Tzu Chi Jakarta Volunteer: Ricky Budiman
Implementing 20 Words of Wisdom
Ricky says a person who undertakes responsibility is also accountable so when given one, it has to be seriously taken and pursued.
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A crystal clear memory on the 2nd March 2020, when the President of Indonesia, Mr Joko Widodo, announced Corona virus has infected our nation, two who were confirmed to be positive, a mother and her daughter.
The volunteers from the Foundation of Buddha Tzu Chi Indonesia came together to support and respond to this global outbreak. It's clear that this virus impacts not only health, but also economic factors. The foundation immediately came together to donate, support and help fight this pandemic.
Ricky Budiman, one of the volunteers who is the coordinator of the distribution of aid during the pandemic, is concerned that when others are advised to stay at home, in two or three months he goes out almost every day to distribute aid.
"Yes, there is fear, but we follow the health protocols. As long as we obey and take care of ourselves, everything can be avoided," said Ricky, his nickname.
It's not just a sense of concern that underlies Ricky's courage to go directly to the field with other volunteers. One thing he holds firmly, namely a sense of responsibility. For Ricky, being a person who is entrusted with responsibility is not easy. So when he gets one, he must carry it out with sincerity.
"As long as you believe you can do it, just do it. If you have taken responsibility, you must be committed, " he said firmly.
It seems that this assertiveness has made Ricky entrusted with various tasks in the volunteer community. He is often appointed as a coordinator to carry out social work.
An Assertive Leader
It all started with his beloved spouse who introduced him to Tzu Chi. One activity led to another, he felt blessed to be a better individual.
By nature, Ricky is a humble, kind hearted, down to earth person who was always ready to help and serve. However, all these qualities came through over a period of time.
“Back then I had not known Tzu Chi. When I said I can’t, I meant I really can't. I used to be a short-tempered, dictator and fierceful man, many feared me, “he said.
Not only at the office, at home Ricky is known to be harsh. His six children as well as his wife agreed with it. Ricky realized that he was not very patient. The habit was carried over from the hard work he learned from successful entrepreneurs to support his family.
20 Words That Soften the Heart
Ricky Budiman became Tzu Chi’s Volunteer in the year of 2011. Two years after his wife, Suryawati Japarto became a volunteer in this foundation. Initially, the 65 years old volunteer refused to wear a Tzu Chi uniform. His reason being he was still new to this international organization. This led him to visit Jing Si Hall in Taiwan at his own cost.
“I have been involved in lots of social activities. Be it the Church or other places. Each has its perks. I was curious about Tzu Chi’s extent of cross religion. For I am here not to learn on the religion aspect, but to spread the love and care values,” he warmly said.
While in Taiwan, he was amazed at the number of volunteers from all over the world extending their services. He was blessed with the opportunity to meet one of the mentors (Shifu). “Shifu said that even Muslims came to Jing Si Hall. He even emphasized to me ‘What matters is that you have a strong belief in your religion’,” agreed Ricky.
Moreover, Ricky gained 20 words of wisdom that eventually became his life principles. Fu chu wu suo qiu (donate without expectations), gan en, zun zhong, ai (gratitude, respect, unconditional love), xin kuan, nian chun (honesty, purity), bu ji jiao, bu bi jiao (sincerity, willingness).
“These words have deep meaning for me. They have driven me to join the foundation. Ultimately, I registered for the Businessman Camp and started to involve myself in Tzu Chi,” he softly said. “I have instilled these words of wisdom into my home and in the office. Now, my employees see a major difference in me. I have given them room for discussion and told them not to fear me, for I am not always right. My workers told me I have changed greatly,” he gladly added.
A Long-life Learner
Ricky is a long-life learner. He strives to learn and supports all Tzu Chi’s activities. He claims, there is no burden in taking up any responsibilities when they are done with passion and purpose. Anyone can take up responsibilities; where there is a will, there is always the way.
Just like the flooding that took place in the year 2014 in Manado, it was the first time he was appointed as the Social Activity Coordinator. Prior to which he was responsible for one department only. The support from his team became his strength and success in leading the social mission.
“I love to observe and learn along, it helps me decide and take the right solutions. Where to begin, how to contact the hospitals, local authorities, volunteers, patients, the A-Z must be at our fingertips. If at all there is a lack of information, it would be wise to find out the cause, the reasons, the hows; it will then help to proceed from there”, he explained.
Since then, Ricky has been appointed as coordinator of major surgery (covering hernia and cleft lift) in large-scale health outreach activities.
A Heart Warming Message
As the person in charge of various volunteer activities, Ricky Budiman holds the principle that there is no responsibility that gives a burden if it is carried out sincerely and according to its purpose. He hopes that other volunteers can also apply this principle.
Taking part in Tzu Chi social activities has broadened Ricky’s character traits, being open minded is one to be highlighted. He serves patients in different areas, distributes aid packages to people affected by disasters. He has lived various responsibilities and fields of blessing.
Ricky has been implementing the 20 words of wisdom enlightened by Shifu in numerous volunteer activities. But above all of that, he mostly enjoys volunteering in the health-care social service as a medical assistant.
“I am fortunate to be involved in this health-care social service. Truly. Why? Because I can help people. At Tzu Chi I have been given the facilities, I just need to carry out. As the result, many people received medical treatments.
Happiness becomes a euphoria, it cannot be measured by money,” explained Ricky. "Imagine the feeling when a patient approached you saying: 'Thank you sir, I can see again. If it is not for Tzu Chi, I might still be blind for years.' My heart immediately warms after hearing that," ​​he continued.
It has been a fruitful six years’ journey as the coordinator of social health service. It is not just the passion, but also the coordinated programs and clear structure devised by Tzu Chi that make it all the more a joy to be a volunteer.
The grandfather of 13 grandchildren also hopes that other volunteers will be able to support each other and accept responsibilities gracefully. Because through Tzu Chi, many people can do good deeds to help others.
“If I am alone, how would it be possible to help so many people? We wouldn’t be able to help even 10 people. We can also invite more friends to join the cause. Volunteers are everywhere. The existence of social services, disaster assistance and other missions have paved the way for us to contribute so that there will never be regrets," he explained.
After a journey of worthwhile experience, Ricky is now proud to be a volunteer and wears a Tzu Chi uniform.
Writer: Metta Wulandari,
Photographer: Doc. Tzu Chi Indonesia
Translator: Vissia Budi Apriliana, Sweete ( Tzu Chi School)
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