A 'Truth' Which Comes From Tradition

"I do this, because people do the same thing too"

We've ever heard that sentence, right? Tradition is an image about human attitudes and behavior which has stood for a long time and carried by generation of the ancestors. Tradition influenced by tendency to do something and repeating something that it becomes a habit. Society, especially Indonesia, is highly thick with cultural and traditions. Because society itself is formed by the unity of human life whose bound by custom system and tradition. When someone is in a group then he/she will tend to follow what are group doing. Someone perform conformity because they want to be accepted as a member/part of group, so that is not considered wrong. Talk about wrong, there are must be truth too. 

What is truth? Truth is rapprochement between knowledge and the object. There are two kind of truth, objective truth and subjective truth. The question is, in our pluralistic society with complexity of problems that occur in it, is there any real truth? What such of standard that used to determine something is mistake or truth? While standard itself generally appears from an existing system or it maybe the result of reflection or a rethinking of an existing system. Generally, the concept of "truth" is associated with mistake, inaccuracy, error, pretense/hypocrisy or dishonesty/lies.

But what is going on in society today is subjective truth, which each individual has their own opinion about right and wrong concept. And what happened is contradiction. Lot of people follow some deviant thing, as what many people do, and unfortunately it is regarded as a 'truth'. 'Truth' that according to their own thought. If you are asking, why I can say like that. I give you one example, in a case, there are a clever student who don't want to do some fraud at exam, beside his/her friends does that thing. Even, they join together to do that fraud at exam. Then, when the clever student don't want to do that fraud, he/she become avoided by people around. The pity, people feels what are they do is a 'normal' thing, and it is considered as a 'truth'. Why a 'truth'? Because they do it together. So, when their grade are higher than the clever student, they feel proud--and even without shame they say that it's a result of their hard work. What a pity!

The shifting truth values like this is even considered as a common thing in our society, which most people nowadays do the good thing but it's considered as a pious. But when there are someone do the wrong thing, many people defend it. So, it sounds like "I feel something so right by doing the wrong thing, and I feel something so wrong by doing the right thing", isn't it? It almost happen in many case nowadays. Then the next question is, how to choose the real truth? Truth claim for something wrong will continue happen. Here the truth is no longer the real truth, but it become just a symbol that has no meaning. The implication is that someone can do anything 'arbitrarily' as their will and there is no standard to judge what is right and what is wrong. Everything is a 'goodness'. Even though what are he/she does are contrary to morality and conscience. But we live in a society where it’s been ingrained in us to do these things. So, just be wise upon everything.

Regards,


Bening Rahardjo






(Read more: Indonesia Version)

Grand Final Championship Series NBL Indonesia 2014: ASPAC vs SATRIA MUDA

Popup grand final NBL Indonesia Championship Series 2014

Hi NBL Indonesia lovers!

Wohaa!!! I just reached home after watched together the grand final NBL Indonesia Championship Series 2014 between M88 Aspac Jakarta versus Satria Muda Jakarta, with my little brother. It was held at UNY stadium Yogyakarta. The opening ceremony was great too, like always! Especially to the supporters, they were SUPER AWESOME!! The stadium are filled with too too many supporters! Waw! 

Like final championship a year ago, this final game presents EPIC game too. Though, I was bit disappointed because CLS Knights could not reach the semifinal, but it was okay. There are still Aspac and Pelita Jaya who are talented too.

The final game tonight indulged basketball lovers with reciprocal action from both team, ranging from 2 pt shot, 3 pt shot, passing, steal and block. They are really brilliant! In first quarter, they played as same as good. In second until third quarter, SM lead the game. But in last minutes at Q3, Aspac began hit SM back, and it maintained until the end of Q4. Really, it was a-very-epic-final and worthed to watch. 

Prastawa and Biboy did good performance at Q3 and Q4, while Xaverius and Pringgo did the same good performance at Q1 and Q2. But, I really gave my respect for Faisal from Satria Muda too. His 3 pt shot's accuracy was a GREAT! Like Prastawa at end Q4. Sebayang and Dodo did good performance too. I thought, if Aspac meet Pelita Jaya at final, they would be present epic game too.

At least, this final game showed the world that Indonesian Basketball has also been highly developed. Moreover, the final game was closed with powerful dunk from Biboy too. What a lovely game! Aspac won the game and back to the CHAMPIOOOONNN!!!

Perfect powerful dunk to ending the epic game from Biboy Aspac

ASPAC back to CHAMPION again!!!

Okay, it's enough to share with you, I think I need more sleep because World Cup and NBL Indonesia Championship series. God :|

 

 Regards,

Bening

 

How To Choose Hijab Style That Suits You?

Now many hijabers who has created variety of hijab creations both paris drapery/square and pashmina. But sometimes, not all model fits you. Nowadays hijab has various types such like Paris, Turkish, Persian and Pashmina. Have you ever try it? Perhaps you will find lot of beautiful women out there who fit to wear many hijab styles. Begin from the simple one until the pile. It combined with clothes that begin from the Syar'i until the ludicrous one. There are some advice from me before you determine which one hijab that fits with your clothes:

1. Dress in decent and polite. But, be wise! DO NOT MIX belief with fashion. Fashion is fashion. And Syar'i is a must. 

 
2. It is not only because you FOLLOW fashion that being TREND-somewhat, then you are forced to wear model whereas it's not suits you. 

3. Do look its material too, whether it is appropriate and COMFORTABLE to wear or not.

4. Do not be afraid to look fashionable, but DO NOT OVERDO it. Dress in decent.

5. Mix your hijab color with clothes to look really fit. Do not too OVER CONFIDENT in using many colors. You will look more like "Ondhel-ondhel" than a "fashionista". Believe me. Because Islam teaches us to dress decently and not excessive.

6. Take care your face with water from Wudu (as always you pray/shalat 5 times a day) and use the right make-up.

7. Last, be proud with your hijab, but do not be arrogant, get respect from others with your manner and your look. 

Salam,

-BR- 

 

"Joko Songo" Monologue

By: Bening K.G. Rahardjo

The national slogan "MERDEKA" means independence. Source: kaskus.co.id

Mural slogan on restaurant at that time. Source: kaskus.co.id

Another mural slogan. Source: kaskus.co.id

Menurut si Sengkuni, hidup kita akan lebih baik kalau nurut saja sama kumpeni. Ah! Bosok! Lebih baik opo, hla wong setiap hari saja cuma ada kelaparan dan ketakutan. Kerja juga hanya dibentak-bentak dan diapusi. (SENYUM SINIS). Hla mbok mending nganggur, ketimbang kerja buat kumpeni lagi! Mlarat secara terhormat. Daripada hanya jadi keset mereka, hidup bukan mati pun tidak, ya tho?

Aku ini pemuda! Mosok rela kalau Ibuku direbut sama kumpeni? Kalau ujung-ujungnya tunduk lagi sama kumpeni, buat apa itu Kanjeng Raden Mas Insinyur Soekarno dan kawan-kawan bacain teks proklamasi? Aku ini anak ndeso. Tapi aku nduwe roso. Kalau serdadu-serdadu itu, aku yakin sejuta persen, mereka itu mati roso! Ndak punya hati nurani!

Kalau mereka punya uteg dan ati, ndak mungkin mau ngrebut Ibuku lagi!

Apa mungkin, karena Ibuku terlalu cantik? Pasti. Ibuku memang molek. Aku saja selalu rindu di dekatnya. Adem. Tentrem.

Atau, jangan-jangan karena Ibuku terlalu kaya? Terus, mereka mau morotin bondhone Ibuku? Kalau itu, aku ndak tahu. Ibuku ini sekaya apa sampai para kumpeni itu nyidham harta Ibuku?

AH. MBOH! ORA URUSAN!

Yang aku tahu, aku ini SOENARTO! Putra Bapak Martoyo. Bapakku Kepala Pasar Matesih. Siapa tho yang ndak mengenal bapakku? (TERTAWA). Yu Marikem, penjual sego tiwul paling enak se-Pasar Matesih saja kenal bapakku. Ning, yo, mungkin nek serdadu-serdadu itu pasti ndak kenal sama bapakku. Mereka itu kenalnya cuma sama Ibuku! Sudah jelas karena Ibuku yang molek dan sugih tadi.

The freedom fighters. Source: kaskus.co.id

AKU INI SOENARTO!

Anggota Pasukan Alap-Alap. Siapa yang ndak tahu?

ANGUDI LEBURING ANGKORO PENJAJAH, AMRIH LUHURING ANAK PUTU.

(TERTAWA)

Aku sering bertugas untuk Mangkunegaran dan Kasunanan. Jadi buat opo takut sama kumpeni? (TERSENYUM SINIS).

Takut mati? Oh,....,NDAK! Aku ndak takut mati.

Aku itu hanya takut nek aku mati, apa Ibuku akan tetap perawan? Semprul! Kalau aku sampai mati duluan dalam Clash II ini, kan aku ndak bisa lihat. Opo Ibuku akan direbut lagi sama kumpeni atau akan tetap perawan?! Siapa yang mau ngabari aku di akherat nanti? (TERTAWA).

SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSTTTTTT...........

Lambene mingkem dhisik! Ada serdadu datang! Aku dan kawan-kawanku iki lagi ndelik di tumpukan jerami. Jangan sampai mereka mendengar kami. Ini taktik.

Aku melihat orang-orang dungu itu menyeret Lek Marto. Sepatu lars itu terus berderapan di tengah malam mencekam. Mencari orang-orang yang ada di kampung. Sedangkan aku dan teman-temanku sudah menyebar pasukan di Matesih dan Tawangmangu. Rumah penduduk yang terpencil kami jadikan kamp untuk menyusun taktik kami.

Suara burung gagak dan angin, menebarkan bau bacin dari bedhil mereka dan bedhil kami.

Bu, kenapa kau ajarkan aku tentang kehormatan, kalau pada akhirnya manusia tega saling membunuh?

Tapi mereka bukan manusia Bu!

Mereka itu makhluk diciptakan oleh peradaban besi. Mereka hanya bisa membunuh dan membuat Kau menjadi tak perawan! Jadi, ijinkan aku untuk membunuhnya. Sebelum, mereka menghapus keperawananmu. Tenang saja Bu, aku sudah menggali kuburku sendiri. Tanpa tangis. Tanpa belasungkawa dan karangan bunga. Aku akan mati sebagai SOENARTO! Anake Pak Martoyo sing bagus dewe sak-Pasar Matesih! Kamu pasti akan bangga tho Bu? (TERTAWA).

SSSSSSTTTTTTTTTTT..........!

PATROLI KENDARAAN DATANG! KITA SUDAHI PERCAKAPAN INI!

INI MASALAH NYAWAKU, KAWAN!

AKU NDAK MAU MATI PEKOK. GARA-GARA TAWA-MU YANG KOYO SRINDIL ITU TERDENGAR MEREKA NANTI!

Kendaraan itu mendekat. Jantungku deg-degan ora karuan. Sungguh! Ini jauh menegangkan ketimbang aku dhelikan untuk ngapeli anake Bu Mangun sing galak itu. Sekarang saatnya untuk menjadi mesin pembunuh bagi serdadu maskulin itu.

Hanya ada pilihan, TIJI TIBEH!

MATI SIJI MATI KABEH, MUKTI SIJI MUKTI KABEH.

Wooooh, SEMPRUL! Ndak ada pilihan lain di tengah-tengah itu! Yowes, biar sama-sama tahu, semangat pemuda kami yang kesatria, atau bedhil kumpeni itu yang lebih jantan!

DEG.................DEG...................DEG......................DEG..............

Ini saatnya!

"SERBUUUUUUUUUUUUU.........................!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

DOR.....DOR......DOR......!!!!

Rentetan peluru dari senjata laras panjang kami menghujani kendaraan patroli. "Tangkap anjing liar itu!". Aku mendengar umpatan dalam basa londo, suaranya menggeram. Aku yakin, serdadu itu pikir kami tidak tahu bahasanya. Huh, picik! Kami ini orang-orang cerdas.

Dalam kebencian, kecemasan, kemarahan.....aku mendengar suara yang begitu dekat

"DOOOOORRRRR!!!"

BEBERAPA DETIK, AKU MELIHAT WAJAH KAWAN-KAWANKU YANG PUCAT PASI.

EKSPRESI KOSONG, BESAR TAPI TIDAK BERISI.

KECEMASAN DAN KETAKUTAN MUNCUL DALAM GURATAN WAJAH-WAJAH ITU.

MEREKA SEMUA MELIHATKU..........MELIHAT DADAKU..........

Aku melihat mereka berucap dengan mulut yang kosong. Atau,....,ndak terdengar olehku? Suara detak jantungku melambat. Suara yang kudengar dari mulutku, hanya suara kendor dan jelek. Mirip orang bersendawa. Pandangan mataku suram......

BAU DARAH SEGAR.......

PAKAIAN KEBANGGAANKU, SERAGAM PASUKAN ALAP-ALAP........

DUH GUSTIIIII............!!!!!!!!!!

Apa ini yang namanya mau mati? Aku tadi hanya bercanda hlo. Ndak serius ingin mati.

Tapi............................aku ikhlas, kalaupun aku harus mati....................

Bagaimana ndak ikhlas? Hla wong ajalnya saja sudah di depan mata.

Setidaknya, aku akan menjadi mayat terhormat, yang sudah membela kehormatan Ibuku!

Emmm,......,terhormat??

Mungkin. Karena itu yang dikisahkan Ibu pada kita, bukan?

Bu, kita sama-sama mengutuk perang. Tetapi, suara kita patah dalam desingan peluru. Tak apa. Dengan suka rela aku berikan jiwa dan ragaku sebagai souvenir indah tanah Matesih. Kampung halamanku.

Aku sungguh rela, asal ragaku tidak menjadi santapan anjing peliharaan serdadu itu! Aku menyanyikan Indonesia Raya dengan suara parau. Aku bernyanyi. Menghibur diri dengan perasaan ganjil dan aneh.

The atmosphere of war at that time. Source: kaskus.co.id

The atmosphere of camp. Source: kaskus.co.id

BU....

Aku baru menyadari.....

Perang adalah pengkhianatan, bukan hanya tentang kepahlawanan seperti narasimu.

Perang bukanlah cerita heroik pembela kebenaran, tetapi juga cerita seseorang yang takut akan kematian, sepertiku.

Perang bukan hanya dunia kesatria seperti yang kau ajarkan, tapi juga dunia berhati culas yang memperebutkan kekayaan.

BU....

Apakah kau lupa menceritakan padaku cerita tentang Kurawa, selain cerita Pandhawa?

Apakah kau lupa menceritakan padaku cerita neraka, selain cerita surga?

Apakah kau lupa menceritakan padaku cerita kebencian, selain cerita perdamaian?

Apakah kau lupa menceritakan padaku cerita nafsu, selain cerita nurani?

Apakah kau lupa menceritakan padaku cerita kenangan, selain cerita kemuliaan?

Apapun yang kau tuturkan. Apapun yang kau kisahkan. Sekarang, biarkan aku menjadi gundukan kenangan untuk anak cicitku nanti. Gundukan yang menjadi pemanis cerita tentang kemuliaan mereka nanti. Aku hanya sebuah manequin dingin yang menyanyikan kidung bisu Indonesia Raya. Sampai nanti.............

Sampai mereka menyadari, kesalahan masa lalu memang tidak bisa ditebus hanya dengan kata maaf. Amis darah dan bau bangkai adalah parfum IBUKU. Namun, setidaknya, mereka bisa memilih, untuk menjadi atau tidak menjadi budak keserakahan dan kekuasaan......

Psychological Trauma

In my previous post, I wrote some keyword such like trauma, recovery, illness, bitterness, past, etc. Even I could not tell you details about what incident that I left behind, but I would to tell you about the problem I have since that incident. 

For some people, past is just a past, what things happen at the past is only memories. They will easy to forget or to remind memories as they want to. Whether it is good or bad memories. Wise people say that good memories will lead you to be grateful person. While bad memories will lead you to be more careful thorough your life. But for some other people, past is not just a past. Past has consequences. Past is a part of circuit which can not be separated from present or future. They will always remember all part both good or bad at the past. Though, it is only partial that the pieces memory will be lost slowly. I may include in this type. 

An incident that I faced in my past, simply can not be separated from present and future. Although I have taken pains to reject and tried to making peace with my mind. Even, I lost some part of my memories of past. The effect, I have difficulty in remembering matter in present, we can say that I become forgetful woman. I went to a psychiatrist when I was at college, it was because I have to manage the main problem that caused by the incident, yes emotions. My emotions which could swing badly. I took some while to convince my self that I felt safe. But last night, I was wonder when (apparently) I still could not fully release the trauma of that incident. Although it has lasted more than ten years ago. I still seized nightmares and fears of incident at the past. Though, I've convinced myself that I had to live in peace nowadays. But, once more, it turned out I still could not eliminate all trauma.

Beginning with my own experience, I want to share new post related to psychological trauma. What is psychological trauma? According to definition on Wikipedia, psychological trauma is a type of damage to the psyche that occurs as a result of a severely distressing event. Trauma can be caused by a wide variety of events, but there are a few common aspects. Then, what is a potentially traumatic event? Psychological trauma maybe caused by some frightened-event, painful-event, frightening incident, tragedy, painful events, sad event and even high-pressured-situations.

I exactly know that children who are suffering from traumatic symptoms generally difficult to manage their emotions. If there are any, I am sure, it is just a few. They may be fearful to new situations, easily frightened, and even do some destructive. I knew, because I am part of it. Bad past always strongly recorded on memory, it is not easy to forgotten. Then, are there any emotional symptoms which indicated by trauma sufferers? Okay, according to some sources, there are two symptom models:

1. Physical symptoms: Fatigue, difficulty concentrating, difficulty sleeping or insomnia, nightmares, aches and pains, being startled easily, heartbeat fast and etc.

2. Emotional symptoms: Anger, irritability, mood swings, fear or terror, feel helplessness and hopeless, easy panic, hypervigilance (being hyper-alert to danger), self-blame, disbelief or denial, shock, feeling insecure or lack confident to meet new person and etc.

For the help, you can go to here - https://www.reachout.life/ptsd-symptoms-treatment-and-coping-strategies/

When trauma symptoms persist longer than 3 months, they are considered part of the syndrome of post-traumatic-stress-disorder or what so called PTSD. If PTSD symptoms are getting worse and it is not treated immediately with psychotherapy, it can cause depression too.

"A normal response to trauma becomes PTSD when you become stuck"

 --http://www.helpguide.org

The symptoms can be fade through day by day, month by month, year by year. But sometimes, the painful or emotion will return by facing, looking or listening at the same situation that reminds survivors of their traumatic experience. In some cases, however, symptoms may take a long time to appear. The way of each person to face their psychological trauma is also different. There are people who find their safe after they 'go' as far as possible from environment that makes her/his memory will get worse towards the incident. There are people who choose to making peace with themselves and their traumatic events.

Thence, never judge people who are survivors of traumatic incident. You may know nothing about what are they feel about that incident. Give support to the survivors, don't isolate them just because they become introvert to the world. We have to reestablishing their trust of others. Be patient and understanding them if they are in bad-tense of emotions. Help them to socialize and relax. If the symptoms are getting worse some time, you have to take the person to nearest psychiatrist.



Regards,


Bening

Making Peace

Hurts. That's the right word for our feelings when we are betrayed either by best friend, friends, relatives, or even families. Sometimes betrayal finds us even when we are not prepared for it nor wanted it. However, life is rarely perfect. Like compare what we want and what we have. And life is about making choices. Sometimes, choose to forgive or hold a grudge forever, will be two options that we have encountered. I know, it would never be easy to forgive those things that have been hurt us. However, it would be much harder, if we have to hold grudge as long as lifetime. The effect, it can contaminate our heart, obscure our positive thoughts, makes us grumpy, make our face look more grim, which is more badly--causing health problems (cardiac, stress or even amnesia).

I was part of the bitterness of the past, which is very hard to forgive. But, I tried to make peace with all of it. I want to eliminate the grudges. Making peace with my own thoughts and pain. It was heavier. I knew. And it was not easy to be in my current point, it took long process. Many years, with many tears and pain. In fact, after all the time it's passed, it's been more ten years, but I still traumatized by it. I feel like I've recovered from my illness, in fact it has not yet. I feel like I've managed to escape from bitter memories, in fact it has not yet. I feel like I've reconciled with my fears, in fact it has not yet. The climax is, last night I was still haunted by nightmares again. I was crying in terror by my thoughts again.

When I woke up, I asked: "My Lord Alloh, do I still can not reconciled with my past? Do I still hold a grudge by that incident?"

Now, I was in a step of recognizing, what should I leave behind and what should I keep. Friends, environment, relatives? Like what? Almost even, I could not recognize those who betrayed me--because I always assume positive on them. Good memories, bad memories? Which should be discarded? If in fact the bitterest thing could never be discarded as well. I just remember, God is the almighty of forgiving. Change from bad to good was easy, but to always be the good one, it is hard.


Regards,


-Bening Rahardjo- 

Everyone is A Star

What a good day!

Yesterday, Bill Madden has complimented my profile and read my site. Just a few second after I wrote tweet and status about him in social media, there was a new inbox on my email. After read, I was bit shocked! There was notification that Bill has following me on twitter. For honest, I knew about him since long time. I heard his famous name since I was at college, 6 years ago maybe. I knew that he is an activist beside as a talented musician too. I've ever read his articles about women's right maybe some years ago. And, what a great surprise he has complimented my site days ago! Even more, he sent me greeting and message too. Oh my Lord Alloh... it was like mercy from You. When someone who has inspired me so much, then gave me compliment and his kind of words on message :')

Anyway, Bill, if you read this post, I am very very thank to you. You made my monday feels more blue! As blue as the bright clouds at the skies. You know, you've inspired many people in the world! Thank you for your kindness words too. Viva basketball, writing and activism! :)

Best regards,

Bening

Family: Unity in Diversity

Hi, readers!

If you are reader come from Indonesia, you might be familiar enough with this slogan "Bhinneka Tunggal Ika". Yep, that's such like national slogan to build nationalist spirit among diversity of race, culture, language, region, etc, that exist in Indonesia. "Bhinneka Tunggal Ika" slogan has been used since the first president of Indonesia, Mr. Soekarno, still serving and has been discussed since before proclamation of Indonesia independence day.

"Bhinneka Tunggal Ika" can be found in Holy Book Sutasoma that written by Mpu Tantular in fourteenth century at the era of Majapahit Kingdom. That masterpiece are given new interpretation by the founding fathers in accordance with strategic needs of Indonesia independent building which consist of diversity: religion, belief, ethnicity, political ideology, culture and language. Thence, that masterpiece has adopted in context unitary state of Indonesia.

"Bhinneka Tunggal Ika is a magic one of great significance and it embraces the sincere hope the whole nation in its struggle up to become great, unites in the frame works of an Indonesian community Pancasilaist"

-- Dr. Soewito Santosa in his book Sutasoma, A Study in Javanese Wajrayana, 1975

The founding fathers agreed to use "Bhinneka Tunggal Ika" as national slogan which means "unity in diversity". 
 

In our daily life nowadays, there are too many disintegration among groups or ethnics due to difference. Talk about disintegration, difference occur only if there is personal/group/ethnic feel conflicted with another person/group/ethnic, it is natural. The difference makes us think that we need some another viewpoints to find a better solution.

If you are asking me, what is the concrete example of "Bhinneka Tunggal Ika"? My answer is family. Yes, my family. My family is a concrete example due to implementation of unity in diversity. We are created with different family background. As an explanation, here you can look our Family ID Card or as known as Kartu Keluarga/KK.

There are 3 coloums (read from left side): the first coloum shows our biological mother name. And the third coloum shows our biological father name. Look the different name of biological mother and father of my family there. The first line is belong to mom. Then 8 lines below is belong to us, the children. The sixth line belong to me. It can be seen how complex the difference in my family tree. What are shown in my Family ID Card is only limited to biological parent 'name'. The rest, my family also has difference in ethnic background. For example, my ethnic background is mixed by Netherland and Java. While my old sister ethnic background is mixed by Chinnese and Java. The other one, Rahma ethnic background is mixed by Ambon, Middle east, and Java. Yet, religion background factor too. Okay, can you imagine how complex is it?

I've ever read  in some sites, there people argued about "Bhinneka Tunggal Ika" meaning which only intended for indigenous people in Indonesian archipelago. Some people there argued that Chinese ethnic and another ethnic who are migrant from foreign race, it is not included in "Bhinneka Tunggal Ika" meaning. I was wonder by all thought by the type of people like them, why they proud to use "history" as a form of social provocation? It might because they never face diversity around them, actually. I have no idea. But one thing for sure, whether they--those on behalf of 'history'--can provide guarantee that their nationalism is better than migrant race? Can they provide guarantee that they are more able to contribute the best achievement than migrant race? I really want to say this to that people: If you have not been able to give best achievements for this country yet, you should keep your argument first

if they assume that all migrant race are NOT included in "Bhinneka Tunggal Ika" meaning, whether my grandpa was also NOT a part of Indonesia? In fact, my grandpa was a Dutch who chose to stay and settle in Indonesia since he was child. He also loved Indonesia, just like I love Indonesia. Even when he compared to that people, maybe my grandpa had lot more knowledge about Java cultural and traditional values. Is it just because my grandfather was born a Dutch descent, then he is not a part of Indonesia? Funny.

People are created with its difference. The true is, nobody disadvantaged by the difference, there are only an advantage to be learned--only if we want to contemplate it. In my opinion, there are wrong intepretation about unity concept. Many assume tells that if all these difference are united, then harmony will appear. For me, such thing like difference, would not be able to united. Its name is just difference. All efforts to unify the difference which ultimately lead to friction, then it lead to conflict. You know, life would not be wonderful if humans are only able to see one color. If we only focus on the difference among us, that's caused contention. There is nothing wrong in diversity, the only matter is our selfishness in looking at diversity.

From my family, I've learn how to love each other and how to handle our selfishness in diversity. Small diversity. A-very-small compared with diversity in a nation, even in a big place that-so-called-world. Perhaps, you could say that my family is a multicultural family. I think diversity in my family is wonderful. No need to make all difference to be in one uniform/same. The most important is alignment, so it will appears harmony in diversity.

If GOD did not make diversity, then we would never learn anything :)

Salam,

-Bening Rahardjo-