Commitment to Master
Like a sailing ship that needs a captain to lead the way towards its goal, Tzu Chi Indonesia also has the leadership figures who guide this social foundation to realize its mission. With Liu Su Mei as chairman, as well as Franky Oesman Widjaja and Sugianto Kusuma as vice chairmen, Tzu Chi Indonesia is moving steadily as it ages. They are entrepreneurs, leaders, and volunteers who actively contribute to spreading the spirit of the teacher, Master Cheng Yen. Starting from a seed that grows to infinity, that is the current state of Tzu Chi in Indonesia. Its development cannot be separated from the real dedication, tenacious struggle, and unwavering commitment of the three of them.
Liu Su Mei:
Perseverance to Commitment
Twenty-seven years ago, Liu Su Mei followed her husband to Indonesia to expand their company. At that time, many Taiwanese businessmen were investing outside Taiwan, including in China, Thailand, and Indonesia. This decision had opened the relationship between Su Mei and Tzu Chi.
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Liu Su Mei is the eldest daughter of 5 children in the family. She had witnessed his father's hard work to build a business from scratch to success since childhood. As the eldest daughter, Su Mei has been involved in helping her father's business since she was 17 years old. That's what makes her well experienced in the business world. Her father's upbringing and example greatly influenced Su Mei until now, especially the attitude of being responsible for all tasks and work, filial piety to parents, as well as caring and generosity to people who are in need. "My father said that those of us who had experienced a life of deprivation, when we already lived well, we had to help others as well," said Su Mei.
So when she met Liang Cheung in Indonesia, Su Mei gladly accepted the invitation to help Tzu Chi do social activities. Since she was in Taiwan, Su Mei has often donated money to various social activities, but at Tzu Chi she felt the difference. “Tzu Chi is not only a charitable foundation, but also a place for us to train ourselves. We can experience self-improvement as well in this foundation,” she said. According to Su Mei, the hands-on practical experience of handing over aid opened up opportunities for experience rather than "just giving". At the beginning of her active period in Tzu Chi, Su Mei along with the other volunteers went to poor areas in the remote and outskirts of Jakarta. There she witnessed the hardships of the Indonesian people, who were very poor compared to the life he had seen in Taiwan. “Me and other Taiwanese businessmen at that time saw that there was so much charity work that could be done in this country. So when Master said 'must contribute to the local people', we totally agreed," she said.
Su Mei also grew up with Tzu Chi Indonesia. Several historical events as well as the "stepping" milestones for Tzu Chi's growth also became the story of her life. These include the riots in May 1998, the great flood in Jakarta in 2002, and the Aceh tsunami in 2004. The number of volunteers from a dozen later grew to various parts of Indonesia. With the golden touch of Su Mei, growth is still going on, supported by the construction of a Tzu Chi Center which includes the Jing Si Hall at Pantai Indah Kapuk, North Jakarta. “When I started Tzu Chi Indonesia, I had never expected that I would arrive at the 'condition' today, I just thought, just do what you can, and do it well. Because from the start, Master never forced us to enter Tzu Chi, but we ourselves volunteered to be willing to join, so we also have to fulfill it," said Su Mei.
The bigger the ship, the bigger the wind. The larger the number of volunteers with the increase in activities, naturally also invites new problems, but Su Mei firmly stated that the most important thing is that each volunteer keeps himself on the path of Tzu Chi, while being accompanied by a grateful heart. This is very different from a dozen years ago, where with the character of "company leader" she had difficulty dealing with volunteers who could not possibly be treated like his "employees". "If I encountered something that is not appropriate, I would say to the volunteers, 'If you were my employee, I might have asked you to resign'. But now I'm just thinking, 'I'm really grateful that all of you are willing to help'," she said.
While carrying out responsibilities at Tzu Chi Indonesia as chairman, Su Mei's determination was repeatedly strengthened by the guideline "When you have accepted a responsibility, you must do it well". Although Su Mei, herself never claimed that she had done very well on this task as a chairman, she tried to complete every task that came along to the best of her ability. She also felt grateful that for her determination in doing Tzu Chi, she has the support from her husband and children. Even Though she was initially coming with the intention of taking care of the business with her husband. In 1995, her husband actually suggested that Su Mei give up her duties at the company so that she could concentrate fully on Tzu Chi. “The most important thing is to be kind to each other in the family. Without understanding from my husband or children, it is impossible for everything to go well,” he said.
Now, for Su Mei, the country of Indonesia has become the second hometown that fills an important part of her life. “In the future, whether I still live in Indonesia or not, I hope that volunteers and Tzu Chi in Indonesia can progress even more. Hopefully all of this can continue to be passed down endlessly," Su Mei hoped.
Franky Oesman Widjaja:
The Catalyst of Love and Compassion
Since 1998, following his father's footsteps, Franky has joined the ranks of Tzu Chi Bodhisattvas to take responsibility for realizing Tzu Chi's vision with all his heart and relentlessly.
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Franky Oesman Widjaja, the youngest son of a successful businessman from the Sinarmas Group, Eka Tjipta Widjaja, has a big stake in the company that his father started. Together with his brothers, Franky manages many large-scale companies spread throughout Indonesia. No wonder if his daily schedule is full of various meetings and gatherings. All the busyness of managing and developing the company, still does not dampen his soul calling to contribute to others in need.
At first Franky only knew Tzu Chi from a chat with Wen Yu, his father's secretary, who is also a Tzu Chi volunteer. At that time Wen Yu really hoped to invite Eka Tjipta to meet Master Cheng Yen. Wen Yu's tireless effort finally paid off. In 1998, at the age of 76, Eka Tjipta Widjaja with his wife together with Franky and wife visited Hualien, Taiwan. The visit left a very deep impression on Franky. Spontaneously during the visit, he also declared himself as a student to Master Cheng Yen, with the blessing of his parents. “When I prostrate, I realize the burden on my shoulders is getting heavier. However, as long as it is necessary and appropriate to do it, you never think about the obstacles that might get in your way, so 'just do it', even if you encounter difficulties, I am sure that they can be overcome in the end," he said.
After Franky returned from Taiwan, Indonesia was hit by a monetary crisis and riots. This was like a test for Franky's sincerity to practice Tzu Chi's compassionate teachings. Together with Tzu Chi volunteers in Indonesia, Franky participated in distributing basic food packages for the underprivileged people of Jakarta. This was an effort to "overcome hatred with love", as well as a challenge that had never been faced before. Not only did it require continuous coordination with government officials, it also required a neat distribution system, and security anticipation. Franky also mobilized his company employees to participate in the distribution of the rice.
The large-scale distribution of rice in 1998 was not matched by the large number of volunteers because at that time Tzu Chi was not as developed as it is today. Therefore, Franky also created a rice distribution system which he called system one and system two. "At that time, Tzu Chi people were running system one and we (the Sinarmas group) were charging system two," said Franky. The first system that Franky refers to is the philosophy and mission of the Tzu Chi vision that Tzu Chi volunteers must have, and the second system is how the implementation is handled by professionals. “With a good philosophy, the results will be even better. We see how Tzu Chi can be successful because of the philosophy that drives it. And also any organization if it doesn't have a two system running, then it won't grow big,” Franky explained.
According to Franky, the Tzu Chi philosophy that invites everyone to contribute and do good is very good, easy to apply and needs to be spread to many people. "That's a part of our mission. Transmit. We are catalysts (something that functions to accelerate change), invite the rich to help, and encourage those who are helped to help others. It can also be a catalyst for all NGOs, so that the impact is even greater. There is a multiplier effect, he said. Franky also expected the same thing when he introduced the Tzu Chi philosophy to entrepreneurs. “Either you do it in Tzu Chi or outside, it's the same. The effect is the same, namely you can do a lot of things, do good things for society," he said proudly.
Working for Tzu Chi makes Franky get many memorable events. He admitted that there were many things that he would not be able to see and feel if he did not join and participate directly in Tzu Chi activities. “The first time for rice, we have to go down to a very smelly place. Infiltrate the halls if you enter and you have to tilt. We also just found out that in Kramat (Central Jakarta) there are children who have to take turns to sleep at night (because of lack of space). At night they play football because they are waiting for their turn to sleep,” he said. Franky continued, “Seeing all that, what more can you complain about yourself. How can we not continue to be 'Gan En' (thankful)?!”
Sugianto Kusuma:
Just do it!
"Chi Hong" and "Tzu Yuan". On April 24, 2002, Sugianto Kusuma and his wife Rebecca Halim received a new name from Master Cheng Yen, when they vowed to be Master’s students, the meaning of the name was "to help others" and "to be noble". Since deciding to choose the Tzu Chi path, Sugianto, who is often called Aguan Shixiong, has devoted all his thoughts and time to realizing Tzu Chi's humanitarian mission.
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Sugianto Kusuma or who is usually called Aguan began to know Tzu Chi Indonesia, when there was a big flood in Jakarta in 2002. When floods still inundated many areas in Jakarta, he took the initiative to personally distribute food to the houses of residents who were experiencing flooding. Previously, Aguan didn't have much opportunity to observe the hardships of people living in Jakarta, “Usually we only go from house to office, and even via toll roads. Or go abroad. We only see what is happening around from the TV. During the flood, after I witnessed everything in person, I really felt what the Master said, 'Between the poor and the rich, the difference is too great'." The suffering of the people of Jakarta that he saw at that time made a deep impression on Aguan.
Incidentally, not long after, he was invited by Eka Tjipta Widjaja to support Tzu Chi's plan to build houses for residents living on the banks of Kali Angke which were affected by the flood and were about to be relocated. As an entrepreneur in the property sector, this house construction plan sounded very easy to him, so Aguan immediately agreed. When he went to meet Master Cheng Yen with other Indonesian Tzu Chi volunteers, Aguan always answered "No problem" to the various tasks that were put to him. So he was known as “Mr. No Problem".
But not everything runs smooth as Aguan originally imagined, especially since Tzu Chi has its own way. “At first, I thought that the cost (of building the house) could be borne by half with Franky, but apparently it's not allowed, you have to gather the love of many people. We have to go down ourselves to find donations,” he said. It's a new experience for Aguan, who has been a donor most of the time, now has to ask for donations. Still, this challenge did not make Aguan "lose". He began to visit his fellow businessmen. Based on the understanding of universal love that he got after reading the book Kao Yan (challenge) written by a Canadian Tzu Chi volunteer, Aguan explained to his friends. "I asked them, 'Have you done anything for people in need?', they replied, 'Nothing.' I said, if the gap between rich and poor is too far, jealousy is natural. But if we have concern, the distance can be narrowed, so that the country becomes peaceful. If the country is peaceful, new economic life can turn out well," explained Aguan.
Aguan was quite successful in convincing his friends. Many businessmen joined as donors and even Tzu Chi volunteers because they followed his invitation. During the completion of the construction of the Cinta Kasih Housing, and various other major Tzu Chi projects such as post-tsunami assistance in Aceh or village operations, although there are always problems faced by Aguan, he firmly said, "No Problem". "Doing Tzu Chi works don't think too much, and I don't think too long, just do it!" he insisted.
As a company leader and the head of household, Aguan's time is actually very tight. However, several days a week, he always makes time to come to the office of the Buddhist Tzu Chi Indonesia Foundation to take care of various tasks as Deputy Chair. He also does not do much in supporting the funds needed by Tzu Chi to carry out his mission. “I feel that in Tzu Chi's work there is nothing difficult. The important thing is that the intention is sincere. That way our minds are clear," he said. Contributions at Tzu Chi provide the inner peace that Aguan hopes for, and activities at Tzu Chi are actually considered as "refreshing" minds.
Aguan experienced major changes in his life as well. “In the past, if there was pressure at work, we would usually look for an escape. The way is to get together with friends, go to karaoke, and like to come home at night," he said. After becoming a Tzu Chi volunteer, a number of precepts (rules) that must be obeyed made Aguan start practicing self-control. It replaces the momentary indulgence of worldly pleasures with the more lasting inner satisfaction of sharing love to others in need. “Master teaches practice. Religious teachings must be followed, that's what's important,” said Aguan.
Writer: Ivana, Juliana Santy
Photographer: Anand Yahya, Ivana
Translator: Olivia Tan (Tzu Chi Volunteers)
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