Tzu Chi Jakarta Volunteer: Alwin Scorp Leonardi
Determination towards involvement at Tzu Chi
At Tzu Chi, Alwin Scorp Leonardi shows initiative to learn something new. Being a Tzu Chi volunteer since the past 15 years, he has been involved in many activities at Tzu Chi which are valuable and memorable.
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Alwin Scorp Leonardi was introduced to Tzu Chi in the year 1996. He was encouraged to be a donor by one of his classmates who had studied in the same school located in Medan. Their acquaintance was at a high school reunion which was held in Jakarta.
At that time my friend asked me, “Alwin, would you like to be a donor at an extraordinary organization?” Initially, I didn't understand what "extraordinary" meant. Then I responded by saying this. “Yes. Will it be on monthly basis?” Alwin had donated for years but never apprehended about being a volunteer as he was always occupied with business matters. However, in the year 2001-2002 his attention was diverted when he watched one of the Taiwanese TV shows. He was fascinated when he noticed the successfully businessmen from Indonesia had cleaned the polluted river. "This has been one of my dreams to clean the polluted river," he said. After watching that show, Alwin was eager to explore more on Tzu Chi's whereabouts in Jakarta which was in operation in an office located at ITC Mangga Dua, Jakarta. His wife was one of the first volunteers who had joined upon the commencement. At that time, Alwin realized that it might not be the perfect time for him being a volunteer.
In 2007, there was another opportunity for Alwin when he participated in the Employers' Camp which gave him a chance to visit Jing Si House in Hualien, Taiwan. Returning from Taiwan, Alwin decided to collaborate with the Tzu Chi volunteers. "I think this is a great opportunity for me. By doing good deeds individually will not enable to achieve results in a perfect manner in comparison to doing something collaboratively in an organization to fulfil the same vision and mission just as what I wanted," he explained.
Learning from division of responsibilities
Since Alwin had joined as a Tzu Chi volunteer, he participated in many activities. One of them is being the coordinator of the Tzu Chi Bamboo Bank where he had to socialize this gesture at Permai School, located in Pluit, Penjaringan, North Jakarta.
Alwin shows initiative in learning new things and shows determination during the activities at Tzu Chi. He was once responsible for mobilizing volunteers and conducted socialization about Tzu Chi at Perumahan Cinta Kasih, located at Muara Angke. Amidst of his busy schedule, he dedicated his time at least one or two times a week to show his presence during the activities where he interacted with residents. Due to this, there were a number of ladies from PKK who are willing to participate in volunteer training
Since 2008, Alwin has been a volunteer who has enhanced his expertise and acquire a responsible attitude. He was then dependable to carry out a fairly heavy task, being one of the people in charge of the construction of the Jing Si Hall.
This was definitely not an easy task for Alwin. However, with great determination and belief, he was able to accomplish it. The key to this is dedication and sincerity. “In my mind, I am confident to learn something new. During that time, the volunteers and I tried to apply the humanist culture of Tzu Chi during the construction of the Jing Si Hall,” recalls the man who was appointed as a volunteer for the Tzu Chi Committee in 2010.
In addition to being one of the people who was in charge of the construction of the Jing Si Hall, Alwin is also trusted to be the coordinator who carries out health services for workers on a regular basis. Although almost all the time he was struggling with both personal life and activities led by Tzu Chi, his tiredness paid off during the inauguration of the Jing Si Hall was held on October 7, 2012.
“At that time, I felt empty and also relieved. I was so happy and it couldn't be expressed in words,” said Alwin.
Cultivating the field of blessing in the midst of Pandemic
Alwin is one of them who had obtained trust and was in charge of the construction of the Jing Si Tzu Chi Hall in Indonesia, Alwin always applies the humanist culture of Tzu Chi which was shared to the building construction workers and regularly accompanies them when participating in health services.
Alwin who was born in Padang, Sidempuan, North Sumatra finally realized the meaning of the word "extraordinary" which was expressed by his friend. Tzu Chi is one of the greatest organizations because there are a number of activities organized and supported by many volunteers in attaining the mission. In this case, Alwin shows determination to support Tzu Chi.
"I don’t really focus on just one mission, every time I am given a responsibility, I will do it," said Alwin.
This was proven during the Covid-19 pandemic, when Alwin received a fairly heavy task. Initially, Alwin focused on sending first aids from Taiwan and China to handle the ones who were infected by Covid-19 in Indonesia through the Tzu Chi organization. Transportation was one of the challenges that was faced, especially from abroad that was difficult to obtain. However, during the situation, Alwin is still looking for relatively fast air transportation for shipping goods from abroad.
"Finally, the delivery of relief goods for handling Covid-19 in Indonesia were sent through Garuda Indonesia cargo. The procedure is not easy, but it ran quickly and smoothly due to the help of many parties," he said, "I feel very happy, especially when the relief items have been distributed and can help a lot of people.
This volunteer, who has been with Tzu Chi for 15 years, added that the various tasks and responsibilities that were assigned at Tzu Chi were never a burden but instead they were great opportunities to learn, develop, and contribute. "It was certain that I will do my best on the assigned responsibility," he said.
Showing full support whole heartedly
One of Alwin's tasks is to be in charge of the pick-up and accompanying guests of Tzu Chi Buddhist Foundation, Indonesia. In this case, he also often discusses and exchanges information with guests, both from within and outside the country.
For Alwin, the figure of Master Cheng Yen’s is an extraordinary teacher and can put himself in various situations. That's what he remembers when he met and listened to Master Cheng Yen's various lectures.
“During lunchtime, Master Cheng Yen passed in front of me. Then he asked whether I have eaten or not, let's eat together," he recalled. From that experience, Alwin learned one thing that he applied on that day. "I then realized that during the lecture, Master Cheng Yen did it seriously, with a clear heart, and a calm mind, but beyond that I saw Master Cheng Yen being so close like family," said Alwin.
This closeness feeling initiated Alwin carrying out his responsibilities as a functionary for picking up and assisting guests at He Xin from year to year. Alwin felt happy to get to know many people and exchange information with them. He communicated comfortably with the guests who had come from neighboring countries, and shared regarding the voluntary actions that were executed in Indonesia.
He was comfortable doing activities at Tzu Chi and always has full support from his family, including his children. According to Alwin, doing good is very difficult as there are many challenges and obstacles. However, as long as he can still do it, he will remain a Tzu Chi volunteer.
"If you quote Master Cheng Yen's words of reflection, 'Take the dispute as a lesson, take praise as a warning.' So doing good is an obligation and a must, but you must always be careful," said Alwin.
Author: Arimami Suryo Asmoro
Photographer: Document of Tzu Chi Indonesia
Translator: Mely Kartono (Tzu Chi School)
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