jing Si Hall, Jakarta, Indonesia; 2023/09/17)
Even from afar in Taiwan, Tzu Chi Indonesia CEO Liu Su Mei conveyed her blessings and encouragement in this image. (Photo by Arimami Suryo Asmoro; Jing Si Hall, Jakarta, Indonesia; 2023/09/17)
Tzu Chi Indonesia Deputy CEOs Sugianto Kusuma (left) and Franky Oesman Widjaja (right) expressed their gratitude to all Tzu Chi volunteers for their collective contributions to Tzu Chi Indonesia's achievements during the 30th-anniversary celebration. (Photo by Arimami Suryo Asmoro; Jing Si Hall, Jakarta, Indonesia; 2023/09/17)
Over 1,100 people participated in Tzu Chi Indonesia's 30th-anniversary celebration, either in person or online. (Photo by Arimami Suryo Asmoro; Jing Si Hall, Jakarta, Indonesia; 2023/09/17)
With a lively presence, Jia Wen Yu served as the emcee, kicking off the Tzu Chi Indonesia 30th-anniversary celebration. (Photo by Chen Xian-li; Jing Si Hall, Jakarta, Indonesia; 2023/09/17)
The anniversary celebration also featured a traditional Ondel-Ondel national dance presented by Tzu Chi commissioners from Indonesia. (Photo by Arimami Suryo Asmoro; Jing Si Hall, Jakarta, Indonesia; 2023/09/17)
Students from the Tzu Chi Indonesia School showcased a martial arts performance. (Photo by Arimami Suryo Asmoro; Jing Si Hall, Jakarta, Indonesia; 2023/09/17)
METTA WULANDARI, YU-LING CHANG / Report from Indonesia |September 22, 2023
