Tzu Chi Entrepreneur Conference : Rich Materially as Well as Spiritually

Vice Head of Tzu Chi Indonesia, Sugianto Kusuma shares an inspirational story in Tzu Chi Entrepreneur Conference held at Jing Si Hall Indonesia on Sunday, July 29th, 2018. He hoped that the entrepreneurs present can join in the line of Tzu Chi volunteers so universal love can be more widely spread.

There is always something to learn in every visit to Tzu Chi Indonesia. That is what was said by Lin Xiao Shi, an Entrepreneur and also a Tzu Chi Malaysia volunteer, when speaking in front of hundreds of Indonesian Entrepreneurs on Sunday, July 29th 2018. The first Entrepreneur Conference by Tzu Chi Indonesia was held at Jing Si Hall, Tzu Chi Center, PIK, North Jakarta and attended by 512 entrepreneurs from various fields. Apart from Jakarta, some are also from another town such as Batam, Lampung, Palembang, Makassar, even some come from Malaysia.

"I remember in 1998, when Indonesia had May riots, I once told my friends 'no need to go to Indonesia. I am forever not going to Indonesia.' That was what was on my mind back then. It did not occur to me that I came to Indonesia for Tzu Chi volunteers who unravel hatred with love. They give help without discriminating race," he said.

For Lin Xiao Shi, Tzu Chi Indonesia keeps growing because entrepreneurs who join in it not only contribute materially, but also participate directly in the missions of Tzu Chi.

Lin Xiao Shi's twists and turns of life, the entrepreneur as well as Tzu Chi Malaysia volunteer has motivated 512 entrepreneurs present to always earn a living by involving conscience.

Lin Xiao Shi's life story is intricate. Before becoming a Tzu Chi volunteer, he was attached to liquors, have bad behaviours and materialistic. In 1990, Lin Xiao Shi opened a karaoke business that was not just a mere karaoke place, but also a place for drug trafficking. In 1996, his karaoke business had grown rapidly and turned into the biggest nightclub in Malaysia. Almost every night he was drinking, family was no longer a priority.

Lin Xiao Shi's turning point occurred in 2004, when Ci Lu, Head of He Qi Malaysia came to him and asked for permission to use one of Lin's premises for Tzu Chi. He then immediately agreed, knowing Tzu Chi activities. Ci Lu Shijie also took him to Hualien, Taiwan, and stayed at Griya Jing Si. Hearing the teachings of Master Cheng Yen, his heart was melted, he realized, he had made a misstep. After knowing Tzu Chi, he closed down his business that had hurt many people. He is very grateful to be able to know Tzu Chi.

"I feel my life is very happy. Master also says that only the wise and blessed will be a happy person. Now I've found my direction in life, the direction of a happy life. I also want to pass this spirit on to future generations. Must be rich but also wise," said Lin Xiao Shi.

Being Part of the Line Spreading Love

In the sharing delivered by Franky O. Widjaja, an entrepreneur must be able to provide benefits to the surrounding society.

The other two speakers in the conference are Vice Heads of Tzu Chi Indonesia, Franky O. Widjaja and Sugianto Kusuma. Franky Widjaja himself is the Chairman of Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food who established a fateful encounter with Master Cheng Yen and Tzu Chi in 1998. At the time he learned from Master Cheng Yen, one of them is about "Managing with love and making sila (moral principle) as a guide".

In the same year, there was riot in Jakarta. Franky went to meet Master Cheng Yen and got a guidance to "change hatred with love". At that time Franky brought Sinar Mas employees to together distribute 100,000 tons of kindness packages with warmth and sincerity, regardless of difference in Religion, Ethnicity, and Race.

In 2002, Jakarta experienced a massive flood. Franky and Tzu Chi Indonesia volunteers went back to Master Cheng Yen for guidance. Master Cheng Yen then asked Tzu Chi Indonesia volunteers to do '5P', which is Garbage disposal, Water suction, Pest control, Medical treatment, and Construction. Franky once again brought 1,000 Sinar Mas employees to clean Kali Angke together.

In doing good in society, Franky always remembers Master Cheng Yen's advice that "If well water are not taken, the source will get clogged, therefore well water must be taken so that the water keeps flowing". Since knowing Tzu Chi, Franky has learned many things and understood the meaning of life. In this entrepreneur camp, he also invited all participants to be part of the mission to spread universal love.

"Hopefully with our mutual strength, we can help each other. Indonesia will be calm, peaceful, and bright again so the world will be better. As Master Cheng Yen wishes, may we all be able to practice virtue on our beloved earth," said him, to the participants' applause.

Totality in Joining the Field of Humanity

Drum beating of blessing opens this entrepreneur camp.

A chorus performed by Tzu Chi volunteers has created a more enthusiastic atmosphere.

Meanwhile, the totality of Sugianto Kusuma, founder of Agung Sedayu Group in realizing Tzu Chi Missions had made the camp participants drift into the stories he shared. From starting the construction of Cinta Kasih Tzu Chi Flats  in Cengkareng to providing thorough help at Pondok Pesantren Al-Ashriyyah Nurul Iman in Parung, Bogor.

At the first survey at Pondok Pesantren Al-Ashriyyah Nurul Iman, he was very concerned by its condition. The santri (students) studied with an inadequate room capacity and also have major need for food. Tzu Chi Indonesia then built a school there. Tzu Chi also taught the students to be able to live independently by teaching them farming, making bread, soap, and so on. Tzu Chi is also paying attention to their health by holding a social service routinely.

Sugianto Kusuma also recounted the struggles he encountered while distributing aid for tsunami victims in Aceh in December 2004. What he has done in life since knowing Tzu Chi has differed greatly. Before getting to know Tzu Chi, Sugianto only focused on wanting to raise his children and make them happy. But after getting acquainted with Tzu Chi, he wanted to do lots of things for the people.

"Wealth and life are not eternal. So when there is still time, do good deeds quick," he said while sighing a long breath. Not only does it have a tremendous effect on his mindset and priorities of life, Sugianto Kusuma also feels peace of mind.

"If our hearts are calm then we can make the right decisions and only then hokkie (luck) can come," he added.

A total of 512 entrepreneurs from various fields has come from different regions. Apart from Jakarta, some are also from another town such as Batam, Lampung, Palembang, Makassar, even some has come from Malaysia.

Hearing the story that was shared by Sugianto Kusuma, Owner of PT Gistex Bandung, Henking Wargana was touched because the Vice Head of Tzu Chi Indonesia seems to not know the word 'giving up' in doing social activities.

"It also strenghten my intention to do much more to the best of my ability," Henking said.

Seeing many participants moved by what Tzu Chi has done for people in various parts of Indonesia, Sugianto Kusuma hopes that the participants will join as Tzu Chi volunteers, making a real contribution to create a harmonious and peaceful society life.

"Be it becoming a volunteer, or a donor, it starts from there, only whichever course goes first. I think by any means it can touch their hearts. It becomes very rewarding for yourself too," he hoped.

Translated by Ilena Sevalona