PRESTASI: A JOURNEY

PRESTASI:
A JOURNEY
PRESTASI:
A JOURNEY
PRESTASI:
A JOURNEY
2
CHIEF OF PARTY - PRESTASI IIEF:
Mira Sambada
PRESTASI REPORT MANAGER:
Devi Miarni Umar
EDITORS OF INDONESIAN VERSION:
Devi Miarni Umar, Lensi Mursida,
Bambang P Putranto, Hari Nugroho
AUTHORS:
Hari Nugroho, Lensi Mursida,
Veby Mega Indah
CONTENTS
LANGUAGE EDITOR
OF INDONESIA VERSION:
Lensi Mursida
REPORTER COORDINATOR:
Introduction
5
A GLANCE AT PRESTASI
7
Yophiandi Kurniawan
REPORTERS JAKARTA:
Veby Mega Indah, Wenri Wanhar,
PRESTASI Overview
Achievers of PRESTASI
7
9
Okky Mulyadi
JAYAPURA:
Katharina Lita
OUTREACH AND SELECTION
Outreach
12
12
YOGYAKARTA AND SALATIGA:
Hari Nugroho
PHOTOGRAPHERS:
Reaching Out Over the Country
Optimization of Website and Social Media
12
16
Wahono Kolopaking, Ratri Pratiwi,
Bodi Chandra, Hari Nugroho, Katharina Lita
TRANSLATOR:
Selection
18
Tight Selection Stages, but Fair
18
Diyan Srikandini
EDITOR OF ENGLISH VERSION:
Diyan Srikandini
Applicant Reviews with Credibility and Integrity
TRAINING AND MONITORING
22
39
PROOFREADER:
Patrick M Compau
COVER AND LAYOUT DESIGNER:
Three Plus One: The Powerful Supplies
English Language Training (English for Academic Purposes/EAP)
39
41
Iftachul Ngumar
Statistics Training
Leadership Training
Evaluation: Induction is So Meaningful
PRESTASI GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP
Pre-Departure Orientation
44
44
48
49
IIEF – INDONESIAN INTERNATIONAL
EDUCATION FOUNDATION,
Menara Imperium 28th Floor, Suite A, Jl. H.R.
Rasuna Said Kav. 1, Kuningan, Jakarta
From the Departure to Taking Part
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION, ACTING PLACE WHILE BACK
ALPHA-I Already Rocking Step
50
55
55
Selatan 12980 – INDONESIA
PHONE: +62 21 8370 9982
FAX: +62 21 83709983
WEBSITE: www.prestasi-iief.org
BEHIND THE SCENES OF PRESTASI
112
PRESTASI:
A JOURNEY
IIEF – Indonesian International Education Foundation - USAID Contractor
Menara Imperium 28th Floor, Suite A, Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said Kav. 1, Kuningan,
Jakarta Selatan 12980 – INDONESIA
Phone: +62 21 8370 9982
Fax: +62 21 83709983
Website: www.prestasi-iief.org
4
INTRODUCTION
T
his report is about the journey of the PRESTASI scholarship
leaders and economic observers and practitioners. We see the enthusiasm of
program from April 2011 to September 2012. Experiences,
the Indonesian national leaders who welcomed the scholarship program and
stories, achievements and challenges faced by the
provided some valuable feedback for us. Their opinions, impressions and
PRESTASI team in providing services to recipients, alumni
interest are in the section entitled “Applicant Reviews with Credibility and
and other stakeholders are summarized in the report
Integrity”.
P RES T AS I: A Jour ne y .
In addition, we also interviewed our partners, the actors and think tanks
To get a comprehensive story from various perspectives we dropped a full
backstage at Pre-Academic Training (PAT) PRESTASI: representatives of the
team to conduct interviews with various parties, either directly or indirectly
International Language Institute, University of Indonesia (LBI-UI) that provided
involved in the PRESTASI scholarship program, which is fully supported by
the PRESTASI scholars with English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Tutorials,
USAID. More than 86 speakers were involved and interviewed by our team to
two professors from the Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM)
complete this report. Those interviewed included our team in PRESTASI IIEF -
Atma Jaya Catholic University Jakarta that provided statistical and SPSS
Indonesian International Education Foundation and our partners in the United
training materials in a fun and exciting way as well as expert Human
States from the Institute of International Education (IIE) who shared their
Resources (HR) who are also psychologists, PT Daya Insani who gave
stories of joy and sorrow in running the PRESTASI program, from the outreach
substance for Leadership Training to scholars to remind them that their
and selection stages up until welcoming the alumni back to Indonesia and their
potential skills can be optimized, forming a positive mental attitude and strong
excitement when forming an alumni association.
morale and a spirit of healthy competition within the scholars.
We also visited a number of Independent Reviewers and Regional
The final step was to interview 11 people, five of whom represented the
Interviewers who were directly involved in the selection process and noted
Technical Office (TO) USAID. These people were selected based on an internal
their experiences during the process - which is full of competition. They are
review by the team of PRESTASI IIEF by weighing factors such as being
national leaders who have expertise in their respective fields within a variety
actively involved in the decision making process in the mid-to-upper level of
of professions, such as lecturers and professors from several universities, NGO
institutions/organizations, both at the provincial and national levels; providing
5
PRESTASI:
A JOURNEY
services to the community and being voluntarily committed to implementing
lot of answers from these alumni stories, including the stories of their
new ideas and services to the wider community; having achieved excellent
struggles on and off campus during their study in the United States and some
results from institutions/organizations at the provincial, national and interna-
fragments of their stories about after they returned to take part in their
tional levels; making changes in the institution/organization by providing ideas,
respective fields upon their return to Indonesia. A series of these interesting
knowledge and new skills; excelling in their career/professions such as by get-
stories can be found in sub-section ‘ALPHA I Already Rocking Step’.
We believe that one person can make a difference but a group of people
ting a promotion and/or grades; being actively involved in representing the
institution/ organization at provincial, national and international levels; gaining
can make an impact. Hopefully PRESTASI: A Journey can provide a
new skills and knowledge which has been recognized by the institution/organi-
comprehensive review of this scholarship program.
Jakarta, September 2012
zation (such as gaining extra responsibility within work) and being recognized
by their peers and the community as a leader in their field.
In order to obtain impartial information and avoid making any over claims,
Mira Sambada
we also interviewed their principals or supervisors in the institutions in which
Chief of Party
they work as well as some of their colleagues to assess the changes and the
PRESTASI Graduate Scholarship
impact they felt after PRESTASI Alumni returned to their homeland. We got a
6
A GLANCE AT PRESTASI
and Training to Achieve
aiming to improve the leadership
is open to all Indonesian
Sustainable Impacts, which roughly
skills and performance of
undergraduates who are eligible for
means “Scholarship Program for
Indonesian professionals, which will
Masters and Doctoral degrees
Study and Training to Obtain a
benefit the development of
while the requirement of
Sustainable Impact”.
Indonesia. PRESTASI will
participants for short-term training
strengthen and expand the skill
programs is modified according to
USAID in Indonesia, the U.S.
base of professionals and
their respective areas of training.
government tends to use
institutions in Indonesia, both in
to the Indonesian Dictionary
abbreviations that also have
the public sector, Civil Society
to a number of other programs,
(KBBI), means: achievements.
meanings in Indonesian. So by
Organization (CSO), or private
which are also conducted in
When used as a verb with “high” to
calling the program PRESTASI,
sector. Through this program,
Indonesia. In order to avoid
“outstanding” the meaning is:
which already has meaning and is
hundreds of Indonesian people
confusion it is necessary to brand
having achievements in a case.
very popular in the Indonesian
have had the opportunity for
the program therefore it is better
language the program is more
education, both short-term and for
known as USAID PRESTASI.
the name of the scholarship
easily recognized and remembered
Masters and Doctoral degrees, in
program from the United States
in the minds of Indonesian people.
the United States, Indonesia and
entrusted the implementation of
other countries.
the PRESTASI program to
In some programs supported by
PRESTASI OVERVIEW
The word “prestasi”, according
However, PRESTASI, which is
Agency for International
USAID launched PRESTASI
The name PRESTASI is similar
Since April 2011 USAID
Development (USAID), is not a
Scholarship program in April 2011
direct translation from Indonesian.
as a continuation of the Human
areas of Education, Health,
Foundation (IIEF). IIEF is a local
PRESTASI is an abbreviation of the
and Institutional Capacity
Environment, Economics Growth and
organization from Indonesia
Program to Extend Scholarships
Development (HICD) program,
Democratic Governance. PRESTASI
working in partnership with the
PRESTASI focuses on the subject
7
Indonesian International Education
PRESTASI:
A JOURNEY
times, especially in relation to the
Government of Indonesia, and they
budget. “The main challenge in this
must be eligible to undergo
process was because the program
education or advanced training.
was in the transition period from
The PRESTASI Representative
the previous contractor where all
Program Manager ensures that the
scholars under the previous
scholarship applicants are treated
program management transferred
equally through a fair selection
to IIEF. To compile a budget for a
process. The selection process
program that has already been
involves a series or stages that have
running is a greater challenge than
been agreed between IIEF as the
designing a budget from the start,”
program organizer and USAID as
said Mira.
the donor. This means that the
According to Mira Sambada,
determination of the candidates
under PRESTASI the scholarship
who are eligible to receive the
program offers scholarships for
scholarship will be made through a
master’s degrees and is open for
tiered selection of mechanisms
gram titled FORECAST-HICD
all Indonesian undergraduates. Of
starting from document review
(Human and Institutional Capacity
course, there are minimum
where IIEF team will check the
Development). The project was
requirements that must be
administrative completeness of
Institute of International Education
transferred to IIEF after the
possessed by the candidates, they
applicant’s documents and
(IIE), an international organization
FORECAST program came to an
must have a TOEFL®ITP score of
eligibility of the documents as the
based in New York and Washington
end. USAID used his or her own
at least 450 or English language
requirement specify. This is
DC, which is one of the most
judgment when selecting an
proficiency test results equivalent
followed by criteria review, which
experienced private, non-profit
Indonesian contractor to work on
to the TOEFL®ITP, TOEFL®iBT or
is conducted by an independent
educational organizations in the
this program. “When USAID asked,
IELTS, they must have a spirit of
appraisal panel with high integrity
world.
we had to submit a proposal,” said
leadership, good academic
that is recruited from a variety of
Mira Sambada, Chief of Party (COP)
achievements in a field of study
backgrounds and areas of
PRESTASI.
that is relevant to the development
expertise. Next there is a regional
objectives of USAID and the
face-to-face interview to filter out
Sumber: IIEF-PRESTASI Data
GRAFIK 1
Summary Description of PRESTASI
Scholars (2007 - 2012)
The scholarship program was
initially handled by another implementer/contractor, under a pro-
IIEF revised its proposal several
8
of certain institutions or
sustainable program, in accordance
organization created to develop
with its meaning.
the community. This is important
since the purpose of this program
ACHIEVERS OF PRESTASI
is to make the recipients become
Based on the results of
leaders in this field,” said Mira.
Due to the nature of the
Sumber: IIEF-PRESTASI Data
2013 there were 39 PRESTASI
PRESTASI program the program
Scholarship recipients. 30 out of
management - starting from
the 39 PRESTASI recipients will
information dissemination to
study master’s degrees in the
capture the interest of applicants
United States and nine will study in
to scholars finishing their studies
Indonesia. However, there are two
and graduated - was conducted by
people who withdrew because they
USAID and IIEF in a special way.
also received scholarships from
IIEF perform a series of processes:
other institutions.
first, the dissemination of
GRAFIK 2
recruitment in 2012 for the year
From a total of 37 people from
psychology from the University of
information to capture the interest
the selection process 54% of
Indonesia.
of applicants and to select
participants were women.
candidates; second, arranging
Outcomes showed that IIEF
children, explained that those who
training for scholars before
surpassed the targets required by
the best candidates from the
were selected were appropriate
departing to the U.S., finding the
USAID to recruit 50% women as
region to compete at national
figures. Of course, besides having
appropriate universities, and
recipients of the PRESTASI
level. The final determination or
academic requirements or good
monitoring during their studies;
scholarship program. In addition,
final decision is made by a team
English proficiency, it is also
third, monitoring the progress of
the geographical composition of
from USAID. “This selection
important is to have integrity,
the PRESTASI alumni in
the PRESTASI scholars was in line
process is undertaken for
especially those who have a
institutions in which they work and
with USAID expectations to give
transparency and fairness. Thus,
concern for the community.
in the community.
more attention to candidates from
there is no room for collusion,”
“Concern for the community can
said Mira, who has a degree in
be reflected through the activities
Description of PRESTASI Long
Term Training Scholars Based on
Age (2007 - 2012)
Mira, a mother of three
So, arguably, PRESTASI
Scholarship is an integrated and
9
Central and Eastern Indonesia.
64% of PRESTASI scholars come
PRESTASI:
A JOURNEY
the166 people who studied in the
positive implications for PRESTASI
United States 77 of them have
scholars, institutions, and the State
earned a Master’s degree and are
of Indonesia in general because it
already alumni of PRESTASI.
is assumed the alumni will have a
The average age of the scholars
longer time to contribute their best
was also shifted significantly when
to strengthen their home
comparing the HICD program to
institution in which they work and
PRESTASI program. When HICD
contribute positively to the country
operated the program the age
as well.
range was more diverse but
Composition of the number of
PRESTASI scholars were
recipients by region of origin
dominated by the younger
(geographical) has also changed
generation. From the data compiled
from year to year. During HICD
by IIEF in the year 2007 - 2010 age
program from 2007-2010, 36% of
composition comprised 8% of
scholars were from outside Java.
scholars aged 41-50 years, 53%
However, since 2011 this
aged 31-40 years, and 39% in the
composition has shifted and there
recipients for 2013 adds to a long
range of 21-30 years. While for 2011
has been a very sharp increase in
list of PRESTASI scholarship
zero percent of scholars were aged
the number of scholars from
recipients. In the period 2007 -
41-50 years, 4% aged 31-40 years
outside Java from 36% - 57%,
from outside Java, and 36% were
2012, including the program HICD
and 96% were aged 21-30 years. In
which means an increase of 28%.
from Java. The employment
(Human and Institutional Capacity
2012 there was no scholars aged
In 2012, that figure increased again
backgrounds of the 37 PRESTASI
Development), there are already
41-50 years, 30% were aged 31-40
to 68%. The increase in the
scholars were varied consisting of:
192 people who have been given
years and 70% were aged 21-30
number of scholars who reside
33% civil servants, 31% teachers
scholarships to study Masters or
years.
outside Java is in line with the focus
and lecturers, 15% NGO, 8%
Doctorates. 166 of these people
private or public institutions, 8%
went on to study in the United
PRESTASI program has attracted
USAID to give greater attention to
research institutions and 5%
States and 26 people took
the attention of Indonesian young
the target areas outside Java and
journalists and media.
graduate courses in Indonesia. Of
professionals. This trend has
it is in accordance with the core
Sumber: IIEF-PRESTASI Data
GRAFIK 3
The number of scholarship
PRESTASI Scholars Long
TermTraining – Geographic
Representatives (2007 – 2012)
The data shows that the
10
of the five Technical Office (TO) of
program held in April 2011 the
PRESTASI Scholars Long Term
Training – Gender Representatives
trend of the number of women
(2007 – 2012)
who received scholarships
showed an increase from the
continues to fluctuate from
year to year but there are
Sumber: IIEF-PRESTASI Data
GRAFIK 4
objectives PRESTASI which want to
give more attention to areas that
are under-represented.
The gender of scholars
11
required target of USAID. From
a
the results of the HICD
number of female recruits - well
recruitment program in early
above the target of gender
2011 the number of female
equality required by USAID of
scholars was 74% that derived
50:50 compositions, i.e., the
from two dropouts in USAID,
period of recruitment in
Health and Environment. While
January - March 2011. Within
in 2012 the number of female
four years of the program HICD
scholars reached 54% from
in year 2007-2010, total female
recruitment to five DO.
scholars were 44% of the
However, this latter figure is
number of selected participants
still above 50% percent of the
throughout the program.
mandate given by USAID to IIEF
However, since the PRESTASI
through PRESTASI.
PRESTASI:
A JOURNEY
OUTREACH AND SELECTION
OUTREACH
REACHING OUT OVER THE
COUNTRY
To get the best young
Indonesians to be awarded
postgraduate scholarships,
PRESTASI IIEF team uses the
technique of “jemput bola” or pick
up the balls. IIEF do not simply rely
on websites, direct mail, social
networking, and advertising in the
mass media to recruit candidates
for the scholarship recipients, but
the team from PRESTASI IIEF went
straight out to potential cities in
various parts of Indonesia to “pick”
FOTO: IIEF-PRESTASI
them.
PRESTASI’s Booth in U.S
Higher Education Fair
12
Jakarta and other big cities.
In addition, the PRESTASI team
needs to go to certain cities in the
central and eastern part of
Indonesia because USAID pays
special attention to these regions.
Through the PRESTASI program,
says Mira, USAID wants to
encourage the growth of quality
FOTO: IIEF-PRESTASI
FOTO: IIEF-PRESTASI
professionals in Central and Eastern
Indonesia regions to keep pace with
their counterparts in the western
part of Java in particular.
To disseminate information and
Indonesia is so vast and there is an
recruit the best undergraduate
inequality of access to information.
applicants in 2013 the PRESTASI
People who live in big cities such as
team visited 12 cities from Sumatra
Jakarta and Surabaya certainly
to Papua. In each city the PRESTASI
are being managed by IIEF and
have much easier access to
team visited targeted places such as
mapping with records and by
trustees of the Civil Society
information than, for example,
universities, offices, NGOs, and local
conducting preliminary research to
Organization (CSO) or community
people living in Banjarmasin, South
government.
observe any city to be visited. The
organizations in the target areas
Kalimantan or in Kupang (West
IIEF team must move quickly to
defined by five Technical Office (TO)
Timor). Due to these conditions the
began in early September 2011 with
perform comprehensive mapping
USAID has prepared budgets for: TO
PRESTASI team presents in
Medan as the first location. Overall
and to make contact with the
Education, Democratic Governance,
targeted cities so that the potential
the PRESTASI team visited 54
contact person in the area, either
Economic Growth, Health and
field of candidates in all regions
places and events, which totaled
through the local government (LG),
Environment.
have the same opportunities to
more than 1,000 visitors. Arguably,
obtain information, along with their
presentations in certain areas were
colleagues just as well as those in
more of a success and the visitors
On-site presentation in Ministry of
National Education Office - South
Sulawesi
This strategy is preceded by
alumni HICD program and other
scholarship programs that have and
On-site presentation in Papua
State University (UNIPA)
Manokwari.
Visiting target cities is very
important because the area of
13
Presentations in these areas
PRESTASI:
A JOURNEY
Sumber: IIEF-PRESTASI Data
PRESTASI Team in the city.
Participants Attended On-Site
Presentation Based on Type of
Employment
Complimentary coverage was also
made by Kartika Magazine
(September 2011 issue) and even the
were very keen to know more about
English language edition newspaper
the PRESTASI program.
the Jakarta Globe gave free
The PRESTASI team gained
many unexpected and impressive
results during the “pick up the ball”
advertising space for PRESTASI on
September 16, 2011.
Another way IIEF spread the
strategy in those areas. One was the
information regarding PRESTASI
enthusiasm shown by the mass
was to participate in Education
media in Makassar, the Tribune East.
exhibitions. In the U.S. Higher
This paper preached about the
Education Fair held on October 5,
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Jln. Prof.T.M. Hanafiah, SH Kampus USU
Jl. Universitas No 4, Kampus USU
Jl Gatot Subroto Km 4,5
Simpang Selayang Kec. Medan Tuntungan
Jalan Dr. Mansyur
Jl. Bukit Botu Gorontalo
Jl. Makassar No. 40
Jl. Jend. Sudirman No. 6
Tamalarea
Jl Sultan Alauddin
Jl. Perintis Kemerdekaan Tamalanrea
Gd. Graha Pena Makassar
Hotel Kristal Kupang
Politeknik Pertanian Negeri Kupang
Jl. Adisucipto, Penfui
Penfui
Jalan Adisucipto Penfui
JL. Flamboyan No. 2
JL. Flamboyan No. 2
Jl. Tgh. Faisal No. 33
Jl. Majapahit No. 62
Jl. Gunung Salju
Jalan Karya ABRI No 2
Jalan Lembah Hijau Diklat
Jl. Pertanian
Jl. Gunung Salju
Jl. Gunung Salju Amban
Jl. S. Condronegoro
Jl. Purnama
Jl. Ahmad Yani
Jl. Ahmad Yani
Jl. Husada
Jl. Ahmad Yani
Jl. Ahmad Yani
Condongcatur, Depok, Sleman
Condongcatur, Depok, Sleman
Bulaksumur
Jl. Kenari
Jln. Tentara Pelajar No. 1A Pingit Kidul
Bulaksumur
Jl. Lingkar Barat, Tamantirto, Kasihan
Darussalam
Tgk. Nyak Makam
Darussalam
Jl. Tgk. Abu Lam U
Uteun Kot - Cunda
Uteun Kot - Cunda
Jl. Ir. Sutami
Jl. Pandawa Pucangan Kartasura
Jl. Stadion
IPB, Dramaga Bogor
@america, Pacific Place
Hotel Kartika Chandra
BPOM Jl. Percetakan Negara
Medan
Medan
Medan
Medan
Medan
Gorontalo
Gorontalo
Gorontalo
Makassar
Makassar
Makassar
Makassar
Kupang
Kupang
Kupang
Kupang
Kupang
Mataram
Mataram
Mataram
Mataram
Manokwari
Manokwari
Manokwari
Manokwari
Manokwari
Manokwari
Manokwari
Pontianak
Pontianak
Pontianak
Pontianak
Pontianak
Pontianak
Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta
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Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta
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Banda Aceh
Banda Aceh
Banda Aceh
Banda Aceh
Lhokseumawe
Lhokseumawe
Surakarta
Surakarta
Salatiga
Bogor
Jakarta
Jakarta
Jakarta
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Fakultas Ekonomi USU
Gd. Pengadilan Semu FH USU
Univ. Pembangunan Panca Budi
Yayasan PKPA
YPPIA
BAPPEDA Gorontalo
Kantor Program Teluk Tomini / SUSCLAM
Pusat Bahasa Univ. Negeri Gorontalo
Univ. Hasanuddin
UIN Alauddin
Dinas Pendidikan Prov. Sulawesi Selatan
Kantor Koran Fajar Makassar
Kerjasama Internasional UNDANA
Kantor Ketua Politeknik Pertanian Negeri Kupang
Politeknik Pertanian Negeri Kupang
Yayasan Bunda Purnama Kasih
Univ. Nusa Cendana
BAPPEDA Provinsi NTB
Ruang Pela Perado BAPPEDA Provinsi NTB
Kantor Koran Lombok Pos
Univ. Mataram
Kantor Pembantu Rektor IV UNIPA
Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Hukum Manokwari
Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Ekonomi Mah Eisa
Kantor Koran Cahaya Papua
Kantor Koran Media Papua
UPT Pelayanan Bahasa UNIPA
STKIP Muhammadiyah
Kantor Tribun Institute
BAPPEDA Provinsi Kalbar
BAPPEDA Provinsi Kalbar
WWF Pontianak
Rektorat Univ. Tanjung Pura
Univ. Tanjung Pura
FISIP Univ. Pembangunan Nasional Veteran
Purek III Univ. Pembangunan Nasional Veteran
Biro Kerjasama Internasional UGM
Balaikota Yogyakarta
Lembaga Ombudsman Daerah
Fakultas Pertanian UGM
American Corner Univ. Muhammadiyah
Rektorat Univ. Syiah Kuala
Hotel Hemes Palace
FKIP Univ. Syiah Kuala
Aula Kantor Walikota Banda Aceh
Rektorat Univ. Malikussaleh
Gedung ACC Univ. Malikussaleh
Univ. Sebelas Maret
STAIN Surakarta
STAIN Salatiga
International Scholarship and Education Expo
USAID: 50th Anniversary
U.S. Higher Education
Auditorium Balai Pengawasan Obat & Makanan
On-Site Presentation Based on Location and Venue
14
Sumber: IIEF-PRESTASI Data
ed by 1,300 visitors. In October 2011
PRESTASI also participated in the
IPB Education Expo. In addition IIEF
also participated in a number of
exhibitions at the invitation of
USAID Indonesia. The latest
exhibition, which IIEF participated
T
he Division of Outreach
and Selection is
responsible for visiting
the target areas. The Division is
fronted by Wahono Kolopaking
and Ratri Pratiwi, who had to use
a variety of tactics to build
in, was the EdUSA Spring Fair held
public awareness about the
in Jakarta, Medan and Surabaya.
PRESTASI scholarship program
The result of the disclosure of
and to gain public interest in the
such information was an
program. One of the strategies is
overwhelming response. The
to go to potential remote areas.
PRESTASI team got 1.305
FOTO: IIEF-PRESTASI
2011 the PRESTASI booth was visit-
A lot of unique things
applications from various parts of
happened to Wahono Kolopaking,
Indonesia, which reflects the enthu-
PRESTASI Outreach and
siasm of Indonesian young people to
Selection Specialist, who is
achieve advanced education. “It
fondly called Nano - when
really illustrates that Indonesia
socializing in these areas. One of
needs scholarships in large quanti-
the memories that left a lasting
ties. The lesson for us in IIEF was
impression on Nano was when he
that prospective applicants
visited Aceh with Hanif Saleh,
attempted to go directly to the face-
Contracting Officer’s
the two cities. Nano thought that
to-face presentations to make it
Representative (COR) USAID. In
they could go to Lhokseumawe
easier for them to dig up as much
the Tanah Rencong they had an
having completed the PRESTASI
travel a very winding road up and
information as possible to get a
agenda to socialize in Banda
socialization agenda and return
down hills and several roads
scholarship out of the country,” said
Aceh and Lhokseumawe.
to Banda Aceh to catch an
between cities being in bad
afternoon flight that will take
condition, plus drizzle during the
Mira Sambada.
SOCIALIZATION COMBINED WITH COWS:
EXPERIENCE IN ACEH
They were so excited to visit
15
them both back to Jakarta.
However, due to having to
PRESTASI:
A JOURNEY
trip their rented car could not go
–Nano and Hanif – sat silently and
denly appeared and inevitably the
like this on the next journey ... It’s
very fast. “If we were at a normal
were busy praying in their heart.
car hit the poor cow. All of the
better to miss the aircraft rather
passengers were shocked and for
than to lose our lives.” Hanif’s
a moment could not speak.
words could only be rewarded
speed it might be that. Hanif and I
“We do not have time to eat -
would miss the plane,” Nano said.
just stop for a moment to pray
Because of that, he whispered to
and then we go directly off again,”
the driver to drive as fast as pos-
said Nano as he tells how they
airport in Banda Aceh, on time,
Nano. In fact, Nano was as
sible so they can get back to
hunt the time. Unfortunately the
and they could catch a plane back
worried as Hanif but at least one
Jakarta that night. As a result, for
driver hit the gas very hard and
to Jakarta that night. Hanif, who
more task from the Outreach
about five hours the car drove like
on the last corner before entering
looked a little pale, told Nano,
team list was completed. Well
crazy while both passengers
the city of Banda Aceh a cow sud-
“Mas Wahono ... please do not be
done!
In the era of the Internet and the
To be more interactive
PRESTASI also designed a Facebook
Fan Page and Twitter in order to
rise of social media in Indonesia
provide updated information. With
today the dissemination of
Indonesia’s position as one of the
information about the program
biggest users of social media in the
through cyberspace is important for
world dissemination of information
the PRESTASI Outreach team to
through a virtual media proved to
support face-to-face visits in the
be very effective, cheap and fast.
various regions. The PRESTASI
The existence of these two accounts
team designed a website and
also contributes significantly to the
uploaded allimportant documents in
spread of information of PRESTASI
to the website address at
program.
www.prestasi-iief.org. Every
FOTO OLEH: IIEF-PRESTASI
OPTIMIZATION OF WEBSITE
AND SOCIAL MEDIA
Finally the car arrived at the
Based on data compiled by IIEF,
prospective applicant can access
in the peak period of the
the application form on the
outreach’s implementation, as per
PRESTASI website.
October 25, 2011 it was recorded
PRESTASI’s Facebook
16
with a smile and an apology from
that there were 1.469 active
followers on the PRESTASI twitter
2011. Until the end of September
friends as many as 3.167 people
participants on the PRESTASI
account with 300 updates since the
2012, PRESTASI Twitter followers
clicked “like-button” for the
Facebook account and 685
account was launched on June 28,
have netted 1.610 and 1.209 Twitter
PRESTASI Facebook Fan Page.
FOTO: IIEF-PRESTASI
PRESTASI FINALLY DROP
IN SIAU TAGULANDANG BIARO
O
ne interesting story concerned with how
2009 he decided to join the Local Government
required documents and sent them to IIEF in
of Siau Tagulandang Biaro (Sitaro) Island, a
Jakarta. It turned out that the application
new district that split from Sangihe Island in
managed to attract the attention of the
2007, which is a seven-hour ride boat from
selection team and he was invited to attend an
Manado.
interview session in the Makassar region. David
Serving on a small island, surrounded by the
PRESTASI information live in cyberspace
Molucca Sea on the east and the Celebes Sea
could reach potential candidates in
on the west, with telecommunication signals up
took a ship to Siau Island followed by a small
plane to Manado and finally Makassar.
And luck is haven for people who work hard!
remote areas of the archipelago was narrated
and down did not dampen David’s spirits and he
After passing a series of rigorous selection
by David Kuntel, a PRESTASI scholar who was
still managed to hunt for information about
criteria David managed to rise above thousands
chosen from the field of Environment from the
scholarships. David relied on the Internet to
of other candidates and he became one of the
2012 recruitment.
find information about various scholarship pro-
PRESTASI scholars. “Through PRESTASI I hope
grams, which would enable him to continue his
my dream will come true which is to study at
on December 23 1984. After completing his
study to a master’s degree. One day in October
the School of Marine Affairs at the University
bachelor degree at Sam Ratulangi University
2011 when browsing on his mobile phone David
of Washington,” says David who is now
Faculty of Fisheries (UNSRAT), Manado David
found information about PRESTASI, “this is the
following the Pre-Academic Training (PAT) in
went to work as administrative staff and
first info I got from the phone,” said David.
Jakarta along with 30 of other scholars who
David was born in Manado, North Sulawesi
assistant for professor at UNSRAT but early in
David immediately prepared all of the
17
were recruited in 2012.
TRAINING AND MONITORING
THREE PLUS ONE:
THE POWERFUL SUPPLIES
Having selected the best of
Indonesia’s children for the
PRESTASI Scholarships it’s time for
the participants elected to get
prepared before leaving for
advanced studying in the United
States.
There are three main types of
materials: English language training
materials, leadership materials,
and statistics materials.
Candidates also have a debriefing
and a Pre-Departure Orientation,
which is very important because
FOTO: IIEF-PRESTASI
most PRESTASI scholarship
program awardees have never
travelled abroad. Why is three
Scholars attended English
Language Training seriously
plus one given? Here’s the
explanation.
39
PRESTASI:
A JOURNEY
ENGLISH LANGUAGE
TRAINING (ENGLISH FOR
ACADEMIC PURPOSES / EAP)
English Language Training is
distinguishes the PRESTASI
people with limited access,” added
since the target to be achieved
program scholarship. However, it
Wiwin.
through the EAP is very specific in
does remain that there is a
That is why English debriefing is
helping scholars improve their
minimum requirement of English
definitely needed. “Many
English competency for academic
very important to improve the
language skills; Candidates must
participants are not good at English
purposes, IIEF with LBI-UI design a
scholarship awardees’ English
have a TOEFL®ITP score of 450 or
so we prepared a particular design
specific program (tailor made) so
language skills so that the scholars
equivalent. “That’s the excellence
of English briefing. The program is
that the target can be achieved
have no significant barriers in
of the PRESTASI program. Those
in line with the participants’ level of
within a maximum period of six
studying and communicating in the
whose English is not good enough
English skills,” she said in IIEF
months.
United States. Having the ability to
can still submit their application,”
office in Kuningan, Jakarta.
communicate in English will
said Wiwin Erikawati, Training and
certainly make the awardees adapt
Monitoring Division Manager of
were enrolled in English for
competition in the group so the
more easily to their new
PRESTASI, who handles the division
Academic Purposes (EAP) for
achievement process can also be
environment and it will make it
with Hafida Meutia, excitedly.
either a month, four months or six
accelerated. Wiwin said, “The
months at the International
purpose of bringing them all to
eastern part of Indonesia have good
Language Institute University of
Jakarta is to form a system of
academic potential but their
Indonesia (LBI-UI) in Salemba,
positive competition. It is more
training needed? It is related to the
English is not so good. It may be
Central Jakarta. The duration of
costly. We cover not only the cost of
mission of the PRESTASI program
caused by the lack of access to
the training is in accordance with
the course, we also provide for their
to provide more opportunities for
English training. There are not as
the placement test result
living costs while in Jakarta.”
those who have limited access to
many English courses in Papua
conducted by a team of LBI-UI.
achieve higher education. English
there are in Jakarta also they are
The candidates all come from
be achieved very effectively. For
language skills are not the main
very expensive. In fact some
their respective regions to
example, participants with the
criteria for PRESTASI scholarship
applicants from Papua are excellent
Jakarta for the training. They
lowest grades at the previous test
awardees but academic
academically and intellectually
could be sent to English courses in
were motivated for the course since
competence, nationalism, as well as
smart. “It’s unfair that just because
their own region too, for example
they have to compete against the
his/her enthusiasm to move forward
of their poor English they lose the
participants from Makassar could
group. “The arousal of competition
and fight for other people are
opportunity to get the scholarship.
be enrolled in English Courses in
was very interesting. We gather
considered priority. This is what
So, this program accommodates
Makassar and monitored. However,
people with the same mission so
easier for them to absorb the
knowledge that they learn.
Why is the English language
The PRESTASI participants
Wiwin said that the students in
40
In addition, if the group learns
together there is healthy
It turned out that the goal could
SISILIA SETIAWATI HALIMI, PHD
Lecturer
Senior Lecturer Department of English Language Studies Program and Post
Graduate Linguistics, FIB UI
They Are Taking Learning Very Seriously
Humanities (FIB) UI.
The training process of the PRESTASI participants is held in FIB UI
Salemba, Central Jakarta. The teachers are the lecturers of FIB UI who are
FOTO: IIEF-PRESTASI
certainly capable in their fields. “Intensive learning every day,” said Sisilia
Halimi, who served as Director of LBI UI during the program. The alumnus of
La Trobe University, Melbourne Victory Australia, played an important role
English Language Training
conducted intensively everyday
and became the partner of IIEF in designing specific programs and
developed a module to learn English for the participants of the PRESTASI
IIEF
took International Language Institute University of Indonesia
program.
(LBI-UI) to provide training to USAID PRESTASI awardees
LBI-UI does not want any participants who failed for lack of English
before heading to the United States to gain knowledge. LBI-UI is a language
language skills to go to college in America because it can damage their
institution that concentrates on training seven world languages, namely
reputation. “Our commitment is to have as many participants as possible to be
English, Mandarin, Japanese, French, German, Dutch and Arabic. This
able to achieve the needed requirements to be accepted at a university,” said
institution was founded and fostered by the alumni of the Faculty of
Sisilia who specializes in Applied Linguistics for English Language Teaching.
they may compete positively to get
a high score. High scores certainly
Three Classes
Before the training begins, LBI UI
have a good impact and they could
map the English participants’
find schools more easily,” said
competency through preliminary
Wiwin about the plus point of the
designing the training program, for
because of the various levels of their
the English language skills of each
language skills. Dividing the
participant are different.
participants according to their
Sisilia explained that although
competency is much more effective.
tests. From this they know where to
there are only a few participants it is
“We usually divide them into
tailor made programs of EAP IIEF-
place each participant and it
impossible to put them in one group
three classes. The first class has 120
LBI UI.
provides a reference for making and
from the beginning of the training
hours of learning and this is for
41
PRESTASI:
A JOURNEY
those who already have TOEFL®ITP
for academic purposes. At this
them.” Meanwhile, the two other
which is applied to all levels tends to
500’s. The second class is for 450
level the participants are allowed
classes are more focused on
be the same, namely communication
hours and is for the average
to take the TOEFL®iBT that will be
speaking and writing. “Of course
language. Sisilia said it is to ensure
competency. The third class is for
submitted as a condition of
the material is different, although
that participants do not only learn
630 hours for those with a low grade
enrollment into the target college.
the class will eventually be in the
about the language but it is also to
of TOEFL®ITP, “she said.
As their language skills are no
same level.”
ensure that they can use the
According to her the first
class’s training focuses on English
longer to be worried about Sisilia
Although divided into several
said, “There is special material for
P
language to communicate.
classes the teaching mechanism
LBI-UI has experience of
DR. IR. HERU PRASADJA, M.SC
RESTASI Scholarship Awardees also get
Experts and Lecturers SPSS Statistics
Unika Atma Jaya, Jakarta
academic aptitude packages, one of which
is SPSS. The statistical package is taught
with computer software, which makes it fun for
the participants and easy to understand without
A Foothold in Working on Numbers
awardees being traumatized by numbers. Before
flying to the United States the PRESTASI
Social Sciences). The mentors are Dr. Ir. Heru
motivation to get to know statistics. During the
Scholarship recipients first get a foothold. Besides
Prasadja, M.Sc and Drs. Herry Pramono, M.Sc.
participants debriefing Heru analogized that
As a lecturer of statistics at the university
statistical learning is like a boy learning to ride a
material forms of English, Statistics, and
since 1985, Heru Prasadja has understood that his
bike. At the beginning the child often falls and is
Leadership. The three main materials were
courses were considered frightening for some
even scolded by his parents. However, with all his
provided through training; each handled by a
students. So when he was in front of the trainees
effort the boy can finally ride a bike. “Just like
different team of trainers and teachers.
from PRESTASI, who have a variety of science
learning statistics. I motivate them by telling
backgrounds. Heru was prepared with the
them that you learn this now for you will need it
in the Institute for Research and Community
understanding that he had a strategy and that the
and use it later. It is not just about simply passing
Service (LPPM) Atma Jaya Catholic University
Awardees were not afraid of learning statistics.
a statistics course,” said Heru, who holds a
money, the most important foothold is non-
For statistical training participants are trained
Jakarta, for three days from morning to evening.
They learn SPSS (Statistical Package for the
Heru did not directly teach the science of
statistics but he built on the participants’
42
doctorate in sociology from the University of
Indonesia.
providing language training for
first year for PRESTASI working
is very positive with high
apply their knowledge. “They’re the
various groups ranging from
with LBI-UI. “My impression for
motivation,” said Sisilia.
ones who are well-qualified. If they
government departments, non-
those who departed in 2012 was
governmental organizations (NGOs),
very positive. They seemed very
participants Sisilia assumed the
our country it will be a better
scholarship recipients who will go
serious. I believe this selection was
participants were well qualified. She
country,” said the senior lecturer in
out of the country and so on. For
unbelievably good. They learned
hopes the participants are able to
the Department of English Language
the group of scholarship recipients
seriously. Their potential can be
complete their studies well then
Studies Program and Post Graduate
who departed in 2012 this was the
maximized. Their learning attitude
return to Indonesia to develop and
Linguistics, FIB UI.
Seeing the seriousness of the
can contribute their knowledge to
Besides the motivating touches, Heru and
formulas clearly before processing the data, Heru
questions. Starting from questions that required
Herry used the method of “friendship”. The brief-
and his colleagues hope to hone the participants’
discussion with the questioner to the questions
ing was for participants who didn’t understand
logic. Formulas are not considered terrible anymore
that required the basic principles of statistics to
statistics so they approached them by a chat,
but they are recognized as an instrument that
be re-explained. “I was comforted by their
which was not directly related to statistics. This
makes research easier. They ensure accurate data
enthusiasm. Perhaps those who haven’t learned
created a good atmosphere in transferring the
processing. Heru wants students to understand that
statistics before got a new piece of knowledge,
science.
statistics can be understood with the right logic and
while the ones have the knowledge could refresh
not just by memorizing formulas and counting.
their memory,” said Heru.
“Since the first day I invited them to talk and
tried to encourage them. I do not want to push
“Then we discus the method, how to use and how
them, I am afraid they will be traumatized by
to process it, so the formulas are proven to ease
2012 Heru suggested the next briefing is better
numbers,” he added.
the process of our research,” he added.
divided into two classes based on the participants’
Heru and Herry composed the easy to
Did it work? “At least the participants did not
Based on the experience of debriefing in July
competency. The scholarship candidates who
understand method of teaching from a variety of
complain and they enjoyed learning the formulas,”
seem to take majors that rely on qualitative
knowledge backgrounds. First they emphasize
he said, laughing.
logical thinking such as anthropology should be
understanding the meaning of symbols and
At the end of the debriefing Heru was just
better able to understand training method
formulas that look complicated then they step up
amazed. All participants were enthusiastic about
according to the field. “For some whose majors
to numerical problems.
the training from morning to evening. Heru and
are in qualitative studies they are not required to
Herry were bombarded with a variety of
study statistics. Pity them,” he added.
By explaining the meaning of the symbols and
43
PRESTASI:
A JOURNEY
STATISTICS TRAINING
The second provision the
participants get is statistics
training. The participants are
trained in the Institute for
FOTO: IIEF-PRESTASI
Research and Community Service
(LPPM) Atma Jaya Catholic
University Jakarta, for three days
from morning to evening. They
learn SPSS or Statistical Package
for the Social Sciences. The mentor
Christian, Rina and Since actively
involved in in-door activity in
Pramono who both wrestle with
Leadership Training
statistics day-to-day.
IIEF has a special reason why
the very specific provision needs
FOTO: IIEF-PRESTASI
is Heru Prasadja and Herry
help organizations and individuals
to identify, uncover, develop and
to be given to PRESTASI
scholarship awardees. “Statistics is
important to assist them in
optimize the potential of the
Hand stamps and Expectations
of scholars
LEADERSHIP TRAINING
The next provision is leadership
individual in the workplace and in
social daily life.
researching and in data
training. Unlike the EAP, which took
leadership training including the
For one night and two days the
processing,” Wiwin explained.
six months, the training was held
training of human resources who
PRESTASI participants, who are all
for one night and two days in
will continue their studies to a
from different backgrounds and
teach a logical way of thinking. It’s
D’Agape Residence, in Ciawi, Bogor,
higher level both domestically and
regions - Jakarta, Jambi, Papua,
clearly fundamental since they will
West Java, in early December 2011.
abroad. The company which is
Central Java, East Java, and others
managed by a couple of
- do various activities as a group
Most importantly statistics
have to be able to produce
For this leadership training IIEF
scientific papers and the real work
worked in cooperation with PT
psychologists, alumnus of the
that can reveal the character and
is built on correct and appropriate
Daya Insani (www.dayainsani.com),
University of Indonesia (UI), Sri
the potential of each person.
reasoning.
a training provider that has the
Hastari Biran and Zainul Biran is
expertise and experience in
engaged in the field of services to
44
“During the leadership training
their personalities come out. For
FOTO: IIEF-PRESTASI
Cooperation of a team in an
out-door activity
him/her to succeed. So, his/her real
character has come out,” said Wiwin
laughing, “I’m excited to see it.”
As well as being able to reveal
the character and potential of each
participant leadership training also
gives a variety of dynamic group
games that create the feeling of
binding togetherness. “The training
succeeded in making them feel the
same. The training provider made
FOTO: IIEF-PRESTASI
them feel equal so after the
leadership training no one looks
down on other people or otherwise
assumes others are higher.
Togetherness was successfully
Out-door activity to foster
cooperation in team
example, A who seems calm turns out
games in the course, which shows
created during the leadership
to be very ambitious. There are
that A justified the means for
training,” said Wiwin.
45
PRESTASI:
A JOURNEY
DRA. SRI HASTARI Z. BIRAN - Direktur PT Daya Insani
Revealing the Real Character, Forging Unity
F
or the leadership training for the PRESTASI
and there were participants
various activities or
participants IIEF works in cooperation with PT
that accepted the rules.
simulations. One is through
Daya Insani, which has much experience in this
field.
When the session
the sharing of the work
environment or the
“At the beginning of training we invite participants
some participants who were
bureaucracy of each and
to sing Indonesia Raya in order that they have a sense
not already in the place. The
of responsibility for the country,” said Director of PT
session was postponed until
Daya Insani, Sri Hastari Z Biran as she talks about the
all participants were
training process that lasts for two days and one night.
present. This method also
It is not without reason that the opening of
FOTO: IIEF-PRESTASI
started on time there were
their role in that
environment. This type of
sharing can help to reflect
Reflection session
caused debate among
the role they should contribute to create a better
environment.
training starts with the national anthem. In many
participants. From the spontaneous reactions from the
cases people go abroad to study but then they do not
participants the coaches of Daya Insani gain input on
raised and built through games that seemed trivial.
return home. Some return home but bring their life
the character or nature of each participant. Then the
Through outbound activities such as a number of
from abroad home too so they lose Indonesia.
trainer asked participants to take time to self-reflect
outdoor games participants are invited to reflect on
Therefore this training, she said, meant that the
on their attitudes.
the meaning of that game.
Indonesian people should have a commitment to
An understanding of the personal character of
Leadership and a sense of togetherness were
The core lesson of the game is that if you
Indonesia. The process towards the realization is done
each is also obtained by using some short tests. “I’m
succeeded in solving the problem alone you can be
with the various training activities that seem “trivial”.
oh so, so ... my friend,” the UI Psychology alumnus
successful but you sacrifice your friends. You
For instance, there is a rule requiring all participants
described the reaction of the participants after taking
succeeded but others did not. So inevitably you have
turn off their cellular phone during activity sessions
the test, and an explanation of the meaning of the
to succeed together. The Awardees must decide how
and there is the rule that participants should be on
test.
to succeed together. That’s what makes the games
time. The rule raises pros and cons among the
participants. There were participants who protested
Awareness of self-character and leadership
abilities and togetherness were also built through
46
contrary to their ego. Some think that if they are
successful together with others then their success is
completely. But others say, maybe I’m not as good as
you, but I also want to feel successful, help me please.
“That’s it. So this game builds awareness of the
importance of togetherness. The beauty of unity. Each
FOTO: IIEF-PRESTASI
only 50 percent. In fact they want to success
studied abroad, but after returning home made no
contribution. What’s their contribution to this country?
Why aren’t they visible? Where are they hiding?
Two days training is not enough. Sri herself said
two days is a very short time to establish the
A qualified psychologist
has its advantages and each has its drawbacks. If they
characters. “But at least we can help them to be able
can complete one another they will be stronger,” said
social problems, cultural problems and so many other
to study there,” said Sri, who had served as a HR
the experienced practitioner in Human Resource
problems that must be solved. “Hopefully they will be
manager in a clinical laboratory that has more than 50
Management (HRM).
involved in the process. They can make something
branches spread across various places in Indonesia.
At night there was a ‘watch together’ session. The
useful. So we remind them that we are the people of
It is expected that after the training the
committee played a documentary film about Indonesian
Indonesia. That’s the goal. We are Indonesian. Do your
participants will keep in touch with each other. While in
nature without text or narration. The committee did not
best for this nation.”
America they are usually on their own as they are
mention what the title of the movie was or where it
Then there was a discussion that the trainer
spread over various campuses and cities. If they keep
was set. The documentary showed the scenery at Lake
opened with a touching story from his heart. “You are
in touch, they will never feel alone. They can talk to
Toba, natural beauty at Kelok. Ampek Puluah Ampek,
to be schooled abroad but do not bring back here all
each other and if there is a problem there will be a
the romantic Ngarai Sianok, the famous underwater
the forces from there. We are here and we do not want
friend who is willing to help.
Bunaken, the fascinating stretch of Raja Ampat
to lose our Indonesia.”
archipelago and even more beautiful places. But, no
Before leaving Ciawi participants wrote their plan on
At the opening the participants were reluctantly
a piece of paper. As a leader what they will do? What
kidding, no participant knew the places. Halloooo ... it’s
singing Indonesia Raya but not this time. All were
will you do after studying in the United States? The
Indonesia! “Oh, Indonesia!? There are so beautiful
singing heartily, full appreciation and full of love. The
paper is collected and stored by IIEF. When they come
places, aren’t there?” Some participants exclaimed
participants could not control their emotions and were
home they are reminded of their initial intentions. Do
surprised. Of the many participants there was only one
hugging one another tearfully. The trainer of Daya
they still remember their intention? Change is fine, as
person who called a location correctly. She also
Insani couldn’t help crying they were all in tears. They
long as it is for his own good, other people and their
hesitated.
were all emotional and in love with Indonesia.
environment. “Hopefully, when they get back here it is
According to Sri, Daya Insani they play this movie
In this emotional situation, Cultural Observer M.
to refresh and to remind them that now they’re home
to remind them of Indonesia and to remind them that
Sobari, one of the guest speakers in the training
they should recall the first intentions that they made
they have a responsibility to this country. There are
expressed his annoyance at the people who had
before leaving the country,” said Sri.
47
PRESTASI:
A JOURNEY
EVALUATION: INDUCTION IS SO
MEANINGFUL
An important induction is given
to not satisfactory at all, from
evaluation of the induction
quality and relevant. The facilities
useful to useless.
participants, Devi concluded the
were also considered to be
following:
appropriate and in accordance
Open questions are related to a
to the PRESTASI scholarship
number of issues regarding the
Training or induction provides an
with the activities session.
recipients. But how does the
implementation of the debriefing
opportunity for the PRESTASI
The classroom environment is
induction benefit them?
and especially suggestions.
scholarship awardees to improve
very supportive of the
Participants are free to deliver their
their knowledge and skills in the
participants learning especially
opinions and comments here.
fields of academics, leadership
for English training sessions and
and writing.
leadership. One participant
Opinions, attitudes and
suggestions from the participants
are very important for IIEF. IIEF can
“Ideally to evaluate or assess an
find out if the services that they
activity we should have a baseline.
In terms of training time and the
wrote, “The class was able to
provide are in accordance with the
Unfortunately PRESTASI does not
number of participants they
help me to be actively involved in
needs of the participants before
have baseline information from
consider their ratios to be
every session of activities.”
they jump on the new campuses
previous programs that could be
adequate, although some found
The facilitators at the
both in the U.S. and in Indonesia.
used as a reference against which to
that the statistical training time
International Language Institute
For that purpose a team from
review the impact of an intervention
was too short. “Statistical
- University of Indonesia (LBI-UI),
IIEF led by Devi Miarni Umar, a
at the end of the activity. Therefore,
learning materials aim to teach
University of Atma Jaya and PT
Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist
to work around this the team and I
too much for just three days,” –
Daya Insani were thought to be
from PRESTASI have designed 20
at IIEF designed tools to measure
this was the feedback taken from
experts in their field, well
questions with closed and open
the impact with the use of
one of the course participants.
prepared, well organized,
systems to all debriefing
quantitative and qualitative
When appraising the series of
responsive to participants, and
participants to evaluate the
methods to approach retrospective
training arrangements in place
with capabilities to create an
meaning, function and impact of
and current situations,” said Devi
the awardees think it’s already
atmosphere of learning and have
these supplies. The closed questions
about the tools used to evaluate the
good, particularly in terms of
the appropriate ways of teaching.
were regarding the material being
scholars. This approach allowed IIEF
materials and schedules. They
The training participants
taught, mentors, training facilities
team to dig up information before
think it’s managed very well.
proposed additional time for
and so on including the level of their
and after the intervention by IIEF
The materials used were
statistics training and leadership
acceptance. The questions are
through a series of activities
considered important to support
as well as more time for
multiple-choice ranging from very
prepared for the scholars.
the training, while the handouts
preparation for TOEFL®iBT than
used were considered to be good
TOEFL®ITP.
good to bad, from very satisfactory
From the results of the
48
Here is a summary of the views
of some student candidates after
confidence,” wrote a third
participant.
attending English Language,
These comments come from the
PRE-DEPARTURE ORIENTATION
Besides getting English,
written evaluations submitted by
statistical science, and leadership
induction participants. Some
training PRESTASI scholarship
entries submitted by the scholars
recipients still need to get another
will certainly be used by IIEF in
induction before they enter college
designing future programs. Here
in the United States. The induction
are some excerpts of their
is in the form of self-readiness -
comments:
anything needed to support their
“Induction really helped me in
studies running smoothly. The
preparing to continue my study in
induction was obtained through
the United States,” wrote one
activities during the three days
participant.
named Pre-Departure Orientation
“English Training really helped
me in improving my English skills.
FOTO: IIEF-PRESTASI
Statistics and Leadership Training.
Theophanny Rampisela shared
(PDO).
experiences and stories while in U.S.
During this event the PRESTASI
period in the USA. This activity is
an invaluable session, which also
involves sharing the experience of
While statistical training would be
scholars, from various regions in
management of their time, etc. With
the alumni as well as realizing the
better held after the English course
Indonesia, gathered in Jakarta. In
such a comprehensive induction the
need for self-management skills in
was completed in order to make
this PDO activity the participants
participants are expected to be
the USA,” explained Mira Sambada.
our brains fresh” said a recipient of
are given various information about
ready to leave with no issues left
PRESTASI scholarship.
the role of IIEF and IIE; latest
uncovered.
“The time for statistical training
developments regarding the
“This orientation is intended to
The three-day event was varied
and dynamic. The participants were
sometimes fed up but they mostly
is too short, so we do not have
PRESTASI program; the terms and
explain in detail about the role of
listened seriously to the facilitators
enough time to understand the
conditions of the contract of
the stakeholders that are useful for
for they felt that all the material
material,” said another participant.
PRESTASI recipients with USAID; a
the PRESTASI recipients to
presented were useful for their
list of needs before departure;
understand their roles and
readiness to arrive and settle into
information regarding their
responsibilities during their study
the United States of America.
“I got a lot of capacity building
from the induction. It increased my
49
PRESTASI:
A JOURNEY
various types of relevants materials
become more confident to go, stay,
for participants but some want
and struggled with the course
additional material about cultural
material in the United States. “This
shock, credit systems and
event makes me able to prepare all
universities grading systems in the
the things needed to study abroad,”
United States. Therefore some
said a PRESTASI awardee.
people suggested that there was a,
“Need to add another night to the
orientation.”
FOTO: IIEF-PRESTASI
Another thing that is very
are new to me, and very helpful,”
Briefing on the general
information and picture of the
life and education in U.S.
“This induction provides
said another participant, “Induction
FROM THE DEPARTURE
TO TAKING PART
While the PRESTASI recipients
useful for the participants in the
are taking the induction, the
PDO is a meeting with fellow
Training and Monitoring Division of
PRESTASI scholarship recipients.
PRESTASI are struggling with the
They feel there are similarities of
following matters; preparing all
“fate” that make them united. “It
their needs and documents etc.
was great being able to meet up
until they are completed and ready
with fellow scholarship recipients
to go. Communication with IIEF
who will get the same experience,”
partners in Washington DC during
said one participant.
the pre departure stage is
Overall, based on the evaluation
intensified.
gives a lot of information before we
results, which the participants
leave for the USA.”
delivered, the participants were
things is to get information from IIE
extremely satisfied with the
about colleges that most deserves
Amongst the briefing material
One of the most important
comprehensive information about
deemed relevant to their needs
activities of the PDO. They were
the recipients. They certainly need
what to do before, during, and after
there is technical information on
satisfied with the material
to know the requirements in detail
studying in the United States,”
various things allowed and
presented and they also gave the
to facilitate their registration.
commented a participant through
forbidden in the USA and the
thumbs up to the facilitators that
an evaluation sheet. “All the
regulations regarding USA
they thought were excellent.
materials delivered (the facilitators)
immigration. IIEF has prepared
The PDO induction makes them
50
Having completed the induction
it was time for the scholarship
recipients to choose colleges, and
to fill out the application, which the
the Division of Training and
scholars must comply with donor
entered prestigious schools in the
details of requirements had been
Monitoring of PRESTASI.
funding capability.
United States such as John Hopkins
prepared by the PRESTASI IIEF. The
Another obstacle, according to
There are many ways to Rome.
applications were then sent to the
Wiwin, is that sometimes scholars
There is always a way out. Having
University of California Los Angeles
United States. Then there is a
are selected for colleges chosen by
experience and good networking in
(UCLA) and UC Davis. Even one of
waiting stage, waiting for
the IIEF team and actually the
the United States, the IIEF and the
our participants qualified for Yale
information from the U.S. about who
scholar wants to go somewhere
IIE sometimes register scholars
University - one of the American
has been offered an acceptance and
different. If this is not
with additional scholarships. This is
universities that fall into the Ivy
who has not been offered an
communicated until late in the
because almost all universities have
League. Due to our team, both in
acceptance.
process it becomes a difficult
scholarship programs. There can
Jakarta and in Washington DC, we
problem with the deadlines
be a kind of cost sharing to cover
always try to prepare scholars to be
generally do so because they chose
looming. Addressing the same
the cost margin of university with
able to compete at a global level
excellent campuses, or their
issue, Wiwin claimed to be careful in
the funding cap by the donor. “For
and get the best results,” said
TOEFL®ITP score is not enough. An
making him/her understand.
example, if tuition at the college
Wiwin.
excellent campus usually requires
“Simply this,” Wiwin pointed out, “if
was $ 50,000 they are given a $
the equivalent score of TOEFL®ITP
you’re good at TOEFL®iBT you
10,000 discount which is really
who have also worked hard and who
of around 580. But their
have many school choices. And vice
good. That’s one of the things that
take the whole program prepared
TOEFL®ITP score were only 500 so
versa. In principle scholars should
we can do - It’s one of the ways.
by the team of PRESTASI very
automatically they have a limited
also measure their own capacity.
From the data IIEF recorded
seriously - it is certainly a good
choice. “The participants who are
But basically this program allows
approximately 56% of PRESTASI
fortune. In their next curriculum
not accepted by their chosen
them to apply to any possible
scholars obtained cost sharing from
vitae they will be noted as USAID
college have not failed – they will
college.”
the universities,” said the traveling
PRESTASI and the great campuses’
and enthusiastic woman who has
scholarship awardees.
Participants who do not pass
just have to take additional English
The next obstacle is related to
University, Duke University,
For the participants themselves
classes in the U.S. or choose
the funding. Popular schools are
another campus. That’s why we
usually very expensive. On the
always remind participants at the
other hand this scholarship has
dispatching and placing
PRESTASI participants received
beginning that if they are good at
tuition cap (maximum tuition fees
participants according to their own
scholarships at prestigious
English, they will automatically
can be paid by USAID). That’s why
choice of campus has its own
campuses in America. With
have more choices,” said Wiwin of
the university tuition chosen by
happiness. “Many participants have
experience of dealing with the
visited many countries.
For her, the success of
51
Wiwin shared with us the secret
recipe of IIEF, which is why many
PRESTASI:
A JOURNEY
Also be Seen on Campus
scholarship program for more than
However, the IIEF task is not
20 years IIEF is well aware of a few
automatically completed after the
often have to submit my work in
things that attract the attention of
participants finish their study
writing,” she explained.
the leading campuses when they
periods in the USA or Indonesia.
are reading applicants’ essays.
There are still other important
field studied by Nia required
based in Washington DC, Institute
tasks such as monitoring the
additional charges she submitted
of International Education (IIE). The
important application processes.
development of each grantee’s
additional fund proposals in order to
IIE-PRESTASI team directly saw
Training in essay writing for the
study. This task is very important
attend the courses. The proposals
that PRESTASI students were
participants before leaving is very
to know the constraints faced by
were accepted. “I think at that time
enrolled at campuses in the USA.
useful. EAP participants were also
each student and then to take steps
I could give a good reason, so my
One example is PRESTASI students
trained to write essays in English.
to address them so that each
request was granted,” she said.
at Saint Louis University (SLU) and
“Through the program modules
grantee can study well and on
that we have designed with LBI-UI,
schedule.
Essay writing is one of the most
we train scholars to prepare essays,
supported by the program, as I
Not only that but as the subject
Baryanto had another similar
Endah Tri Kurnawaty, while
The task of monitoring in the
United States is carried out by a
team from PRESTASI IIEF partners
the University of Missouri, Saint
story. When he was in a period of
Louis, in the State of Missouri. At
studying at the University of Gajah
that time, there were four students
although the application process
studying at Indiana University
Mada there were representatives of
taking studies at the Faculty of
may be done there (America). We
proposed to get the additional
the AED (Academy for Educational
Public Health (School of Public
review their essays here. Well, a
Academic Writing Skills to the
Development) who met with him to
Health) at SLU.
good essay is one of those
PRESTASI scholarship program. “I
ask if he was having difficulty in
provisions to enter the top campus
was asked to write a brief proposal
taking his scholarship program.
one of the IIE-PRESTASI Program
there,” said Wiwin again.
and sent it via email and the
“Even the staff of the AED asked
Officers the four students were
proposal was accepted,” she said.
me whether I was active in my
close to one another. In fact there
college and asked for my grades
were two students who were late
from the rector’s office,” he said.
for about two months due to
Having placed each awardee at a
college either in the United States or
Nia, the nickname of Endah Tri
According to Rachael Fellabaum
in Indonesia the next task of IIEF
Kurniawaty, then took a class in
team was to dispatch the scholars.
academic writing skills outside of
For those studying in the United
the regular class schedule. The
difficulties during his study he
students who had already been in
States the departure is usually
entire cost of the course was fully
considered it was a form of very
SLU welcomed the two students
conducted in August before the
funded by the PRESTASI
good monitoring to find out if
and introduced them to the town
semester starts. For about two years
scholarship program
students were having problems in
and campus. The warm welcome
they will study in the country (U.S.).
administrators. “I was greatly
their learning process.
made the new students comfortable
Although Baryanto doesn’t have
52
delayed visas. However, two
From these encounters
solemnly. The memorable night
and their community. Once they are
Fellabaum was very impressed not
showed the close relationship
back in Indonesia with their advanced
only by the familiarity between
between staff and PRESTASI
skills, we hope they will re-enter the
PRESTASI students at SLU but also
students.
work environment and their
by their activities in the School of
As a member of staff at IIE-
community by upholding the values
PRESTASI, Rachael Fellabaum felt
of lifelong learning. Every experience
communities. Fellabaum got the
very fortunate to be able to witness
they have is an opportunity to grow
information from the faculty that
the development of each student of
and develop. By keeping on learning
each PRESTASI student had
PRESTASI during their study in the
along their life the PRESTASI
contributed valuable knowledge to
USA. Most of the students thought
scholars will definitely achieve
their classmates about the
Fellabaum did not realize that they
extraordinary success as individuals,
information and typical viewpoints
had changed after two years of
as professionals and as citizens.”
of Indonesia. The PRESTASI
living and studying outside of
students, said faculty members,
Indonesia. They have turned into
semester the PRESTASI scholarship
Lindsay Hillenberg visits Tyas at
also showed willingness to
more independent people, self-
recipients who have graduated
Florida Atlantic University
understand America, as well as a
confident, attentive, knowledgeable,
gathered at IIE offices in
sincere wish to share about their
and focused on their future.
Washington DC to participate in a
FOTO: IIEF-PRESTASI
Public Health and in their
and helped them in adapting to the
culture and traditions to the people
new environment and made their
they met in Saint Louis.
Towards the end of the
Fellabaum also said, “We
Re-Entry Workshop. This workshop
sincerely hope the scholars will
provides an opportunity for them to
continue to grow and develop after
reflect on the experience and
to Fellabaum when they invited her
their return to Indonesia. Surely they
describe achievements and plan to
PRESTASI students she felt the
to come to their apartment. She
will face the challenges of their
apply their knowledge and skills.
same hospitality as she got before
got treats of typical foods from
future but we hope their experience
This meeting is also a great
via telephone and email. However,
Indonesia plus typical candied
during their stay in the USA will be
opportunity for them to develop a
when meeting them directly she
sweets of Saint Louis. That night
able to assist them in meeting these
network and to celebrate the
could know more about the
they had a party filled with life
challenges in a creative and critical
outstanding achievements that
development of each student and
stories and stories of their cultural
way. In addition, we also expect them
they have achieved.
their ability to conduct themselves
background and the Indonesian
to share the knowledge and
in areas where they attended school.
National Anthem was sung
experience to the work environment
relationship closer.
When Fellabaum met the
Their hospitality was also shown
53
Before they come to the
workshop they have been told in
PRESTASI:
A JOURNEY
advance that they should bring a
The relationship was developed
hat and shirt or graduation toga.
through joint work plans, through
Having finished the workshop
the organization of alumni
sessions, wearing a toga, they pose
PRESTASI called Alumni
together in front of the Presidential
Association PRESTASI–HICD
Office of the USA, The White House.
America Indonesia (ALPHA-I). This
Of course this photo action along
is one of the advantages of the
with the toga, in front of the White
PRESTASI program, which other
House attracts the attention of
scholarship agencies do not
tourists visiting the place. Some
possess
tourists even ask students to
“Because our binding feeling is
not only when departing but also
They also asked the scholars to
after returning home. At least the
explain PRESTASI program, what
they have achieved and their plans
for the future.
Keep in Touch
FOTO: IIEF-PRESTASI
explain where they came from.
relationship is still maintained. If we
have a project in an area, we have
people to help with the project,”
Rachael Fellabaum meets Bernie
at University of Nebraska
Another task to be done after
graduation ceremony because their
said Wiwin about the importance of
visas had already expired. They
the alumni organization.
certainly couldn’t come to the
PRESTASI Staff hope that the
the scholarship recipients complete
Moreover, their visas are only for
graduation because they have to go
graduates will continue to grow as
their studies is the welcoming back
one single entry to the USA so the
back to their country. Well, they are
mature people in the future. They
of the PRESTASI alumni’s in to the
validity period of their visa expires
just preposterous. So that there is a
all have great potential to grow as a
country and to report their arrival
on the day that they leave
keepsake, the PRESTASI
leader in the workplace and their
scholarship recipients held their
communities. PRESTASI staff wants
own graduation.
to keep on providing support and
to USAID sponsor.
The process of returning usually
There is a funny story related to
this visa deadline. There are some
has no significant obstacles. No one
universities that hold graduation
Having returned to their
was missing or did not want to go
ceremonies after the scholarship
homeland and back to their
completeness they need to become
home as the program does require
recipients’ visas have expired.
respective working environments
successful members of society and
them to return home at the end.
Surely they could not wait for
they still keep in touch with IIE.
care.
54
guidance to equip them with a
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION,
ACTING PLACE WHILE BACK
ALPHA-I ALREADY
ROCKING STEP
Having completed their studies in
the United States and Indonesia the
PRESTASI scholarship recipients and
HICD (Human and Institutional
Capacity Development), of course,
have to apply their knowledge in their
institutions as required by the contract
between the donor (USAID), scholars
and implementers (organizers of the
program), how do the best people of
this nation payback to Indonesia and
FOTO: IIEF-PRESTASI
home and serve to their respective
FOTO: IIEF-PRESTASI
environment. In spite of returning
Seriously formulate the
concept of Alumni Association
Alumni meeting to prepare the
establishment of ALPHA-I
the public at large.
The idea of an alumni association
program implementers of HICD
team of alumni as a result of the first
Darsono was elected as chairman of
has been initiated by USAID and the
program. On receiving the PRESTASI
alumni meeting attended by about 61
the Formation Team (representing the
Academy for Educational Development
program in May 2012, IIEF knew that
alumni in February 2012, organized by
Development Objective Team/DOT
(AED), previously in charge of the
USAID and AED had established a
AED. In the meeting, Boediono
Economic Growth), Silvy Andika Sari
55
PRESTASI:
A JOURNEY
team (Steering Committee) and the
Organizing Committee (Executive
Committee) was responsible for the
agenda, the content and material that
would be discussed in the alumni
meeting. “We had long days full of
lengthy discussions and sometimes
there was a sharp conflict of opinion
FOTO: IIEF-PRESTASI
FOTO: IIEF-PRESTASI
among alumni but it was really fun,”
said Lensi who was actively involved
with the alumni at the Alumni
establishment plan when it was
initiated and finalized.
The ideas were rolling and were
Glenn E Anders, USAID
Joshua dan Sylvi are having
a discussion
Indonesia Mission Director
discussed intensively. Preceded by a
small working team consisting of about
(Education) as a secretary and three
involving some of the alumni who
organization of alumni, some even
ten alumni - who were in charge of
members of the formation: Jatmiko
graduated under the program HICD as
worried about if their activities in the
preparing the national alumni
Wahyu Nugroho Joshua (Democratic
well as with PRESTASI.
alumni associations could hamper their
gathering - and supported by IIEF and
careers in the office.
USAID, the event, called National
Governance), Ni Ketut Susilarini
Initially IIEF was doubtful as to
(Health) and Rosmala Daud
whether an alumnus association could
(Environment).
But, after going through some
Alumni Gathering, was held at Cemara
be formed and whether there were
intense meetings and discussions with
Hotel, Jakarta, on March 2 to 4, 2012.
alumni who will take the time to take
alumni, IIEF and the alumni finally
It was attended by as many as 61
alumni organization, Chief of Party
care of the organization because the
agreed to hold the second National
people from various parts of the
(COP) PRESTASI Mira Sambada and
alumnus is generally busy with their
Alumni Meeting in March 2012, in
country. The alumni gathering
her deputy, Deputy Chief of Party
mounting activities after returning
which IIEF acted as a facilitator of the
atmosphere was so alive and full of
(DCOP) Lensi Mursida held an initial
home to Indonesia. The same doubts
meeting and was responsible for the
spirit. Three short days but three
meeting with the formation team,
were owned by some of the alumni
logistics and administration, while the
historic days. An agreement was
followed by a series of meetings
when told about the plan to form an
Alumni Steering Committee formed a
reached to name their organization the
To follow the formation of an
56
form a complete management at central
and regional levels, which will serve until
2014. The first national meeting of the
full board was successfully held on 2627 May 2012 at the Hotel Bluesky
Pandurata Jakarta. In this event
statutes, systems and the completeness
of work organization of ALPHA-I were
the year.
FOTO: IIEF-PRESTASI
FOTO: IIEF-PRESTASI
formulated as well as the work plan for
USAID and IIEF Representatives receive
The work program, said Safik, was
made with measurable impact.
ALPHA-I plan to, at least once a year,
To vote, to elect a leader
book titled “Indonesia Optimis” from Alumni
hold an international event, several
events nationwide and some of the
routine events on a smaller scale. The
ALPHA-I, which stands for the
of Public Policy, who works at
ALPHA-I he hopes that the alumni can
focus of the work program is in the
Association of Alumni PRESTASI -
Bappenas, the Secretary-General; and
do something meaningful for Indonesia.
areas of health, economic growth,
HICD America Indonesia.
Novi Anggriani, short-term training
It is one of the intellectual
environment, education and the
program alumnus who works at The
responsibilities to be properly
strengthening of democracy and good
Asia Foundation as Treasurer.
managed.
governance. Safik hopes that ALPHA-I
As well as the name of the
organization being agreed the alumni
meeting also selected three people to
Safik was called to actively initiate
The secretary general Zaenal Arifin
will develop programs that are able to
form a “working cabinet” for ALPHA-I.
the life of ALPHA-I because they feel
had the same recollection as the
contribute to a vision of ‘Re-inventing
The three figure were Akhmad Safik,
that it is proper that PRESTASI Alumni
chairman. “It’s a mean of exploration
Indonesia’ and to build a new
an alumnus of the School of Law,
should do things together - as they
and an appropriate organization for our
Indonesia.
University of Washington, who teaches
have been facilitated in the scholarship
souls,” said the BAPPENAS employee.
at the University of Al-Azhar, Jakarta,
program. If done individually it will be
as Chairman; Zaenal Arifin, an alumnus
less effective. With this organization,
carry out the mandate, which they hold.
implement it. One of their inaugural
of the University of Pittsburgh School
and with Safik as chairman of the
Just a few weeks later they managed to
programs is ‘Climate Change Goes To
Safik, Ary, and Novi moved quickly to
57
Having agreed the work program
the board is moving quickly to
PRESTASI:
A JOURNEY
Green Radio Jakarta. While interactive
discussion was held on 4 September
Voting Result
Jakarta.
FOTO: IIEF-PRESTASI
FOTO: IIEF-PRESTASI
FOTO: IIEF-PRESTASI
2012 at @america, Pasific Place
The realization of the next program
is a workshop on the preparation of
local budgets that are participatory.
Mira Sambada, COP PRESTASI pinned ‘a pin’ to the
The elected board forms a cabinet
of ALPHA-I
Secretary General of ALPHA-I in its first Rakernas
Through this activity they want to
transmit an understanding that good
governance and clean environments
require active involvement of
and budgeting. The workshop was held
FOTO: IIEF-PRESTASI
FOTO: IIEF-PRESTASI
FOTO: IIEF-PRESTASI
communities in development planning
in Banda Aceh, September 2012.
Workshop participants were young
people, especially university students,
Bingo Band in ‘Climate Change
Interactive discussion on Climate
Workshop on participatory budgeting
along with local community leaders,
Goes To School’ activity
Change for youth
in Banda Aceh
journalists, NGOs and local
government officials.
School’, specifically for Jakarta and its
Indonesia, third, interactive
high school students about climate
surrounding areas. These activities
discussions, experience sharing, and
change and they are expected to
Born just a few months ago it has
include: first, a writing contest with the
seeing a movie concerning climate
change their behavior patterns with
made concrete steps. And the next
same theme for all of the students,
change together. The campaign against
respect to the environment.
steps to be taken have been arranged,
secondly, interactive discussion on the
climate change is rallied through the
radio to discuss climate change from
song with Bingo Band, which will
program was held. The writing contest
sake of many people, for a better
the perspective of health, education
hopefully establish a youth community
began on July 2012 and ended on 17
Indonesia. Starting from something
and the environment published by KBR
who are aware of climate change.
September 2012. Interactive dialogue
small and done with joy. “I am always
on the radio was already held on
glad to do good things for other
August 14, 2012 in collaboration with
people,” said Zaenal Arifin.
68H Radio and relayed by the 50 radio
networks in KBR 68H throughout
The series premiere ALPHA-I
According to Safik the activities
are aimed to provide insight for the
58
ALPHA-I stepped up pretty quickly.
- all of which are just merely for the
AGUS YUDI WICAKSONO
ALUMNI GAIT
Master in Public Policy, Michigan State University, East Lansing
school period in the United States
Staff at the Center for Strategic Policy Studies, Ministry of Home Affairs
make him amazed at the country’s
Reflecting on Connecticut Sidewalks
sidewalks. He even has a collection of
photos of these sidewalks! According
to him, the pavement is a reflection of
a country’s services to its people.
W
hen he first set foot in Dulles
International Airport,
Washington DC, in August 2009, Agus
Yudi Wicaksono was gob-smacked. His
eyes were amazed by airport buildings
in the United States capital. When
taken to the Inn at the Churchill Hotel,
located directly across from the Hilton
Hotel, he was even more amazed.
“There was a really great sidewalk,”
said the man from Papua amazed.
The sidewalk is located on
Connecticut Avenue and is five feet
wide. The edge of the sidewalk that
FOTO: BODI CHANDRA/IIEF-PRESTASI
By the end of the
PRESTASI program
in September 2012
about 89 alumni of
the Long Term
Training (LTT)
program of HICD and
PRESTASI
scholarship program
have completed their
studies and have
returned to
Indonesia. Together
with 162 alumni of
Short Term Training
(STT) program, total
alumni of FORECAST
- HICD and
PRESTASI program
totals 251 people.
Here are excerpts
from some LTT
alumni gait compiled
by IIEF team.
Coming and serving a two-year
faces the street is made like a ramp.
The sidewalk allows people in a
wheelchair to easily roll down the
sidewalk after they get off the bus.” In
Indonesia the sidewalk is made
An asset in Ministry
perpendicular to the curb so that
of Home Affairs
motorcycles cannot pass. In the U.S., it
59
PRESTASI:
A JOURNEY
is made to decline so that people in
PRESTASI program when the
wheelchairs can go down without any
program was called FORECAST -
help,” told the second of four brothers.
HICD - when he took an English
course at the Central Administration
Since then he began photographing
the pavements on various roads in the
of International Cooperation,
United States to be a collection. For
Ministry of Home Affairs. At that
him the pavement becomes a mirror of
time he was frustrated because his
how the government functions in
desire to continue his education was
terms of community service. “I utterly
tumbled by the education system’s
felt it was a public service,” said the
mechanism in Indonesia, including
graduate of Michigan State University.
information on scholarships in the
country are closed. Thus, civil
The sidewalk gave him the
inspiration and self-confidence that his
servants like him can only hope for
position as a civil servant is serving a
the ‘goodness’ of information from
public function. “If our principle is
the International Cooperation
service, serve it well,” he said with a
Administration Center.
serious face. Yudi, was known in the
The second obstacle he faced, as
the Government High School
person. Once, when received as a civil
graduates in the State (STPDN),
servant, the father of two children did
Jatinangor, he just got D4 (diploma
have the principle of serving in doing
4). “For S2 (master), I must take the
his tasks. The implementation, said
S1 (bachelor),” he said. However, after
Yudi, is not only serving the
a team from the Academy for
community but also have to make
coworkers comfortable when serving
one another.
Fortunate after Frustration
Yudi got information about the
FOTO: PERSONAL DOCUMENTATION
neighborhood as a very serious
Educational Development (AED), the
contractor HICD program, verified to
STPDN and finally obtained an
explanation, despite STPDN being D4
Sidewalks in Michigan
that interest Yudi
the number of credits (semester
credit system) required by STPDN is
equivalent to S1 and Yudi finally went
only. “Oh, I was depressed,” he said. In
Yudi had no problem with the change
analyzing. The first is the qualitative
through.
the classroom he could not respond to
of weather in the country. Because, he
provision of STPDN. The second is
When registering for PRESTASI
the ongoing discussions. “Sometimes I
said, he was familiar with the heat and
quantitative analyzing - a
Yudi found it difficult to qualify. His
feel that my work was well written but
cold temperatures from his childhood
characteristic he learned at his U.S.
TOEFL®ITP score was only 463, much
my professor did not understand what
in Papua. “Wamena was bitterly cold,
College. “I used to read the data and
lower of the requirements for
I wrote,” he recalled, laughing.
Abepura was hot. It was not so
quantify the phenomenon and then
different,” said Yudi, who spent his
explain it in a qualitative way,” he said.
placement at a university in the land of
His confidence appeared after two
Uncle Sam, which requires 550.
semesters in the U.S.. He began
childhood until his high school in
For example, he said, when the data
“Perhaps the reviewer saw my resolve,”
actively participating in the
Papua.
from the Central Statistics Agency
he thought. Due to his strong will Yudi
discussions. Even in the class he
continued and he participated in a
became an unofficial resource for
lived in a university apartment for the
high school teachers in 2004 and says
‘debate’ in front of six reviewers. “I’ve
undergraduate students at Michigan
second half of his stay. “Once the
that the number decreased in 2009 by
been like a vent, explaining my anxiety
State University about the history of
heating was turned off I finally learned
15% the data would not be ‘read’. “If
about the service and why I want to
Indonesia in the subject of Indonesian
to use heating blankets,” he said,
you go down by 15% it is necessary to
learn in the United States,” he said.
Politics and Moslems (Indonesia and
laughing.
find the number of 15%,” he said.
His sincerity to re-learn was costly
as when he had to go to America his
The problem he had was when he
Muslim Politics).
Once back in Indonesia Yudi
His unyielding spirit enabled him to
(BPS) gives figures for the number of
Yudi know the 15% reduction rate
became a mainstay of his office in the
occurred because many people
wife was pregnant. “It’s hard for me to
overcome challenges gradually. Having
Central of Strategic Policy Studies,
actually still want to become civil
leave my wife,” he said.
succeeded in finding ‘the light’ at the
Ministry of Home Affairs. Yudi has to
servants (PNS), but they were stuck
campus he also enlightened us about
analyze the policy quickly for
for the policy of the government of
also not easy for Yudi as the United
where he lived which was fairly far
consideration and report to the
Indonesia, which imposes civil servant
States was the first foreign country he
away from the campus, especially he
Minister of Home Affairs Gamawan
moratorium so they finally moved into
had visited. He had many difficulties.
had to go home in the evening. “It was
Fauzi. The report should be brief and
the teaching profession. “Apparently, it
For example, although his TOEFL®ITP
easy to find transport but I had to
clear. “Top management do not have
was a strategy of many people in the
score was already qualified 550 Yudi
concentrate on where I was going,” he
time to read long reports so they
area to remain as civil servants,” he
was still not good at writing so he had
said. He had only three days of
should be clear and concise,” said
said.
to take English classes in the morning
preparation prior to arriving in
Public Policy graduate of Michigan
and in the evenings - for an entire
America.
State University.
Arriving in the United States was
semester he could take one subject
Although there were four seasons,
Yudi applies two approaches in
61
Yudi’s expertise is greatly
appreciated by his boss, Chief of
Center for Strategic Policy Studies of
PRESTASI:
A JOURNEY
the Ministry of Home Affairs, Anselmus
home from Michigan some colleagues
Tan. “He was the mainstay of my
in the Ministry considered his actions a
confirmation,” said Anselmus. Yudi, said
little vain just because he is from
making reports. One day his division
local government and then to process it.
Anselmus, became the person to ask to
abroad. If it were so, Anselmus said, he
got the task of designing bureaucratic
At least, go to Regional Planning
confirm various things to get the basic
would take Yudi to his room to halt his
reform from the minister. He worked
Agency (BAPPEDA), or the Regional
logic of an academic issue.
actions.
along with other fields working on
Secretariat in provincial, district or city
projects to improve performance.
level. “But he has also widely
Yudi, according to Anselmus, is
conducting meetings in English.
Anselmus praised Yudi’s speed in
In short, Yudi is very fortunate to
working relationship to the area is
usually just to request data from the
very strong in issue comparison. “He
have a leader like Anselmus who
Reports were given by each field and
requested feed back from the
can compare the problems in detail
considers him a cadre in the MOHA.
the department at the ministry. The
community and included it in the report.
and help me decide which one is the
Yudi, as revealed by Anselmus, has
reports were all compiled and analyzed
Thus the performance evaluation,” says
best solution,” he said.
been an outstanding member of staff
by Yudi. Anselmus asked for the
Wildan, “becomes more ‘alive’.”
Anselmus praised Yudi’s
since he arrived in his new office. “I’ve
reports to be completed on that day,
progressive attitude. “His affection is
known him since 2008, he has a
because it will be submitted to Minister
more humanistic after returning from
good which is also a nice surprise,”
strong will and stubbornness,” said
Gamawan on the next day. “At two in
America. “He was stern, A is A and B
said Anselmus. He thinks that now
Anselmus. But he did not think his
the morning I was relieved – he sent
is B - probably because of his
Yudi has become wiser in delivering his
stubbornness affected his will to learn,
me good reports via email,” he said.
militaristic education. Now he wants to
opinions. “He’s more polite,” he added.
Yudi will spend a lot more time on an
His politeness, he said, was not
English course at the British Institute.
Anselmus praise. “He was already
apparent when he is arguing. Although
seen when he recently graduated from
“Finally I asked him to borrow books
smart by nature,” said the graduate of
he makes strong quantitative
STPDN. “In STPDN the one who was
from there.”
the University of Indonesia about Yudi.
arguments backed up by qualitative
Wildan has known Yudi since February
data Yudi sometimes will also concede.
wrong used to be grounded as though
Wildan Fathurahman also confirmed
Not only that but with his improved
According to Wildan Yudi become
learn to understand others.” It is
everything is black and white.” It’s a
English skills Yudi is Anselmus’s
2009. Wildan saw that the father of two
habit that Yudi brought to his office at
mainstay in every moment that
children has rapidly progressed. Yudi, he
Agus Yudi Wicaksono is well known
the Ministry of Home Affairs. “I
requires English. “I asked him to make
said, “is not only good in terms of
throughout the MOHA, both for his work
directed him to be more flexible,” said
the resume of books borrowed,
concept but also at implementation. All
contribution and for his stubbornness.
Anselmus. However, sometimes the
Handbooks of Regional and Local
he did was feasible.”
Secretary General and Director
‘real character’ still comes out. “He’s
Government.” After Yudi came home
from Papua and sometimes quite
from the United States Anselmus gave
reports while on duty outside Jakarta.
achievements. Wildan asserted, “He is
stubborn,” he said. After returning
him additional tasks such as
Wildan said that as a civil servant the
an asset to the Ministry.”
He also formed the habit of making
62
Because of all his achievements,
General are well aware of his
even to those who have just met
him. Safik is known as someone
who has a high interest in the
intellectual world. While he was still
a student, Safik together with Anis
Baswedan, his younger classmate
and several other activists of the
Student Senate at the University of
Gadjah Mada (UGM), founded CSCD
(Center of Student and Community
AKHMAD SAFIK
Development).
Master of Economics Legal - University of
Washington School of Law, Seattle
His love for the intellectual
world also drove him to be a public
Lecturer of University of al-Azhar Indonesia
FOTO: BODI CHANDRA/IIEF-PRESTASI
policy consultant in the Land and
Considering Law in
Economic ‘Scale’
Law Initiative project funded by
the USAID-led by the Rural
Development Institute (RDI),
Seattle, United States of America,
in cooperation with the National
Person who have a
Land Agency and the University of
strong will
Indonesia. It apparently drove him
to the scholarship in the United
His love for the intellectual
world led him to leave his S-3
It
was not difficult to feel
Researcher at the Center for the
States. RDI is a nonprofit
comfortable with a man born
Study of Law and Economics,
corporation based in the U.S. and a
college, and chose an S-2 college
in Tegal, a region on the North
Faculty of Law, University of
unique organization in which the
in America through the PRESTASI
Coast of Java, which became his
Indonesia and Lecturer at the
lawyers devote their time to
program. As a result he viewed
foundation for religious life,
Faculty of Law of the University of
studying and dealing with problems
legal problems in Indonesia more
independence, egalitarianism and
Al-Azhar Indonesia, is known as a
of land reform and related issues in
clearly.
inclusiveness. The Senior
fun person who is easy to respect
developing countries and in
63
PRESTASI:
A JOURNEY
environment of international
institutions. Through this project
he studied law and land policy
which took him to work closely
with Professor Roy L. Prosterman,
Professor of Law at the University
of Washington who has been
nominated as an awardee of the
Nobel Peace Prize three times. In
October 2006, together with
Professor Prosterman and Senior
Attorney Robert Mitchell, Safik
launched the RDI report entitled
“Productivity of Intensively Used
Homestead Plots in a Central
Javanese Village” which is the
result of field research into land
FOTO: BODI CHANDRA/IIEF-PRESTASI
problems in Central Java for the
project of the Land Law Initiative.
Because of his expertise and
knowledge in the field of law and
land policy Safik is often invited to
participate in USAID activities,
especially in the office of Economic
Sharing knowledge with students
research and provide advice on the
across majors
issue of land reform in more than
under the coordination of
programs and issues related to
40 countries in Asia, Latin
Economic Growth (EG) USAID
land with guests and experts from
countries with economies in
America, Africa, Eastern Europe
Office, involved him with a world he
the United States and the National
transition. RDI has conducted field
and the Middle East.
longed for - that is working in the
Land Agency. Safik said that at the
The Land Law Initiative Project,
64
Growth, to discuss the various
beginning he was not really
agrarian law. It also made him
United States and Indonesia, he
are totally different from Indonesia.
interested in applying for the
interested in exploring and
discovered that the PhD programs
Even when compared to S3 in
scholarship program because he
developing the theoretical
and Economic Law turned out to be
Indonesia, a Masters Program in
was still in his first year of doctoral
relationship between law and
in the Departments of Economics
the United States is more heavy
study at the University of
economics. Because, according to
instead of the Law School. In other
weighted. Because studying in
Indonesia.
him, the legal approach has many
words if he wanted to continue his
America, if we can use his
obstacles so the law should also be
studies in the field of law and
expression, is “total football”. “The
program with colleagues and
approached from the principles of
economics – it was tantamount to
facilities and infrastructure of
seniors at the Center for the Study
efficiency in economics, so
an economics PhD program where
higher education there (University
of Law and Economics Faculty of
normative considerations are
the main subject is pure economics
of Washington, Seattle) cannot be
Law, the University of Indonesia, as
completed with cost and benefit
and quantitative as calculus,
found here,” he said excitedly. The
well as with the staff of USAID
considerations to ensure that
integral, differential, econometrics
excellent combination of qualified
Economic Growth Office, Safik
justice should provide greater
and statistics. Unfortunately his
professor, educational facilities, the
believed that the program was
benefits to society than the costs
goals could not be met and with a
interaction of the international
interesting and provided new
to pay.
heavy heart he finally decided to
academics community and
take a masters in the field of law
excellent curriculum provides a
very important experience.
But after discussing the
challenges for his career and life.
Feeling reluctant to leave his
Finally in 2008, the man who had
doctoral program at UI he was
and economics at the University of
completed his undergraduate
relieved after he passed the
Washington School of Law.
college in the social economics
scholarship selection for a PhD
agriculture department, Faculty of
program in the United States. But
family finally let him step off to
Agriculture, graduated from Faculty
his happiness was limited by
achieve his dream in America.
Seattle (2009-2011) Safik admitted
of Economics University of
constraints. Safik was hampered
Having arrived in the United State
that there were two significant
Indonesia and Master of Law
throughout his college because it
and starting his study, he got an
benefits: firstly, degree (of course
Economics UI, sent an application
was hard to find a campus for the
impression that is far from his
including the quality of science),
to continue doctoral studies in the
purposes of studying Law and
expectation and this new impres-
and secondly, the more extensive
United States.
Economics. From the information
sion more or less has made up his
networks (intellectual networking).
about the colleges in the United
disappointment no to pursue his
Upon returning home from
background Safik seemed to be
States he acquired online and from
PhD. Apparently, according to
America, he has a new perspective
destined to focus on the field of
discussions with colleagues in the
Safik, lectures for S2 in the U.S.
to look at an issue. In the legal
From a varied educational
Following intensive talks his
65
New Perspective
Having studied for two years in
PRESTASI:
A JOURNEY
sector, for example, he believes he
just as important as the struggle to
was changed after returning home
academics and research. Fokky
learned a lot and he was always
study in America. As a lecturer at
from the United States. “Safik is
also thinks that Safik deserves
encouraged to see the issues more
the Faculty of Law, al-Azhar
more ‘cool’ and open and his
another scholarship to continue
clearly and comprehensively. The
University, he did not hesitate to
scientific expertise is increasingly
his doctoral studies.
former campus activist soon
share knowledge, perspective or
sharp especially for the field of
realized how many things must be
just a casual chat with the
economic law and land law which
changed a little since coming
developed and improved in this
students, both in class and in the
is the area of his expertise. His
home from studying in the United
area. He hopes that with his
coffee shop at the back of the
capacity exceeds beyond the
States. Fokky said that Safik’s
knowledge and networks he can
campus.
knowledge of professors,” he said.
style previously was more ‘Java’,
However, Safik is still the same.
now he’s ‘American Style’, more
He has not become arrogant
straightforward and more
improve himself as a scientist in
order to bring more benefits to the
community. Not only in the
More Cool, Open and Realistic
Safik, who is also a frequent
According to Fokky, Safik has
because he is an American
concrete. In his view of the legal
academic sphere, Safik, who is
guest speaker at various
graduate. As a colleague and a
issues Safik is more critical and
often a consultant in projects of
discussions in the House of
friend Rahmat hopes Safik is able
does not want to play in opinions
USAID, World Bank, International
Representatives, is known to his
to complete his education to
but he is always based on legal
Finance Corporation (IFC), the
colleagues as a strong-willed
become a professor in his field.
facts. “The style is very Anglo-
Asian Development Bank (ADB)
person. One example of his strong
Moreover, Safik who is also
Saxon,” said Fokky.
and other international agencies,
will is that he studied the law
actively involved in various
wants actively to give ideas as part
without having any legal
activities on campus and the
feels that after returning from
of his contribution in the search for
background. “Despite his
community is now also actively
America, Safik was no longer just
solutions to the many problems
undergraduate background not in
participating in designing the
an average lecturer. Whereas in
faced by the nation of Indonesia.
the field of law, he has shown that
post-graduate program at the
the past he would just teach and
The man who had studied at
he is able to conquer the
University of Al-Azhar. Almost in
go home, Safik is now a lecturer
boarding school is always reminded
challenges,” said Rahmat Bagja,
line with Rahmat, the other
who stays longer on campus and
by the words of his wife: “If I
alumni of the University of Utrecht,
fellows of Safik such as Dr. Fooky
actively involves a number of
already knew a lot of things now I
who was also his colleague at the
Fuad, SH. M. Hum thought that
students in informal discussion
know how to make it happen in the
University of Al-Azhar.
Safik deserved scholarships
forums. Through forums often
because of his high intellectual
held in coffee shop at the back of
and his positive attitude towards
the campus Safik shares
community.” Real action after
returning back home is certainly
In the eyes of Rahmat, Safik,
who he has known since 2006,
66
Not only that but Fokky also
knowledge and enlightens
Elmiyah selected for inclusion in
Erman is sure that with his
than 40 doctoral Legal Studies at
students across majors to see the
the book entitled Legalizing Land
qualities and willingness, Safik will
the University of Indonesia, North
problems more clearly and
Rights: Local Practices, State
be successful if he continues to
Sumatra University, and other
critically and not to get stuck in
Responses and Tenure Security in
pursue a doctorate in the United
universities took a book from a
the paradigm of others. “Meeting
Africa, Asia and Latin America,
States. Holders of LLMs and PhDs
shelf in his office. While showing
and chatting with young people
edited by Janine M. Ubink, André
from the same alma mater as
a book titled Economic Law he
reminds me of the days when I
J. Hoekema, and Willem J. Assies.
Safik, he saw Safik as a team
said, “The way of analyzing which
was a student activist,” said Safik
The Books that are distributed for
member who quickly adapted to
Safik brought from the United
happily.
Amsterdam University Press
the working environment - a fast
States is a new perspective in the
Another souvenir that Safik
presented 20 interesting scientific
learner and dynamic. “I just gave
completion of the law.”
brought from the United States is
articles about the problem of land
him a little guidance and he was
his more realistic view of the law
rights in different parts of the
able to do what was asked,” said
and not just relying on quotations
world, including cases of land in
award-winning Chapter of the
of existing legislation. As a
Indonesia.
Order of the Coif from the
colleague, Fokky hopes that Safik,
Safik’s productivity in writing
Wanting to Reinvent
Indonesia through ALPHA-I
After receiving a scholarship,
University of Washington in 2001,
according to Safik, it is proper for
smiling.
those who are fortunate enough to
with other colleagues, will make
has added his value in the eyes of
an innovative breakthrough at the
the law professor. For Prof. Erman,
campus of Al-Azhar.
the measurement of an academics
Cabinet since President Habibie to
their studies to do something for
person is not only if they can
President Susilo Bambang
Indonesia. “We have to pay back
Rajagukguk SH, LLM. Ph.D., Dean
teach, but also if they can actively
Yudhoyono from the years 1998 -
to Indonesia because it has funded
of the Faculty of Law, University
do research and write. He did not
2005 also saw that education in
a two-year college program
of Al Azhar Indonesia who was
hesitate to give
America made positive
through the cooperation between
also Safik’s leader, called him a
recommendations for Safik to
contribution in changing the
the government of Indonesia and
‘young talented man who reflected
continue his studies in the United
mindset of Safik which made him
the United States,” he said.
spirit’. Safik often writes with
States because the professor
more realistic and always focusing
However, if the effort to “pay back”
Prof. Erman. One article titled
thinks Safik as a ‘full figure’:
on the facts and not getting
is done individually, Safik thinks it
Land Law in Indonesia, which was
talented with great intellectual
caught up in opinions which can
will not be so effective. Therefore
written with Herman Slaats,
capacity, strong and with good
sometimes be misleading. Erman
Safik did not refuse when the
Erman Rajagukguk, and Nurul
English language skills.
who has been a promoter of more
majority of alumni friends and
In line with Fokky, Prof. Erman
Deputy Secretary of the
67
have the opportunity to continue
PRESTASI:
A JOURNEY
colleagues of HICD-PRESTASI
run and gained success in is the
environmentally conscious,” said
horticulture sector, financed by the
chose him as the first chairman of
program ‘Climate Change Goes To
Safik.
World Bank and Prof. Erman
the alumni association in the
School’ (CGTS). This is a program,
second alumni National Meeting in
which aims to provide an
measurable program, ALPHA-I is
moved on to a study of the Land
March 2012. Through ALPHA-I,
understanding to high school
planning to organize an
Registration Strategy with the
Safik hopes the alumni can do
students about climate change and
international event at least once a
support of BAPPENAS conducted
something meaningful for
its impacts. It is packaged in an
year, several national events and
in the province of West Nusa
Indonesia, as one of the
exciting series of events suitable
several regular events that are
Tenggara, Lampung and Central
intellectuals’ responsibilities is
for young children: it starts with a
smaller in scope. “Comrades of
Java. At the same time, Safik is a
proper management. “Our vision
Radio Talk Show on climate change
ALPHA-I that are now onboard are
member of the team that helped
at the ALPHA-I is to rediscover
issues at KBR 68H which was
now in high spirits. It is nice to be
prepare the Land Bill, which will be
Indonesia which is great and
relayed by 50 radio of KBR 68H
back in an inspiring environment,
an important legislation product in
glorious, or, as we call it ‘ Re-
networks throughout Indonesia;
which is full of motivation,” said
development of land policy in
inventing Indonesia,” said Safik.
there is also an essay competition
the former activist.
Indonesia in the future. He was
For the father of five children, with
for high school students in
So how did he manage his time
the surge of globalization, the
JABODETABEK; Interactive
in his variety of activities, ranging
to study Law Number 2/2012 on
Indonesian nation must find the
Dialogue on Climate Change with
from teaching, a consultant and
Land Acquisition for Public Interest
strength within itself, the true
experts and public figures - which
speaker for several national and
and many other implementing
identity and power of local policies
was attended by more than a
international projects, taking care
regulations. This study is very
(local wisdom) that should be the
hundred high school students and
of ALPHA-I and being a father?
important in building and designing
supporting of the strength of
teachers aides; a campaign for
Safik replied, laughing, “That’s the
the concept of a Social Safeguard
nation and country. In that
awareness of climate change
art. However, if we go through it all
System, which is very important in
context he considers that ALPHA-I
through a song with the Bingo
with sincere heart, everything
economic infrastructure
is an intellectual project that is
Band which launched four songs
feels wonderful anyway.”
development in Indonesia.
expected to contribute meaningful
about the environment and
values for a better Indonesia in the
As an organization with a
Rajagukguk, has immediately
also a legal specialist for the ADB
Today, in addition to teaching
In the midst of mounting
climate change. “Through a series
on campus, filling various scientific
activities Safik was preparing to
future through the program design
of activities that - albeit small - we
forums, Safik, who recently
re-design his future to achieve his
which has measurable impact.
hope can contribute to change our
completed a study on the impact of
old dream: to go back to Seattle
behavior to be more
legislation on investment in the
and take a Ph.D.
One of the programs they’ve
68
BARYANTO, SH., LL.M
Master of Law, Magister of Law, University of Gajah Mada
(MIH - UGM), Yogyakarta
Wates Court Judge Jogjakarta
Want to Provide Prima Legal Services
Baryanto was also asked about his
the University of Diponegoro
integrity as a judge. “I was asked
(UNDIP).
Social minded judge
FOTO: PERSONAL DOCUMENTATION
many things, but what I remember
“I chose UNDIP because the
most was the question that led to
criminal law faculty in UNDIP has
my integrity as a judge,” he
received the title classification of
explained. It was fair. This
A,” said Baryanto but, he failed to
profession is in the spotlight of
get his university dream to study at
society and considering the numbers
UNDIP because the committee did
of rogue judges who abuse their
not want PRESTASI recipients to
authority and the quality of justice in
study if their results were not
Indonesia.
objective. Meanwhile UI had already
A few weeks later Baryanto
closed its enrollment for master
received information that made
students. “So the choice is UGM,”
accept interview requests in his
him happy. He had passed the
continued Baryanto. As a
his boss Baryanto rushed back to
work place. Besides the noise,
selection and been awarded a
requirement to take the master’s
his official residence. The Judge of
answering the phone at home, would
scholarship from the PRESTASI
program, prospective students must
the Semarapura Court, Bali, is about
be more comfortable and he would be
program. “I passed the selection
pass the tests conducted by UGM.
to be interviewed by the AED
able to focus more on the answers.
with a note,” he said, because, at
“Therefore, I pass the PRESTASI
that time he had three choices in
selection program with a note. The
the interview, in addition to
Indonesia Universities, namely the
note is, if I pass the entrance test,”
being asked about his
University of Gadjah Mada (UGM),
said the man born in Salatiga in
University of Indonesia (UI), and
1976.
After receiving permission from
(Academy for Educational
Development) in connection with his
application for the PRESTASI
scholarship program. He could not
In
knowledge in the field of law,
69
PRESTASI:
A JOURNEY
Answering the Challenge
with Action
study more quickly. Just because the
we have to make decisions and
with a very tight schedule. From his
graduation was held at a certain
breakthrough our struggles in life,”
residence in Kulonprogo he should
period, then I have to wait a few
he added.
student at UGM, Baryanto feels
arrive in Yogyakarta at six in the
months to take the graduation
very fortunate to have the support
morning. “Since the course starts
ceremony,” said the sports and
college in 1998 he did not just jump
of his superiors. He did not need to
at seven in the morning and goes
reading fan.
in to the legal world but he worked
take a leave of absence for leaving
through to 12 o’clock,” he
Semarapura court, Bali instead his
explained. After that, at one
boss moved him to Wates District
o’clock, he should be in Wates
Court, Yogyakarta, in order that the
District Court to convene until five
disciplined, Baryanto comes from a
weddings. In this place, he was also
alumni of the Faculty of Law, 1995
in the afternoon.
modest family. “My parents were
forged to be professional. As a
Now accepted as a master’s
Baryanto tackled the challenge
When Baryanto graduated from
as a general affair in a foundation
Rooster Crowing Luck
Whilst being hard working and
that rents a multipurpose building
for a variety of events, including
only civil servants - category II, it
general affair, he had to take care of
judge at the same time as studying. In
Court, Baryanto has the support of
was almost impossible for them to
everything and make sure that all
fact he was just serving his duty in
his boss again and the understanding
finance their children through
went well, ranging from scheduling,
the District Court Semapura for eight
of a number of colleagues. If any
school,” he told. However Baryanto
business cleaning service, study,
months from a three-year of his
proceedings involving him as the
never gave up and during his time
going down to the parking lot where
official duty.
judge commence and Baryanto has
studying at UNDIP he also worked
the parking attendants needed help
still not arrived from Yogyakarta the
as marketing staff in an electronics
etc. “The impression was that I was
moving my post, in addition the
leader of the court allows the trial
company to pay his way through
working odd jobs,” he said with a
number of judges is very low,
to be postponed until Baryanto is
college. It is Baryanto’s journey
laugh.
therefore I was requested to still
available. Of course this does not
through life that is full of passion has
work while studying,” he explained.
happen often, but the policy was very
inspired him. “Life must have a
of the wedding guest in the building
Taking a master’s program or S2
helpful for me,” he said.
target and we must fight to reach
where he worked was also a friend of
As a result of being able to
the target by answering all of the
his mother. “At that time I was
matter but for Baryanto it became a
overcome his challenges Baryanto
challenges along the way,” he said
helping a parking attendant who was
challenge. “The challenge is, will I or
graduated cum laude. He even
excitedly. The work he did also
very busy,” he recounted. “A few days
won’t I be able to arrange my
completed his theoretical courses
taught him lessons that he did not
later the guest asked my mother
schedule between working and
ahead of schedule – in just a year
have on campus. “Another lesson I
whether I worked as a parking
studying,” he explained.
and eight months. “I completed my
learned in my job as a judge is that
attendant,” he said, laughing.
class can still perform his duties as a
“My superior facilitated me by
while still working is not an easy
During his duties in Wates District
70
A funny story happened when one
day of the acceptance period,” he
admitted. Fortunately, AED who was
managing the PRESTASI program still
considered his proposal.
Passing the selection for the
PRESTASI scholarship program also
involved an element of luck for
Baryanto. “While being interviewed
his neighbors rooster kept crowing,”
he relates. The rooster crow was
apparently heard through the phone
though Baryanto himself did not
realize there was a rooster crowing
during the interview. The cock
crowing sound seemed to make the
interviewer want to laugh. Even
FOTO: PERSONAL DOCUMENTATION
when Baryanto had an opportunity
Often appointed as a
mediator judge
Luck, according to Baryanto, also
to see Kay Ikranegara, Chief of
Party (COP) Program HICD, Kay
immediately greeted Baryanto by
saying “I heard the back sound when
you were interviewed.” Baryanto did
not understand the sentence so Kay
went on to explain that there was a
example, it was actually too late to
only two days to complete the
cock crowing sound during the
plays an important role in his life.
send in his proposal. He received a
requirements. “I received the
interview with him. “I wonder if I was
“This could also be a gift from the
brochure that was sent from the High
brochure on Wednesday, I completed
qualified for the selection because of
Almighty,” he said. When receiving
Court of Denpasar to the District
the requirements on Thursday, and I
the crowing cock, maybe they took
PRESTASI scholarship brochure, for
Court of Semarapura. There were
sent it on Friday which was the last
pity on me,” he joked.
71
PRESTASI:
A JOURNEY
Improving Legal Services
through the courts. “The problem is,
180.000 and the processing time
something to the supreme court.
the Act does not mention the
becomes just two weeks. “In
“People sometimes think that a
Baryanto feels more open-minded in
procedures in detail,” he explained.
principle, I just want legal services
small salary is the cause of judges
the legal field particularly on issues
In general, obtaining a birth
to the community to be as excellent
not having enough skills but there is
relating to the community. One issue
certificate requires at least six
and as cheap and fast as possible,”
no truth in this story that a small
is the long legal process in civil
months.
said Baryanto. This mechanism is
salary cannot provide good services,”
apparently welcomed by the
he said.
Having completed his studies
cases. “The judge was given six
“I’m looking for a way to shorten
months to resolve the civil cases.
the process of maintaining the birth
community and eventually
It’s too long,” said the father of
certificate,” he said seriously. The
Baryanto’s principal allowed another
judge during this time that was
three children.
trick is, when submitting a birth
judge to apply the same pattern.
recruiting fresh graduates then
That’s why when handling civil
Baryanto recounts the story of a
bringing them up from zero. “So
certificate, the applicant should
The Hidden Desires
cases he tries to maximize the
already know the registration
efforts of both parties to pursue
number, when and who will convene
The improvement in legal
judges have no experiences,” he said.
peace efforts. “I give input on the
at a scheduled time. In short, all the
services is Baryanto’s obsession.
A judges’ position is supposed to be
side of law to both parties. If the
necessary data must be known once
According to him judges should have
one of a problem solver and they
parties to the dispute are willing to
the applicant has filed the
the opportunity to enhance their
must sit with various authorities -
take the peace efforts, they do not
application letter. That way the
knowledge and skills through a
judges must have good integrity and
waste time and the case is
applicant will not run out of time
variety of training. “By improving
comprehensive knowledge
completed with peace,” he said.
and can always check the schedule
their knowledge and skills, the judges’
capabilities. “Honesty will
for when the trial will be conducted.
integrity and attitude to service will
increasingly appear together with
management of birth certificates
“At first it was hard and there was a
be more alert to provide as excellent
education,” said Baryanto. He hopes
according to Baryanto is also
lot of resistance, so I implemented
legal services as possible and as
that scholarship programs will reach
inefficient. Law no. 23 of 2006 on
the mechanism on my own,” he said.
cheaply as possible to the
many judges in rural areas and
community,” he explained.
communities in remote areas of
The legal mechanism for the
Population and Civil Registry,
Even the arrangement of a birth
since they were recruited, these
Baryanto explained, states that
certificate is getting cheaper. With
Improving the skills and
when the birth certificate was made
the old pattern, people needed to
knowledge of judges, continued
more than a year after the child’s
spend between Rp 500,000 to Rp
Baryanto, should be regarded as an
entire justice system is in the
birth there must be a determination
600,000. With this new pattern
attempt to provide an opportunity
process of working towards being
of the court or it must be requested
people just need to spend only Rp
for the judges to be able to contribute
better and faster. One of the ways to
72
Indonesia.
Baryanto also hopes that the
achieve this is to synergize and
spirit,” said Kun Tri Wibowo
process now runs faster,” said Emma,
harmonize the existing systems in
Haryanto, SH, MH, colleagues in the
who has known Baryanto since 2010.
the court office by applying
Office of the State Court Wates.
A similar opinion is voiced by
was included in the category of a
Information Technology (IT) in the
When there was a celebration for
Acice Sendong, SH, MH, Baryanto’s
good judge, hopefully he will stay
right order. Baryanto exemplifies the
Independence Day in the institute
superior. “The panel of judges
consistent and become more
application of Case Track Systems
he worked, for example, Baryanto
assessing Baryanto found that he
knowledgeable and increasingly
(CTS), which are now beginning to
participated by giving gifts. “He is
was frequently appointed as a
professional as a judge.” During her
be set up in some of the district
also contributing to an orphanage,
judge mediator,” said Acice
lead in the Court Wates, Acice
courts. “This technology allows the
his personality is good,” Kun added.
Sendong, SH, MH. “He does not
claimed not to have a negative
always successfully reconcile the
record on Baryanto.
public to monitor the progress of
In line with Kun, Emma Sri
Acice hopes Baryanto remains
consistent and honest person. “He
the case, the number of registers,
Setyowati, SH, MHum thought
parties because it is sometimes
where the judicial processes are
Baryanto was a flexible figure and
impossible to reconcile their
happening and the decisions and
good at associating. “He’s got a lot
differences but at least he has tried
how much it costs,” he explained.
of ideas, like giving reasonable
so hard to find common grounds,”
expectation on ALPHA-I. Baryanto,
“Indeed CTS in Palembang was just
input, this is our favorite thing
she continued.
who lined up to star as the Vice
a form of Local Area Network (LAN)
about him in the association,” she
or a connection between computers
said.
in that office,” added Baryanto. If
Baryanto’s superiors in Wates
According to Emma, with the
Better Real Actions
Baryanto has a number of
Chairman of the Democratic
court often give him positive
Governance Division, hopes ALPHA-I
feedback. “His performance is
can be a pressure group, which is
the system is running by connecting
knowledge he had and his good
pretty good, he often gives positive
able to contribute positively to
information from the District Court
personality, Baryanto was appointed
feedback and scientific input,”
government programs. “We can
to the Supreme Court, “it will
as a mediator judge in civil case
explained Acice. One of Baryanto’s
provide input or real actions, for
undoubtedly bring many benefits,
several times. “His efforts to find
inputs, said Acice, is the system of
example to follow up programs that
especially to ease the access to the
common ground between the two
“one day service” which means
have been set up by the government
information and control over the
disputing parties was excellent,” she
work being completed on the same
to be more effective, feasible and
practice of law mafia,” he assured.
said. It is no wonder that in some
day as it comes in. Although the
appropriately used.” According to
civil cases, Baryanto has succeeded
processes still need to be
him this will prove that education
in reducing the number of claims on
implemented at least the concept is
and scholarships are good for the
one side, so that the other side can
very good for Acice to improve
nation rather than undermining
meet the demand. “The judicial
legal services for the community.
state policy.
Professional Judge
in Social Soul
“Baryanto has a highly social
73
PRESTASI:
A JOURNEY
BINTARTI YUSRIANA
Master in the Field of Science Education (Curriculum and Instruction),
University of Illinois, Urbana
Lecturer of the State Islamic University (UIN) Gunung Jati, Bandung
Shy at First, Full of Confidence Now
The change is quite striking in
through a scholarship and had been
Bintarti since returning home from
preparing for TOEFL®ITP diligently.
America. Bintarti has much more
She then nodded her head in a sign of
confidence, which is important for a
understanding when she read about
teacher.
the requirements that must be met.
“It was my TOEFL®ITP 550,” she
On
a Thursday in the month of
November 2008, Bintarti is
offered was education. At least that
was surfing the Internet and visiting
was what she understood after
various sites. The veiled woman
reading it again. She pondered for a
gasped as she opened the site of the
moment whilst she tried to
Ministry of Religious Affairs. There is
understand if she was in a position to
an announcement on a scholarship to
qualify for a scholarship.
USAID.
Bintarti was immediately
74
On the website, the only subject
engrossed in front of a computer. She
the United States, sponsored by
FOTO: HARI NUGROHO/IIEF-PRESTASI
Known as a smart and
diligent person
said.
At that time Bintarti was teaching
at Tarbiyah Faculty, at the State
Islamic University (UIN) Gunung Jati,
interested in the program. She had
Bandung as a lecturer. She only
been looking for an announcement of
taught once a week and at the same
this kind for a long time. She had the
time she was active in the Faculty of
dream of going to school abroad
Medicine UPN Veteran in Jakarta. Her
activities meant that she had to travel
her side and she achieved all that she
taught in Biology Education Tarbiyah
students easily understand by
back and forth from Bandung-Jakarta.
sought on that day, including meeting
where Bintarti serves as Subandi’s
listening, others understand easily by
In Jakarta she lived with her relatives
the lecturer who is known to be
assistant lecturer.
seeing and there are also students
and she lived with her parents in
difficult to meet. “Thank God I was
Bandung.
lucky there. All gave me their
has thanked God many times for how
by reading. As a teacher, she wrote in
recommendations even though I’m
smooth the process was for her. She
the essay, she should understand her
schools. It is not proper to ask for
not a lecturer there. They only asked
was becoming more confident after
student’s characters and not discredit
recommendations from the Faculty
normal matters, nothing
repeatedly taking the tests in a
them. “It should be a one-page essay
of Medicine of UPN so I should just
adventurous,” she recalls.
number of scholarship programs but
but I just wrote a third of the page. It
always failed. She had already
was a short one,” she said, smiling.
The offer is for education
ask for recommendations from the
Bintarti is greatly happy and she
Chairwoman of the Biology Study
who understand their lessons better
Faculty of Tarbiyah UIN Bandung,” she
Program Faculty of Tarbiyah UIN
pocketed the recommendation and
muttered to herself. Just for a note,
Bandung, Dr.Hj. Tuti Kurniati, M.Ed,
rechecked the requirements. Besides
sent to Jakarta on Saturday morning
Faculty of Tarbiyah is similar to the
said, she recommended Bintarti for
academic papers she had already
via travel services. She kept on
Faculty of Teacher Training. She was
the progress of UIN. She said that in
prepared the day before in Jakarta
praying in order that the documents
really counting on the
Biology Education there is no lecturer
there was apparently another one
arrived in Jakarta safely for that was
recommendation, as one of several
who has studied abroad. “Later she
that was an essay.
the last day for submitting the
conditions is a recommendation from
could share her experience of
the institution where she works.
studying abroad with lecturers here,”
had been teaching Biology Education
she said.
for seven years at one of private
The announcement for the
scholarship said that the form should
On Friday night, the woman who
Her superior in UIN, Dr. Ir. HM.
campus in Purwokerto, wrote an
The completed documents were
applications.
The Selection Process
In February 2009 the long-
be submitted no later than Saturday.
Subandi, MP did not hesitate to
essay. “Of course the essay should be
awaited news arrived. Her phone rang
It meant that Bintarti had only two
recommend Bintarti because his
in relation to my work,” she said.
and an interview was held. Bintarti
days for all the requirements to be
assistant was indeed qualified
met so she moved quickly. Having
academically. He said, “Bintarti is a
uniqueness of students from
the processes. TOEFL®ITP test was
prepared all that she needed, she
nerd. She can answer any question.
elementary schools to university
prepared and she did well.
went to Bandung on the next day.
She has mastered a lot of science.”
campuses. According to her every
On that Friday she was in Bandung
In her essay she wrote about the
Subandi now serves as Dean of
went to the battlefield. She followed
“I was just interviewed once and
individual has his or her own
that was followed by the
seeking recommendations from
the Faculty of Science and
uniqueness. Teachers need to
announcement – I got it! The time
superiors and colleagues. Luck was on
Technology, UIN Bandung. He also
understand this uniqueness. Some
went so fast. Compared to other
75
PRESTASI:
A JOURNEY
scholarship, it was the simplest and
not at all complicated. I was asked to
haunted by her unfinished work.
Bintarti had doubts about the
came true. When the plane landed in
undergraduate courses at their own
Washington DC, she was picked up by
expense.
prepare a passport immediately. In
reaction of her UPN superiors
the contact person of AED,
In September 2009 lectures
August 2009 I left for the U.S.,” she
because she was still new at the
(scholarship providers and
began. Bintarti admitted to feeling
said, happily.
campus. But when the good news was
contractors), and taken to the
battered at the beginning. She only
delivered to her boss, her boss was
apartment. Everything was prepared
got B scores for all subjects. B was
shared her stories with colleagues,
happy. “She was calling other
and her colleagues who picked her up
the lowest score but means you pass.
both in Bandung and Jakarta. “What I
colleagues and screaming. Bintarti
were Indonesian and they also
Grade C there means you fail. So
remember most is the day she was
got a scholarship to America ...
brought food!
there are only A and B. But she
called to Jakarta for the interview.
“Bintarti imitated her bosses’ reaction
Then she told us that she had passed
while laughing.
She was so happy and she has
the selection and would go to the U.S.
“The next day someone brought
All accepted her good news
continues to improve. Her results
me a microwave and household
were quite satisfactory and she
appliances. There is apparently
progressed each semester.
for studying,” said Subandi as he
positively. Dean Assistant (PUDEK) 2
togetherness among Indonesian
recalled Bintarti’s face while she was
UPN offered her the opportunity to
people. There is a tradition that when
Bintarti received an electronic mail
telling them the good news. “She
come back to UPN after returning
the students return home after
looked great,” he continued.
home from America, she’s even
completing their study, their goods
from UPN Jakarta with an offering
from the 2nd Vice Dean. The email
striving to be a permanent employee.
are collected and handed over to the
asked Bintarti to go back to UPN
She was not so surprised when
This means that she will still get basic
new student. In the first days there I
after returning from America, with
Bintarti qualified for the scholarship.
salaries during her study time in
was always accompanied to the
the basic salary each month and SK
“She’s really smart. Her
America. But she has to wait for three
market to find food and to the
(letter of order) permit to study
undergraduate from Padjadjaran
months to meet the administrative
campus, just like a child,” she giggled.
abroad. This meant she was
University, Post graduate S2 at ITB,
procedures of appointment at UPN.
Bintarti attended the University of
and her TOEFL®ITP was good. I
Bintarti wanted to but her ticket to
Illinois. The campus is located
She would get a basic salary during
believed she would be accepted.”
the U.S had been booked already and
between the two towns of Urbana and
her study period. Bintarti realized
everything was scheduled and cannot
Champaign. Some colleges are in
this was a kind of binding. After
be postponed.
Urbana area and some are in
considering and thinking for a
Champaign. There are many
moment she printed the letter,
Another comment came from Tuti.
Bintarti also had to say goodbye
to her colleagues at the UPN Veteran
Jakarta. She had a principle to clear
In short, she flew to America to
After three months in America
regarded as a permanent employee.
all her work before leaving for her
gain knowledge in another country.
Indonesian students in the border
signed it and then scanned it and
study to America so she will not be
She was very happy that her dream
college. Most of them take
sent it back to Jakarta. “When
76
returning home, I am going back to
sees the development of his partner,
confidence in herself. “Bintarti was
UPN. Even UIN,” she said.
“now she looks very good when
from pure science. In America she
teaching, so brave and so confident.
took science education. Mastery of
in Bintarti, according to Sumiyati, is
Alhamdulillah (Thanks God).”
these two sciences is good for
the matter of her time management,
Bintarti. She looks confident now. She
which is now much better. Although
wondered why Bintarti got home so
even motivates her colleagues to
teaching as a well-respected lecturer
quickly. He thought Bintarti took
write in international journals.”
in two places, Bintarti who now
In December 2010 Bintarti’s study
was complete, but she still can take
other courses that she needs.
Return to Indonesia
After graduation Bintarti returned
In fact, Subandi continued, he
doctoral programs in the United
Tuti, Sumiyati and Subandi found
who is in Bintarti’s younger class.
Another change that has occurred
teaches biology and nutrition, is
to Indonesia. She’s not the type of
States because she has already got a
that after returning from America
always on time and she is a master in
person who is like a peanut
Master degree (S2). “She apparently
Bintarti is academically better. Her
the material she teaches. Also, now
forgetting its skin. Upon arriving in
took another S2 there. I guess the
methodology and her way of
she prefers to use her time to
Indonesia she came to UPN Jakarta
scholarship is for a master’s degree,”
teaching is also very good. She
motivate others and does not like
and UIN Bandung where she received
he said. Previously, he thought
always evaluates herself at the end of
small talk.
many congratulations and warm hugs
Bintarti already held a doctorate, as
the lecture. “Evaluation is the final
from colleagues.
according to him, Bintarti’s
stage of the process of teaching.
her personal career and brings
performance after returning from
Teaching is not just about delivering
benefits to others by sharing
different campuses in the city, fulltime
America is similar to that of a
a lecture then saying goodbye. She is
knowledge and experiences from
at UPN and once a week teaching in
doctorate indeed.
more communicative. This seems to
across the country, applying
Fellow lecturer at UIN, Sumiyati
be a method she has brought from
intelligence to the nation’s progress
more knowledge and experience, which
Sa’adah, S.Si., M.Si said, a scholarship
the U.S. and is applying here,” said
and giving encouragement to other
she gained in the United States and
opportunity for Bintarti to take
Subandi. Tuti also expressed the
teachers who have a passion to hunt
she was ready to apply it. According to
doctorate program (S3) should be
same thing.
for scholarships abroad.
colleagues at UIN, Bintarti has changed
widely open. Bintarti, in the eyes of
in many ways - most striking is the
Sumiyati, is very smart and diligent
how Bintarti taught even gave a
Education Studies Program, Faculty
change in her personality; first she was
especially if she takes pure science.
positive response. “The microbiology
Tarbiyah, UIN Bandung, Tuti divulged
shy now she is confident.
“But, Teh Ati-so she called Bintarti -
course for most students is a stressful
a little secret. She said, Bintarti was
even took S2 in science education.”
subject. But when Teh Ati is teaching,
proposed to be a lecturer at UIN
she uses teaching aids and all her
Bandung - If it runs smoothly she will
students can follow,” said Sumiyati
become a civil servant.
She resumed teaching at two
Bandung. She was back with a little
“She used to be shy. I knew that
because she was my assistant in
microbiology,” said Subandi as he
Students that were asked about
Tuti has also felt changes in
Bintarti’s confidence, she is now more
77
All three hope Bintarti succeeds in
As Chairwoman of the Biology
PRESTASI:
A JOURNEY
ENDAH TRI KURNIAWATY
Master in the field of biodiversity, Indiana University, Bloomington
Head of Sub-Division of Protection Plan and Environmental Management
Ministry of Environment
To be the “Child of a Jock” in the States
Endah Tri Kurniawaty, who is
Nia had an interest in the study
fondly called Nia, had been worried
about the environment, particularly
about the negative associations of
in terms of biodiversity. Moreover,
wearing a veil in the United States
there is no university in Indonesia,
but her concern was not necessary.
which has departments of public
Several times during her stay she
affairs in the field of environment.
even visited pubs and bars at the
She rushed to meet the
invitation of fellow students. Although
requirements requested by the
she did not drink alcohol during the
announcement. Writing essays and
parties she had felt what it was like to
preparing administrative docu-
be amongst ‘jocks’ in America
ments was the requirement for the
N
ia’s eyes - Endah Tri
Institute of Agriculture’s Forestry
Kurniawaty nickname - stopped
Department has a Master’s Degree
on a page with an announcement in
in Public Policy from the University
the morning papers. In the
of Indonesia and the field of study
announcement she read about the
offered in the announcement was
chance to receive a scholarship. One
ideal for her. Nia was selected to
of the programs available in the
join the selection process and had
announcement was very specific
to undergo an interview. “There was
and relatively rare: environmental
nothing difficult when the interview
public affairs.
took place because I was being
FOTO: BODI CHANDRA/IIEF-PRESTASI
selection. The alumnus of Bogor
78
To be the “Child of a
Jock” in U.S.
asked about my work at the
to pay for yourself. This is unique
Bloomington residents chose to
apartment. Aha! There’s still a taxi,
Ministry of Environment.” However,
because it is very different from
remain in their house, Nia and her
thought Nia. But this is
Nia claimed, at the beginning of the
Indonesia,” Nia said laughing.
two colleagues had to walk outside
Bloomington, not New York. There
carrying several large suitcases
was no cab in such deep snow.
without knowing which streets they
Finally they both could only look
around running out of ideas.
interview, she was nervous.
“Initially it was quite thrilling, it
The Days in Bloomington
reminded me of the atmosphere in
Nia was very sad just before
had to go. “I feel now that it must be
the campus hearing,” admitted the
departure because she had to leave
very funny to look at,” she laughed.
girl born in Jakarta in 1974.
her two small children. At first she
“No shops were open, restaurants
approached and there was an old
As with other PRESTASI
was hoping to bring along the kids
were closed, people were in their
couple in the car. They offered to
scholarship program participants,
and her husband during her study in
house due to heavy snow and I just
take Nia and her roommate to their
before leaving Nia had to undergo a
the USA and she even had intended
realized that the day was a holiday,
apartment. “Thank God,” Nia said to
period of preparation by following
to cancel her departure at one
while we walked on the streets
herself at that time.
some course materials, including
stage. Nia thought that as a civil
starving,” she said. She said that
language skills by increasing the
servant the master’s degree would
Bloomington at that moment was like
campus was still quiet. Students
TOEFL®ITP score. But the most
Not have much effect on her as she
a ghost town.
were still on holiday for two weeks,
interesting thing to Nia was the
had graduated with a master’s
material provided by the tutor
degree (S2) from the University of
finally found a rented apartment for
departed from Indonesia had to go
named Michael Douglas about the
Indonesia. Thankfully, due to the
her to stay. It was not far away from
to campus to do their registration.
habits of Americans. “The material
encouragement of her husband, Nia
campus and quite comfortable. But
The distance from the apartment to
was not boring because he talked
continued with her intention to
she had to shop for her daily needs.
the campus was not too far “But
about the unique things and habits
study in the United States.
Together with her roommate she
mounds of heavy snow made the trip
went shopping to a store - the only
seem far away,” she recalls. When
took her to Bloomington, a small
store that was still open, and quite
she arrived on campus, it was very
Michael Douglas told her about
town famous for the corn production
far from the apartment.
quiet, there were no people passing
Birthday Parties. When you are later
on the outskirts of Indianapolis,
on campus and there is a friend’s
about two hours drive from
she did not realize that she had
it seems I was wrong to choose this
birthday do not expect treats. “So
Washington DC. In this quiet town, in
selected a lot of groceries, so many
campus,” so thought Nia, looking at
even though you are invited and
January 2010, she arrived and was
that she and her roommate had a
what was in front of her.
encouraged to eat dinner you have
greeted by very thick snow. While
problem to bring them all to the
of Americans.”
Nia remembers the example that
After making “extra efforts” Nia
Her husband’s encouragement
She was having so much fun that
79
Fortunately, after a while a car
At that time, Indiana University’s
but Nia and her friends who
by, not like she imagined before. “Ah,
Feelings of it being the wrong
PRESTASI:
A JOURNEY
campus soon vanished when the
to talk in group discussions,” she
lectures began. The academic
said. For her to overcome problems
many thick books and write lots of
the hills across the border of
atmosphere immediately built up in
by understanding how the teachers
papers each term. She often had to go
Tennessee and North Carolina. This
the first days of classes. The
and students talk there was very
home from the library at 4 am “I once
place is famous for its diversity of
campus was not quiet any more and
important. The class culture there is
fell asleep in class,” she said as she
plants and animals, and was
students with sweaters were seen
very different from the class culture
described how dense and exhausting
declared a World Heritage Site by
walking around the campus. At the
in Indonesia.Communication is not
the activities on campus were.
the United Nations (UN), the United
beginning of classes she admitted to
in one direction and students are
being stunned when the lecturer
free to speak. Even when lecturers,
college always had time for
began to talk. “He talked very fast
talk students are allowed to
students. “Lecturers are committed
and his dialect was very different,”
interrupt,” said the person who
to not leave the classroom unless
air of the hills Nia and her group
she said.
loves photography.
there is a snow storm,” said Nia. “If
underwent field lectures and
I have any troubles, I can ask, I was
completed group tasks. For the first
She had to overcome the
The custom required Nia to read
Fortunately lecturers at the
There were no other difficulties
camped in the Smoky Mountains,
Nations Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Between the trees and the cool
difficulty by bringing a tape
faced by Nia after that. Lecture
helped by the openness of the
time in her life Nia did not shower
recorder. After the lecture finished
materials was provided through
lecturers,” she added.
for a week. “There was a river but
she listened to the recording of the
Indiana University’s website so
lecture to understand it better. She
student can download course
did the same thing when discussing
materials in anytime. Moreover, the
with her group. “At the beginning of
campus library was open 24 hours.
break in the middle of the crowded
go further down and you had to pay
the lecture when we were
“So there’s no reason for students
schedule of lectures and her pile of
and it was a bit expensive,” she said,
discussing I always talked first then
not to understand because they
thick books. At this time there were
explaining why she chose not to
later others chimed in. I was often
have many materials to read,” said
courses that required students to
shower.
confused if I had to talk in the
Nia whose hobby is traveling.
conduct research in the wild. During
middle of a discussion,” she said
Moreover, continued Nia, a custom
the one-week field study the
study. She still had time to travel
with a chuckle revealing her tips to
which requires the college students
students had to sleep in a tent - Nia
out of the campus. Even though she
remain active in class.
to actively participate in discussion
did not want to miss this course.
was wearing a veil/hijab, she took
will point out which students have
“Learning while taking a refreshing
part in a screening event at a
semester. “Gradually, I was able to
read the course material and which
break,” she said.
church with the church activists.
follow and became confident enough
of them have not.
She continued recording for one
no showers and toilets, and you may
No Shower for a Week
One time, Nia felt the need for a
So with a few college friends she
80
use the river to shower,” said Nia.
“If you wanted a shower you have to
In America, Nia did not just
Together with her college friends
she also often go to the basketball
competitions.
Not only that but with some
students from Indonesia she also
held a fund raising event to help
victims of the earthquake in
Yogyakarta. In this activity Nia and
her friends auctioned various
typical items of Indonesia. “We were
auctioning batik, handicrafts from
Indonesia and Indonesian food
menus,” she said. The show
apparently got the attention of the
Bloomington City Hall and the City
Hall donated $200. “In just two
hours the committee managed to
raise a thousand dollars to be
donated to the earthquake victims
in Yogakarta,” she explained.
No less fascinating was joining
the breaking of the fast during
Like to work
systematically and fast
81
FOTO: BODI CHANDRA/IIEF-PRESTASI
Ramadan by bringing non-Muslim
Americans to join in. During the
event students from various
countries were invited to show
cuisine of their home country. “I was
active in the committee for such
events. These cross-cultural
activities and interfaith is very
PRESTASI:
A JOURNEY
memorable,” she said.
government. This process went
her work within two months while
through smoothly and without any
the others completed it in five
events held by non-Muslim students
problems. Nia’s Master’s degree was
months,” said Yanto. According to
expressed by Lien Rosalina MM,
or American students. In
awarded. The time for Nia to return
Yanto, Nia can establish a good
Head of Eco region Application
celebrations at the end of the year,
to Indonesia had come.
relationship with other ministries
Inventory and Protection Plan and
related to the Ministry of
Environmental Management, Nia’s
Environment.
superior at the Ministry of
Nia was also always present in
for example, Nia did not hesitate to
“Honestly, I actually experienced
go to pubs for the feast. “There was
culture shock in Indonesia,” she told
no need to take off the veil or to
shortly after she arrived in the
drink alcohol. They understand and
very systematically and fast,” said Titi.
The same thing was also
With her intellectual and net-
Environment. In Lien’s observations,
country. The first day Nia admitted
working skills, Yanto hopes Nia can
Nia is a hard-working figure that can
respect my choices,” said Nia. In
to feeling dizzy from the congestion
be more successful. With her
work well in a team. “Nia adapts
fact, Nia had assumed that she
and noisy horns in Jakarta. “This is
capacity, Nia should deserve to get
quickly enough to new fields
would be excluded from society
in contrast to Bloomington which is
a higher position or work in an
assigned to her,” said Lien.
because of her headscarf. “But I
so quiet,” she explained.
international agency that can
realized, the bar and the beer is a
Nia actually fitted and is
She thought that Nia deserved a
assistthe Ministry of Environment
scholarship for she is smart and has
tradition of the West, I just attended
familiarized with the American style
such as the World Bank or UNDP.
a good learning spirit. After
the invitation in honor of a friend
to-the-point. But apparently this
Yanto saw that Nia who is often
returning from the USA she felt that
without having to be westernized,”
style does not fit in the institution
involved in the delegation team to
Nia worked fairly and swiftly. Nia’s
said Nia. “I am just a kid hanging out
where she works. Luckily Nia
international negotiations under the
ideas in the field of Biodiversity are
in America,” she said in laughter.
realized this, and began to re-adjust.
United Nations related to
great and needed. Nia also has good
biodiversity, is worthy of being in a
network, when the work requires
increased,” explained Bambang
higher position to articulate her
specialists and experts in the field
Noeryanto SP, Head of Sub Division
brilliant ideas.
of the environment and biodiversity
“Her scientific capacity has
Culture Shock
After Return Home
After one and a half years
of Development and Utilization of
In the eyes of Titi Astuti, Staff of
Nia could connect with the experts.
studying Nia finally passed through
Genetic Resources, Ministry of
Supervision and Monitoring Genetic
a non-thesis. Nia must work in local
Environment. Yanto also considered
Resources, Ministry of Environment,
well in order to finish the
agencies, usually on a research
that in addition to her increasing
Nia is a very smart person, open-
preparation of Plans and
project of the campus or local
relations Nia is also capable of
minded, willing to share and transfer
Environmental Management
government projects. After that the
working better and faster. “In
the knowledge she has, responsive
(RPPLH) to protect the environment
work is presented to the local
dealing with funds Nia completed
and focused on working. “Nia works
of Indonesia,” Lien hopes.
82
“Hopefully Nia can lead our team
FARIDA DWI HANDAYANI S.SI
Master in the field of Microbiology, University of Nevada, Reno
Head of Sub Division of Research and Testing Facility Health Research and
Development (LITBANGKES), Salatiga
Get a Degree and Promotions
because her first son, Ilham
The eggs have a different taste
Wahyudi Rayyan, was aged two
there, they smell more fishy and
years and six months. However, she
make me sick,” said the woman who
realized that this opportunity may
was born in Cilacap in 1978.
only come once.
FOTO: PERSONAL DOCUMENTATION
After a 2 month period of
Like to cook
while in U.S.
Farida completed her studies in
children is also pointed as the
Farida would rather cook for herself
left her children and husband to go
by creating dishes that fit with her
to the land of Uncle Sam. “The
Javanese tongue. “Looking for the
strongest motivation for studying
same ingredients here (read:
was that I had to struggle to provide
Indonesia), is certainly not easy but
the best for the kids and my job,”
at least I can improvise to make my
she said emotionally.
own dishes,” she said. “But if I do
the United States a semester
coordinator of several projects at
leaving her children, having arrived
earlier. Not only did she get a title
the institution.
in America, Farida had culture
body. Returning from school, she is
elected to be the Head of the SubDivision of Research and Testing
Facility. The mother of three
shock, especially about the food.
F
not avoid all the foreign foods,
preparation for the program, she
Not only feeling the guilt of
she also succeeded in slimming her
Although she sometimes could
arida was somewhat depressed
She did not like foreign food. “I
when she was notified she was
don’t like all foreign cuisine. I don’t
not have time to cook, I just eat a
little,” she added with a laugh.
Homesick,
Telephone Costs Swell
Studying at the University of
accepted as a participant of
like burgers, hot dogs or French
Nevada, Reno, United States, is
PRESTASI Scholarship program
fries. I could not eat all the food.
actually not so difficult for Farida as
83
PRESTASI:
A JOURNEY
the professor are very open to
course of Molecular Biology.
and son from the United States. “A
to Indonesia and to where she
big bill,” she said. Consequently,
worked in the Center for Research
helping the students with problems.
“Professors do not judge from
Even outside of the regular learning
just one side or only consider the
she could not really save any of her
and Development of Disease
activities the professor provides
grade or value, but they also saw
allowance. “I called once a day so I
Vectors and Reservoir, Research
time for anyone who wants to ask
students’ efforts to try and reason,”
had no chance to travel because my
and Development Agency, Ministry
or talk to her for an hour or two –
said Farida, who received her
money was sucked into the cost of
of Health Salatiga, she was purely a
they use the term ‘open hours’. “I
bachelor’s degree (S1) from
the phone,” said the devotee of
researcher without any title. But
always took the time to ask at the
Diponegoro University, Semarang,
singing and culinary tours.
after a short while she was
open-class hours,” said the woman
in the field of biology. According to
who has a nickname of Yeni.
her, Indonesian people are actually
Farida tried to do exercises. Almost
Research and Development,
superior in terms of working
every day she went to the gym or
Research and Testing Facility
have a very active discussion group
persistence and in the ability to
took yoga. There were three gym
Salatiga. She now leads a
who were so helpful. At break time
reason.
facilities near campus. Most
laboratory. “I want to develop this
students in the United States, said
laboratory with international
Farida also felt very fortunate to
this discussion group frequently
To overcome her homesickness
Despite the ease of undergoing
appointed Head of Sub Division
held presentation training,
the process of learning it was
Farida, love sports. Most of them go
standards and accreditations,” she
explained what it had in mind and
difficult for her as she was so
and come back from their courses
explains.
gave feedback to one another.
homesick and missed her only child.
by walking or riding a bike. “I
“Discussions with this group also
She was “feeling guilty about
started to do exercise and practice
her insights have grown. In some
made me more confident and feel
leaving,” she admitted. Meanwhile,
yoga diligently.” As a result her
cases she really became a master
comfortable dealing with people,”
the children and her husband lived in
weight dropped from the weight of
for example in the case of
she admitted.
the village of Karang Tengah, District
94 kilograms on her arrival in
leptospirosis diagnosis and
Tuntang, Semarang, and it was very
America to 68 kilograms. “I am
Molecular Biology,” explained Drs.
it was an atmosphere conducive to
difficult to get an Internet
getting slimmer by exercising and I
Ristiyanto, M.Kes, her co-worker.
studying. “There, everyone is
connection to talk to them. “The
don’t like eating there,” she recalls
According to him, with the ability
conditioned to appreciate people
connection is difficult to connect in
happily.
she has now, Farida could bring
who are willing to learn,” she said.
the village,” she explained.
Even though Farida had a problem
Therefore, she could not contact her
with language in the beginning of
child and husband through Skype.
In campus, Farida really felt like
the term, she got an A for the
“On her return from America
her obsession into reality. “She
Building a State in the
Laboratory
September 2010 Farida returned
Instead she called her husband
84
has good vertical and horizontal
relations. She often gives ideas
and absorbs ideas well. This
research program for developing the
diseases caused by viruses and
laboratory and bringing in experts
bacteria or diseases transmitted by
from the U.S. and India as referral
animals. Sudomo is sure that a
speakers.
laboratory led by Farida could be
FOTO: PERSONAL DOCUMENTATION
“A lot of initiatives are proposed
the WHO Collaborating Centre. “It
by Farida such as requesting
means we will be on a par with
funding from WHO,” said Prof. Dr. M
foreign laboratories and be
Sudomo, WHO National Consultant
recognized internationally,” said
for the H5N1 Bird Flu Virus
Sudomo. “I hope Farida can take a
Research. “Her proposal is not long,
PhD,” says Sudomo hopefully to the
but rational and convincing,” added
mother of three children. “I’m sure
Sudomo.
she can, she’s a good worker and
In fact, says Sudomo, Farida was
her capability is above average and
previously less confident. “Now her
she has a high level of dedication,”
English is better. She made a
he said. “That’s why I gave my
presentation in English to my boss
recommendation to Farida to learn
(WHO) so fluently that her proposal
in America,” said Sudomo. To make
discipline, and she has the ability
was accepted,” he explained.
this desire into reality Farida had
to manage this laboratory very
Several training programs and
the best strategy. “I want to take
well. “Not everyone has a talent
comparative study missions to
advantage of opportunities, for
attitude was accepted well by her
like that,” added Ristiyanto. For
Thailand were also approved by
example, in the form of foreign aid.
friends,” said Ristiyanto. In the
this reason he considered it was
WHO. “Farida can convince us,” said
From the aid we can do a lot to
eyes of her colleagues, who entered
fair that she got a scholarship to
Sudomo. “We have even made work
improve the quality of human
Litbangkes Salatiga in the same
study abroad.
plans for Farida up to 2014,” he
resources and the quality of the lab.
continued.
There is no need to wait and rely on
Making an International
Laboratory in Indonesia
year, Farida has advantages over
Farida’s desire to develop a lab
others; she always has systematic
that is now being realized and she
thinking, she is brave but careful
is making a series of breakthroughs
series of programs to improve the
want to take advantage of these
in making decisions and she is
such as collaborating with WHO and
quality of the laboratory as a
opportunities to build the country,”
eager to take the opportunity,
USAID, for example, propose a
reference laboratory for specific
Farida concluded.
The work plan, said Sudomo, is a
85
this country,” said Farida. “So I
PRESTASI:
A JOURNEY
IRMA SRI WULANDARI
Master in Public Health, George Washington University, Washington DC
Board of Directors Yayasan Pulih
There is No Struggle in Vain
Those who fight will get what
little hesitant. The hesitation was
they want. Presumably this advice
normal though because she had not
can explain Irma Sri Wulandari.
studied in college since 15 years
Since she graduated from her
ago. Moreover, she was married and
undergraduate in 1994, she tried to
had three children.
get a scholarship to study abroad.
“You will be able to. Sure you
can,” said her friend, Livia, pumping
her spirit. Livia has been Irma’s
love for science and love for
friend since 1988. They are in the
adventure. She was eager to
same year in Psychology at the
continue her master’s abroad. “In
University of Indonesia. Since 1988
addition to science and adding to
they have been good friends.
my title, I also want to add my
Livia Iskandar is one of the
knowledge,” said the graduate of
founders of Yayasan Pulih, which
Psychology, University of Indonesia.
was established with Kristi
She does not remember how many
Poerwandari, Ali Aulia, Saparinah
application forms she has posted.
Sadli, Irwanto and Karlina Supeli on
She was almost in despair in 2008
July 24, 2002.
when Livia Iskandar sent her a
FOTO: BODI CHANDRA/IIEF-PRESTASI
I
rma is a typical of person who has
At the beginning of the Pulih
scholarship form via email. Her hope
Foundation in 2002 Livia served as
was arisen even though she was a
a general coordinator. She
86
maintained this position until 2006
According to Irma, at that time many
standing at a crossroads. I want to
when she left for the U.S.
people did not know the scholarship
do something not only for myself
program to America sponsored by
but also for others. I prayed in the
needed a friend to help her friends
USAID. There was not a big
holy land giving myself to God
at the Yayasan Pulih. To replace her
campaign. Irma got the information
including expressing my desire to
the choice fell on Irma. She said,
from Livia through email.
continue my study,” Irma shared her
Before leaving Indonesia she
“Irma’s potential is great. The result
Irma immediately took the
of our discussion that day showed
opportunity to study abroad. At the
(mecca) I prayed that if God doesn’t
me that Irma was willing to be
same time Irma had to manage the
allow me for the scholarship to
active in Pulih.”
pilgrimage departure and represent
America, I begged to be given the
Yayasan Pulih to Sweden. Irma felt
next best. I wanted to continue my
if we want to improve our
her dreams must be pursued so she
education and if it is not abroad I
knowledge we should go to NGOs
fulfilled all administrative
could study in my own country. I
such as Pulih, if we work at
requirements, including seeking
really wanted to return to school
companies, there will be no
recommendations from Miryam
again.”
opportunity to improve our
Nainggolan, Chairman of the Board
knowledge. Moreover, Pulih can
of Yayasan Pulih.
At that time Livia told Irma that
issue a letter of recommendation
Without a second thought
for people studying abroad.
Last December Irma returned
from Hajj. Just after two weeks
back in the country she got an
Miriam immediately gave Irma a
interview call from the agency that
letter of recommendation she
held the scholarships to America.
a small NGO but we’ve sent people
required. “There’s no reason not to
“At that time I was not expecting
to learn S2 and S3 (Masters and
give recommendations to Irma who
too much and I had nothing to lose,”
Doctorate) abroad. We also send
wishes to continue her education,”
she said.
people training and workshops
said the silver-haired woman.
“It’s interesting because Pulih is
abroad,” said Livia.
The news was immediately
conveyed to Livia. “Being called
Good News
Since 2006 Irma held the General
Irma departed on her pilgrimage
Coordinator position of Yayasan
Totality in helping others
spiritual experiences. “There
upon for interview means a greater
chance to be accepted,” Livia again
Pulih. In 2008, after two years in the
to perform the fifth pillar of Islam.
motivated Irma who’s already in
post, Livia kept her promise.
“In fact, at that time, I was like
despair and worrying. Irma is very
87
PRESTASI:
A JOURNEY
happy to hear that. The dream is in
was my dream to study abroad. On
front of her!
the other hand it’s hard for me to
In early February, the news she
was waiting for at last came. Irma
long time.
In the United States Irma met
leave without my family.”
Irma then discussed this with her
Irma just arrived in America, a
snowstorm has hit the state. The
Livia. The two friends had missed
snowstorm hit again several times
each other. Livia took Irma to her
later. In American’s history, the
was accepted. She had successfully
husband. Fortunately, before that,
home in Maryland. It was very near
storm was the biggest ever. The
won a scholarship for a Master
Irma and her husband were already
the train station. “I like living here,”
thickness of the snow reached
Program at George Washington
planning to go back to school. They
Irma expressed.
approximately two meters. People
University, USA. It is a well-known
have been saving for that. Irma then
and favorite campus in Uncle Sam.
tried to persuade the organization
accepts people from Indonesia to
came out of their house.
that provide the scholarships so
stay at her house, “said Livia. “Why
Transportation was not available.
managed to get a scholarship
that the family would be allowed to
don’t we try to talk,” Irma said. She
The big snowstorm lasted for
because she has lots of potentials.
take part without the extra cost.
had the unyielding spirit. “That’s ok
three days in a row and apparently
However, the lobby was
if you want to,” said Livia.
hits only once a hundred years. For
According to Livia Iskandar, Irma
The same phrase was also
“The next-door neighbor never
remained at their home. Nobody
Irma it was certainly something new.
expressed from the mouth of Nirmala
unsuccessful. “You go ahead. This is
Ika, Irma’s best friend in Yayasan
a rare opportunity. Then if there is a
person was willing to accept Irma in
It was the first time in her life that
Pulih. Ika claimed she was not
way I’ll meet you there,” her
to her house. During her stay Irma
she saw snow. Not wanting to lose
surprised at the news. She said, Irma
husband said as quoted by Irma.
even got food. “This seems like an
the memory, in the early morning
has totality been helping people. She
Irma then appealed to the
answer to my prayer when on my
when the snow was still thick, she
Luck was on her side. The
does not even hesitate to sacrifice
organizers of the scholarship in
pilgrimage,” said the woman, born in
left the house to capture the
her time and money. “So it’s
order to postpone her departure to
Jakarta, October 31, 1969, smiling.
historic event with her camera. It
reasonable that she got a
2010. She should have left for
scholarship to study in the U.S. to
America in 2009. The reason was
door to her best friend, Olivia in
What Irma did became the talk of
explore the study of social services.
she had to fix the family first and at
Maryland. However, they were in
the citizens in Maryland. Once the
Moreover, she’s smart,” said Ika.
that time her youngest child was
different campus. Livia’s college was
storm subsides and people have
still very small.
in Hawaii, Irma in downtown:
started to go out they started to
Washington DC.
talk about it because it felt strange
Gain Experiences and Sciences
This was indeed good news. Irma
Irma’s boarding house was next
The time came and in 2010 Irma
that there were some people who
left the country as well as her
was very giddy, “At that time I was
husband and children. This was the
happy but confused. On one hand it
first time that she was alone for a
made the people there amazed.
Greeted Blizzard
In early January 2010, when
88
wanted to get out in the middle of a
thick snow. “There were people who
left the house while it was
it’s absolutely different, an online
snowing...” “Yeah, I saw it too,”
era. The learning tasks can be done
was chatter among neighbors.
anywhere with no need to linger in
The questions reached Irma and
the library. Lecture materials are
Livia’s ears, also the owner of the
scattered in cyberspace. It could
boarding house. “Ooo, that’s the
also be studied from the house with
lady staying in my house. She
versatile library-style facilities
comes from Indonesia and goes to
online. Accessing the journal is also
school here. This is the first time
very easy,” said Irma comparing her
she saw snow, so she took pictures
past with the modern world.
of it,” so the owner of the house
Irma admitted that at first in
where Irma is staying explained to
America she would often lose
her neighbors as recounted by Irma
direction. Left alone, around the
and Livia separately.
town, she often lost the way to
school. Washington University is
Online Business Solutions
and Ask Uncle Google
Developing the foundation
is her dream
FOTO: BODI CHANDRA/IIEF-PRESTASI
Irma, who usually takes care of
89
located in the city center, a few
blocks from the White House. The
position of her campus was not on
her children and husband, was now
the campus zone. So Irma would ask
a boarding student. She became a
people here and there everyday. For
student again after graduating from
American people who tend to be
her college 15 years ago. Firstly she
individualistic what Irma did was
thought she would be the oldest
weird. Later Livia told Irma that if
student in the class, but when she
she wanted to go somewhere she did
settled into the class there was
not need to ask people but could just
apparently another older student.
simply find its location on the
“I went to school in a different
Google search engine. Irma tried it
era. I used to be in lectures at times
and she got new knowledge that is
when there was no internet. Now,
not learned in college.
PRESTASI:
A JOURNEY
Start Mingling
When she first went to the
campus, she did not know anyone.
During the orientation Irma met a
agreed to leave for America. Not just
“Indonesian psychologists are
Irma’s best friend in the
for a visit but her husband would
rare in the U.S. Oh well I’m glad to
organization, has already resigned.
also continue his studies there.
do it all. I also wrote in a column of
In the current situation, Irma
United with her family gave her
Muslimah once a week. Muslimah
had an idea to help the organization
student from Uzbekistan. As fellow
energy and her lifestyle shifted.
was the mailing list of the Muslim
to survive, even develop. “On
foreigners, they were immediately
Irma began to interact with the
women’s organization in America,”
campus Irma studied public health
close. The student from Uzbekistan
Indonesian community and the
she said.
and social marketing which includes
was very warm and friendly.
Muslim community there. With the
“The first time we met, we
embraced each other just like two
best friends who haven’t met for a
the use of social media in spreading
Designing the Future
Foundation
widespread promiscuity, Irma began
to know many things.
With all her business in America
“I started to know where to find
messages to the public. The
knowledge she learns on campus
directly implemented into Pulih’s
long time. She’s good and we
halal food, there are many places
Irma remained in contact with her
became very close in the next
actually. Apparently, Americans are
colleagues in Yayasan Pulih via
days,” she recalls. The first meeting
not as I imagined. It is easy to find
mailing lists. “Through the mailing
Livia prepared a program to be
was memorable for Irma. In
places of worship. And there is no
list ‘kerabat Pulih or Pulih’s relative’
implemented in Indonesia. The result
America, as told by Irma, it is not
discrimination. Life as a Muslim is
Irma often provided important
was that the campaign ‘Stop Violence
easy to find friends. Most Americans
easy there, though you are still a
information linked to Pulih
Against Women’ was innitiated. The
are working people who work or go
minority.”
activities,” said Miryam Nainggolan.
two companions made a proposal to
to college and then go home.
Livia Iskandar did the same
With the background as Yayasan
program,” said Livia.
From across the country Irma and
be submitted to UN Women.
“Washington DC is a big city like
Pulih Coordinator who is active in an
things. Livia and Irma even always
Jakarta. The people there are busy.
organization, Irma became involved
sit together discussing the future of
of the campus poured into the
There are no students or people
in various activities held by the
Yayasan Pulih at breakfast before
proposal to the UN Women. The
hanging out there, unlike here.”
Indonesian Muslim community there.
doing their daily activities. The
contents of the campaign Stop
She was asked to be a speaker
situation in Pulih was changed at
Violence Against Women focus on
holiday time was used to see the
several times. Once the community
that time. Previously, Previously,
ways that are more preventive. At
family in the homeland. Not only to
knew she was a psychologist Irma
the NGO previously got assistance
the same time she was also
see family but to be together with
was asked to provide counseling for
from international donors, now it
preparing her thesis on the subject
her husband. The plan was again
parents and also to the women
doesn’t. The organization now has
of violence in dating. The thesis for
delayed, finally though her family
muslim gathering.
financial problems. Nirmala Ika,
the master’s degree has the same
The first semester passed. The
90
According to Irma all knowledge
spirit as the ‘Stop Violence Against
Women’ program. It is like the term
drinking water while diving. Again,
Promoted to be The Board of
Yayasan Pulih
Having returned from America
Board but also participates to
professional and more self-
help to raise funds as well as
financing through a profit unit.
finding a program that can be
Pulih is going to try to develop a
more professional clinic.”
Lady Luck was on her side. Her
Irma has made much progress. At
done. It’s a good sign for Pulih,”
courses were completed and the
least that is what her friends say.
said Ika and Livia who were found
proposal accepted by UN Women.
Yayasan Pulih where Irma worked
in separate places. Ika thought
knowledge that she got from
The fund was released.
was like getting fresh ideas.
that upon her return from the
America, Ika hopes, Irma can use it
Miryam, known as the big boss of
United States Irma had become
not merely on paper but also in
difficulties in managing Yayasan Pulih
Pulih, proposed to the foundation
broad-minded.
implementing it to the public, like
in the country, would certainly be
officials, in order to appoint Irma
happy. “The issue is very important
as the Board of Yayasan Pulih. The
including Irma’s children who
for Pulih. I truly appreciate what
proposal was accepted and Irma
shared their life-style in the
Irma did in America for Yayasan
was ready. So, Irma is now the
superpower country. “I think the
similar expectations. Mrs. Boss is
Pulih,” she said in a tone of
Board of Yayasan Pulih. Before
effect is quite positive for her and
actually hoping Irma will be the
emotion.
leaving for America she was just
her family. The life there is very
future leader of Yayasan Pulih.
the general coordinator of the
different from life here,” said the
She said, “I cannot continuously
foundation.
woman who has resigned from the
lead the foundation. I hope Irma
main management of Yayasan Pulih.
can be the future leader.”
Miriam, who was having
Pulih staffs in Indonesia initially
held the program. Upon returning to
Indonesia, Irma directly involved
Her family has also changed
“We entrust Irma to manage
With all her experiences and
her dream when she went to school
abroad.
Miryam Nainggolan conveyed
herself to make the program a
Yayasan Pulih. It’s about time she
success. They began a roadshow in
participated in strategic matters,”
started to invite me to join in the
Yayasan Pulih. However she still
campaigning for ‘Stop Violence
Miryam said.
main team of Pulih and she
takes time to get together with the
started talking about the concept
alumni of the USAID scholarship
Against Women’ program, which
“More recently she also
Livia Iskandar and Nirmala Ika
Irma is now more active in
they took to several high schools
appreciated that Irma was willing
for developing Yayasan Pulih,” said
program. Irma actively
and universities. At the same time
to take the responsibility.
Ika who claimed to frequently
participates in ALPHA-I. “It is a
they are also using social media
Moreover Yayasan Pulih needs to
communicate with Irma via BBM.
new organization and I hope of
such as Facebook, Twitter and
be recovered. They expect a lot
Since her return from America
course that this organization can
YouTube to campaign. “The
from Irma to make Yayasan Pulih
they met only a few times. “The
provide something useful for the
achievement levels of the program
recover. “Irma is not only on the
idea that Irma wants to develop,”
country,” she said,
were very high,” added Miriam.
name list of Yayasan Pulih Council
said Ika, “is making Pulih more
optimistically.
91
PRESTASI:
A JOURNEY
RENNY ARIYANNY
Master in Law, University of Washington, Seattle
Head of Design and Legal Considerations, Attorney General’s Legal Bureau
From Designing Act up to Anti-Terorism Seminar
Renny Ariyanny has received
under a contract with USAID, I will
several scholarships abroad. But
study in America for two years. So I
she did not take all the
have to leave my post,” she said. In
scholarships due to the institution
the land of Uncle Sam, Attorney
she worked for did not give
class 4B is a student of
permission. When she received a
International Business Law, at the
scholarship from PRESTASI USAID,
University of Washington to pursue
her superior in the Attorney General
her master’s degree LLM.
Office allowed her to take it and go
to America to study.
Information about the
scholarship program funded by
T
he woman with shoulder-
Legal Cooperation and Foreign
length hair was Head of
Affairs Attorney General, Jan S
Design and Legal Considerations,
Maringka. “It’s an opportunity,” she
Legal Bureau, Attorney General.
thought. Renny decided to try her
Since she has to go to study in
luck. “Actually, I had to put off to
America for a long time she had to
fill out the application because at
abandon her post.
that time there were colleagues
“There is a rule in the office that
who were interested to apply but
if you go for more than a year you
at the time limit there was only
must leave your position. Now,
one person who delivered an
FOTO: BODI CHANDRA/IIEF-PRESTASI
USAID she heard from the Head of
92
As a legal drafter at Attorney
General of Indonesia
application. Well, I just go forward
prosecutor whose English is as
inconvenience by as much as twice
then,” she recalls.
good as Mrs. Renny,” said the man
the ticket price of travelling from DC
with glasses.
to Seattle. “Not bad, for additional
To be eligible, the graduate of the
Department of Criminology,
pocket money while abroad,” she
Flying to a Foreign Country
University of Indonesia visited
This was not the first time she
several professors to ask for
said laughing.
Flights from DC to Seattle take 6
recommendations. Luck was on her
stepped in the United States. She has
hours but there is no free dinner on
side and Renny got a
been there so often that she has
the plane. “Buying a meal on the
recommendation from both Prof.
forgotten how many times she has
plane is paid by using credit cards
Adrian and Prof. Ronny Nitibaskara
been to the US. “I have been there
but my credit card was in my
who are professors at the Faculty of
several times - usually when sent by
suitcase so I was forced to starve,”
Law, University of Indonesia.
the country to participate in a short
recalls Renny.
course and other interests,” said
Renny easily passed the selection
Renny.
process. There were no significant
She had a unique experience on
obstacles, especially for TOEFL®ITP.
Arriving at the hotel after
midnight it was too late to order food
at the hotel. Renny could not hold
She’s got a TOEFL®ITP 580 which is
the way to study in the United
her stomach any longer – it was
more than enough to pass. As a result
States. She had no problem with the
already growling, she moved out to
she was awarded the scholarship and
air travel from Indonesia to the U.S.
find a mini-market. “Once outside the
left for America in 2009.
The plane landed safely at
hotel, there was a person explaining
Washington DC. Then travel by plane
that someone had been robbed.
Section 1, Attorney General of the
continued to Seattle, the city where
Finally I cancelled trying to find
Republic of Indonesia, Dado AE,
the campus of the Law School of the
food,” Renny recalls the first step on
admits that Renny really deserved
University of Washington is based.
the country of America.
Deputy Head of Administration
Her seat apparently was occupied
a scholarship. “Mrs. Renny does
have potential. Moreover, she loves
by another passenger. The airline
to study and her English skills are
gave her another flight and also gave
also very good. Rarely is there a
her money to compensate for the
93
Knowing Skype
On the campus of the Law
School of the University of
PRESTASI:
A JOURNEY
Washington, Renny was known as a
student who could quickly grasp the
Anti-Terrorism Seminar on Her
Return from America
family in the country for free.
According to her, the college
After she got her LLM master’s
meeting for the next six months
Renny was “homeless” in her own
lesson. If there was trouble it was
system in the United States is quite
related to technologies. Renny was
good both in terms of curriculum
degree, she went back to Indonesia.
functional employee without a
fairly clueless about technologies
and educational infrastructure.
Various fantasies crossed her mind.
position. She just worked if she was
and it made her lag.
Moreover, access to information and
Renny could not wait to practice the
needed. Everyday she came to the
knowledge is very open. “Teachers
myriad of new knowledge she got
office without any mark of position -
email and her grade was reduced. In
there are also very good. In the
from the U.S. Her hopes were not
the Prosecutor often called it by the
America all courses are completely
midst of the hustle and bustle of
matched with the reality though and
term “jengkol”-, on the chest.
online. Reading material was
work, the teachers and professors
upon returning from America to work
presented through the website to be
still took the time to correct
she was ‘ostracized’ instead.
opened via the Internet. “The
students work and even to check the
Once back in the office, she
materials on the site to read were
footnotes. They also always take the
discovered that the Meeting of the
passed leaving me without saying
about 200 pages a day and if we
time to cater to students who ask
Attorney General of the Republic of
anything,” she said shaking her head.
don’t read the professor will know
relevant questions. This is
Indonesia had been held a few days
“Most of my friends did not know
and she would think that we were
incredible,” she said.
earlier. Just for the record, the
that I left the office because I went to
meeting is only held once in six
America to study.”
Once Renny was late sending an
not ready to follow the lectures,”
she said.
As a member of the Attorney
office. During that time she became a
“I still remember that time when
I met a friend and she did not find
any ‘jengkol’ on my chest, she just
General’s legal team Renny did not
months. Various things were
Fortunately Renny made some
deny that studying in the U.S. has
discussed at the meeting including
officials in the prosecutor’s office
friends who were happy to teach her
opened her mind, perspectives and
the mutation of the position.
were removed their official signs
about the world of information
of course network. She said, “My
technology, including Skype. Once
job in the office (Attorney General)
Head of Design and Legal
employees, usually for involvement
familiar with Skype, the woman who
was developing legislation. I
Considerations, Bureau of Law
in a particular case or if they were
had been a prosecutor for 10 years
understand how the knowledge I
Attorney General, which she had
considered naughty. However, Renny
was beginning to get addicted to
gained is very useful for
dropped when she was about to fly
took a lesson from this sad story. At
browsing in cyberspace. She was
comparisons in formulating
to America? Luck was not on her
least she came to know who were
able to talk face to face with her
legislation.”
side. While waiting for the next
her true friends and which ones
What happened to her position as
94
Keep in mind also that if the top
and transferred into functional
things were done by Renny, among
others, an anti-terror seminar, “In the
seminar, Mrs. Renny was capable of
presenting with the caliber of an
international speaker from overseas.
She now got a lot of new networks
including those from abroad.”
Not just in her office, Renny is
also actively gather with the alumni
A person who is flexible and
decisive in leading her team
FOTO: BODI CHANDRA/IIEF-PRESTASI
of USAID scholarship. She even
attended an event at Hotel Cemara
recently where the alumni came
together and formed ALPHA-I. As
the organization was recently
founded she claimed she has not been
active and does not know if she sits
Renny started practicing her
flexible and firmly in leading,” said
knowledge from America, which of
alumnus of Airlangga University,
am in the board. But I don’t know
course had to be adapted to the
Surabaya.
which one,” she said with a laugh.
as a board member or not. “I think I
were not and be friend because of
situation of Indonesia. According to
her position.
Dado, after coming back from the
Renny - hopes she can transfer her
remains enduring and growing.
U.S. his superior has changed.
knowledge and create the brilliant
Because, she said, ALPHA-I is an
cadres. “I hope Mrs. Renny can
important forum as the
In short when the next meeting
was held she got back her position
Dado - who admires his boss,
“In the field of work Mrs. Renny
However, she hopes ALPHA-I
as Head of Design and Legal
is now faster, more informative and
regenerate her juniors to be like her.
communication place for the
Considerations, Attorney General’s
open. While personality, there is no
At least almost.”
intellectuals whose thoughts could be
Bureau of Law.
change in Mrs. Renny. From the
After getting the position back
Furthermore Dado recounts, after
beginning Mrs. Renny is always
she came back from America, a few
95
accommodated for the improvement
of Indonesia.
PRESTASI:
A JOURNEY
In her busy work as a lecturer at
Cendrawasih University, Papua,
Ruth still had plans to develop the
Papuan people through early
childhood education.
“S
orry, I still have activities until
late this afternoon. How
about tomorrow afternoon instead? I
am going to contact you,” said
Nancy Ruth Naomi Wompere to
have to keep an eye on the student’s
exam,” she added.
It’s not easy to make an
appointment with Ruth. Since
returning from the United States in
May 2011, the activities of the
English lecturer at the Faculty of
FOTO: CATHARINA LITA/IIEF-PRESTASI
someone over the phone. “Today I
Her dream is to teach English
Language for Papua children for free
Teacher Training and Education,
NANCY RUTH NAOMI WOMPERE
English Studies Program at the
Master in the field of English Language Teaching and Development, Concordia University, Portland, Oregon
Cendrawasih University (UNCEN)
Lecturer in English, Cendrawasih University, Papua
Papua, has so many activities.
Want to Teach English for Children in Papua for Free
It was also acknowledged by
Servo Patrick Kocu, Ruth’s superior
in the Technical Services Unit
Natalis UNCEN, she was appointed
many contributions to the UPT. She
from America include Ruth’s
(UPT) Language in UNCEN, Papua.
as secretary of the National
really helped several things run
growing self-confidence. “Prior to
“She took accreditation programs
Congress,” said Servo. “I myself was
smoothly,” said Servo.
the U.S., Ruth had not been too
several times. Even at the Dies
happy when she came. She gave
Other changes after returning
96
confident. But after coming home, I
see her changed. For example she is
a big leap that she has made. Her
more confident and more
English was obviously much better
example, Rommy thinks Ruth can
and a focused person in all of her
courageous as a junior lecturer, and
than before,” she praised Ruth
now teach well and have fresh and
jobs. So I suppose she deserves a
has a loyalty to her job. Indeed, it’s
comparing her to the way she was
new ideas, especially in how she
scholarship to America,” he said.
one of the benefits of studying there
before leaving for America when she
uses English as a second language
(America),” said Margaretha
served as Margaretha’s assistant at
when presenting the subject matter
also sees a lot of improvement in
Kafudji, Head of Language Unit,
UPT Language Services, University
in class. “I see she has changed a
Ruth. “In science, I see she is much
UNCEN.
of Cenderawasih.
lot, both in terms of her behavior
more developed, and she could help
and her way of teaching in the
us here and also help other people,”
classroom,” said Rommy.
he said. However, Ardy does not see
In the eyes of Margaretha, Ruth
In the academic process, for
Rommy Rambet, her colleague
diligent figure. “She’s determined
Returning from Portland, Ardy
is a Papuan child who has had good
and a lecturer in English at the
achievements since her early
Faculty of Teacher Training and
education as a student even after
Education, English Studies Program
who are taught by Ruth are fond of
“She was still the same, still friendly
becoming a lecturer of UNCEN. “She
in UNCEN Papua, also had a
the process of learning. “There is a
and can work with anyone.”
deserves to get a scholarship so we,
positive opinion about Ruth after
paradigm shift in teaching that
as the supervisors, gave her the
returning from overseas. She
might be a little bit casual, but very
help other colleagues who are
recommendations to study in the
deserved a scholarship. I taught her
high quality,” he explained. In
having problems in teaching. “If I
USA. In terms of academics, she is
while she was still a student, since
Rommy’s observations the change
have difficulty in teaching, I used to
very good, prominent, and
her early study you can see she has
has taken place since Ruth came
ask Mrs. Ruth how to cope with
disciplined,” she said. According to
potential. Ruth is one of the best
home from finishing her studies in
troubled students,” he admits.
Margaretha, Ruth has the potential
among the graduates of her
the Unites States. “So I see no
to develop if given more
generation,” said Rommy.
change in attitude and activity but
opportunities to participate in
Rommy also sees that students
any changes in Ruth’s personality.
Ruth, in the eyes of Ardy, likes to
Meets Heart Calls
One afternoon Ruth was teaching
Rommy thought that what Ruth
Ruth was able to bring the feel of
training, both as a lecturer, coach,
has achieved so far is good enough
the change within each class she
in the remote district of Wondama
and instructor.
for a cadre of educators. “I think
teaches,” he said.
Bay, West Papua Province. Suddenly
“At a very young age, Ruth was
now we have to see the quality, not
Another colleague, Ardy
her cell phone rang. Apparently,
able to do something good for
just affirmative action as a native
Paembonan, teacher of English
USAID scholarship program called
herself and others. Her departure to
Papuan, but who really has the
language courses and English
for an interview. This interview is
the United States has accelerated
quality. I saw Ruth was qualified in
Administrative staff at UPT UNCEN,
part of the selection process, which
and fostered her confidence. This is
the science field,” he said.
thinks Ruth as hardworking and
must be completed by eligible
97
PRESTASI:
A JOURNEY
recipients. “Fortunately, there is a
woman who was born in Jayapura on
problem for me. Especially when the
phone connection there. In addition
the 23 April 1982, got a lot of input
winter comes, it was the hardest
to the interview they also told me
from other faculty colleagues,
time for me. But after a while I got
that I should take the TOEFL®ITP in
especially those who had been to
used to it,” she said.
Jakarta. Then my application would
America. “There are so many
be submitted and I would be told
stories that I got from my fellow
trouble with the academic processes
whether I was accepted or not,” said
teachers,” she said. However, while
there. “They have a very helpful
Ruth.
there, Ruth admitted she had many
professor and advisor for
challenges in adjusting to social life
international students because they
basketball, knew the PRESTASI
mainly because of the differences
know that we are not from their
program or formerly known as HICD
between Indonesia and the United
country,” she explained.
(Human and Institutional Capacity
States. “There, I saw that American
Development) from information
life is free, but very responsible. So
Uncle Sam, Ruth saw a lot of
flyers and the application forms she
whatever they do, we may see a
impressive things. “Transport is
has received. After filling out the
negative but behind it all there are
easily obtainable,” she said.
form and sending it, Ruth got
positive things that can be learned
However, the most memorable thing
notified by email stating that her
too,” she said.
for her was meeting with people of
Initially Ruth, who likes playing
application was received. The next
Fortunately, she did not get any
During her study in the land of
Although Ruth has learned
different cultural backgrounds. “Not
process was to go through an
English for many years, it did not
only Americans, there are a lot of
interview. If in the interview process
mean that she did not have
students from other countries such
she passed, she could receive the
difficulties in implementing direct
as Taiwan, Japan and China - such
scholarship.
conversation. “At first I was
mixed and different cultures. But
confused as to what they were
when in the academic atmosphere
process, the heart of the R & B
talking about, but eventually I got
we are all the same. We’re after the
music enthusiasts was lifted. “I’m
used to it and understood, too,” she
same thing be successful in learning
new knowledge about her field, of
happy to receive this scholarship.
relates.
in the United States,” said Ruth.
what she learned, to life
When she passed the interview
Moreover, this is the first time I went
so far out of Papua,” she admitted.
Before leaving for America, the
Another problem was the
According to Ruth she has
experience. “I gained more
weather, “Initially it was difficult to
gained a lot of things from
knowledge and when I returned to
adjust to the weather and it was a
learning in America, starting from
Papua I could apply it and share it
98
offers to teach. But she is going to
The hardworking and diligent person
teach English for free for Papuan
and methods. I could share These
children. “But this plan has not been
new things with my students in
started, maybe next academic year,”
UNCEN,” said the Jazz and slow
she said.
rock lover.
One of the lessons outside of the
Papua children for free came from
academics she learned was a matter
an institution established by a
of timing. According to Ruth, the
church group. “This was the idea of
American people is always on time.
the young people in the institution,”
“That’s what I brought back here and
she explained. The first step of free
tried to apply in the classroom. I
education will involve children of
want to show the students that
kindergarten ages.” We will establish
being on-time is not easy but if you
schools located in Waena-Expo
get used to it you will be familiarize-
Jayapura,” she added.
d. Because here (Indonesia) we tend
FOTO: CATHARINA LITA/IIEF-PRESTASI
The idea of teaching English to
Teaching is her calling so Ruth
not to appreciate the time,” she
claimed she must arrange her time,
explained.
both as a lecturer in UNCEN, as well
Actually, Ruth said, there are still
as a volunteer teacher at the school
many things that she has not been
to be established. “I teach children in
able to put into practice in her work
Papua to help them to get a good
as an English lecturer in UNCEN.
education and help the institution,”
“There are some techniques that I
she said.
want to develop, for example, using
Ruth hopes that with all her
ones she got when she was an
Internet technology in teaching and
knowledge and experience, she can
undergraduate (bachelor) student.
learning. This has not been tested,”
be a good teacher. “I really hope I
Concordia University, she was
“But the teaching was more in-depth
she said.
can do good teaching and be
actually taught methods and
and comprehensive. I learned many
teaching techniques similar to the
new things about new techniques
with my students,” she said.
Ruth said, while studying at
Having completed her study in
America Ruth actually had many
99
responsible,” she said, closing the
story.
PRESTASI:
A JOURNEY
Studying in America made the
man from Sleman realize the joy of
teaching without the need to rush the
learning process.
On
the day of the math test in
grade 10 senior high school
(SMA) Kanisius, Jakarta, Thomas
Gunawan Wibowo, the teacher, did not
deliberately stand in front of the
class. The man called Pak Gun by the
students is actually quietly standing
behind the class. Nearly for 45
minutes he stayed there until the time
Teacher who is loved by his students
FOTO: BODI CHANDRA/IIEF-PRESTASI
for completing the test was over.
Pak Gun positioned himself behind
the class in order to help a student
with the initial J in the class.. He has
been known as a “veteran student”
because he failed to get a good grade
a year earlier. His academic scores
make us sad. The score of forty is
THOMAS GUNAWAN WIBOWO
usually written on his paper test. This
Master in the Field of Educational Leadership, Loyola University, Chicago
student claimed that the teacher who
Deputy Chief of Canisius High School, Jakarta
oversaw the class broke his
Fun Learning without Accused of Being Stupid
concentration and made him nervous.
100
But Pak Gun chose to believe that
the student’s problem doesn’t mean
at Loyola University, Chicago. But
English training for 6 months prior to
did not immediately blame my lack of
that there is no hope. Surprisingly
Pak Gun’s English proficiency made
departure. Arriving in the land of
grammar. He just said, please can you
the student who was considered
him insecured. Stored in his memory:
Uncle Sam in July 2007, the math
explain it to me again,” said Pak Gun.
stupid reached a score of 78 for the
I cannot speak English. It’s difficult.
teacher’s English was improved
math quiz that day. 78 is slightly
“Frankly speaking, I have no
through additional courses for three
listen to his English speech truly
above the minimum standards score
expectations when it comes to the
consecutive semesters at Loyola
made Pak Gun thrilled. His
of 75 in Kanisius High School. Pak
selection of participants,” said Pak
University, Chicago.
nervousness and being afraid of
Gun was happy and the student was
Gun.
relieved. “The students’ problem was
“But there I was actually
The patience of the professor to
making mistakes, when speaking
At that time Pak Gun’s English
surprised, I enjoyed learning English.
English, was slowly changing because
so simple but it could only be
score, according to the TOEFL®iBT, a
Since junior high school to college I
of the comfortable atmosphere, like
discovered by a teacher who would
test of English proficiency to study
never experienced so much fun in
talking to friends. If there was no
listen,” said the teacher who has 15
abroad, was under 75, while minimum
learning English,” said Pak Gun.
improvement in Pak Gun’s learning,
years of teaching experience. “So, do
standards required at least 100. But
not rush to judge him stupid,”
Frater Heru Hendarto, Pak Gun’s
Pamungkas, a Junior High School
discussion about which teaching
concluded Pak Gun
superior, who was one of PRESTASI
(SMP) Kanisius’ English Teacher and a
method was wrong. The professor did
scholarship selectors from Kanisius
PRESTASI recipient, also apparently
not just scold Pak Gun.
College, voted differently. The Frater
agreed that the course was excellent.
encouraged him to hone his language
They were both amazed at the ability
spirit of learning. He willingly went to
skills until the time of departure.
of the lecturer in creating a
various parts of Chicago to write
comfortable learning environment
variety of articles about places to
Supplied with Personal
Experiences
The beauty of learning without
immediately being accused of being
His colleague, Makarius Giri
“Pak Gun’s English hobbled him
the professor dared to invite
Pak Gun then really got into the
stupid is important to Pak Gun. He
but he was still elected because he
without them feeling judged.
read in the class. The man who used
spent 15 months studying in the
wanted to learn. People, who do not
Sentences of motivation are always
to be so nervous about speaking
United States through the PRESTASI
want to learn, cannot make it. His
abundance. Although this Javanese
English was now enjoying learning.
Scholarship, which was previously
passion for learning was one of the
son’s English is frequently wrong.
Each semester, Pak Gun didn’t want
known as HICD (Human and
criteria that we want,” said Frater
Institutional Capacity Development)
Heru.
for the Master of Science Education
“If I spoke in class and the
Pak Gun has started following the
101
to miss the opportunity to
instructor did not understand
participate in language courses,
because my English was strange he
which were not required and do not
PRESTASI:
A JOURNEY
knowledge he gained in the Unites
contribute towards his master’s
teachers often force the students to
degree.
learn in a way that the teachers
because Pak Gun listens to their
States into three programs at once:
learnt themselves. A teacher
complaints. His students are open, as
teacher training programs, student
never felt that way in learning things
previously will absorb knowledge
Pak Gun will not rush to impose
tutorials, and the PRESTASI
in Indonesia?
that will be taught according to the
disciplinary penalties to them.
Scholarships alumni association
Pak Gun then muses. Why did he
“I think our culture sometimes
The students are close to him
characteristics of his/her personal
Pak Gun listens to all problems:
ALPHA-I.
Coming home from Chicago in
makes others have difficulty in
understanding. But while teaching,
academic, personal and even just the
understanding. As a result we rarely
the teacher often forgets to
outpouring of troubled hearts. The
late 2008, Pak Gun became directly
put ourselves out as a motivator. We
understand that every student has a
Kanisius High School students call
involved in some development
easily judge others as stupid and do
different personality. He/she then
Pak Gun as a teacher who you can
programs for teachers and school
not do anything,” said the man who
tries to force a way of learning that
talk about anything – including issues
curricula. Jesuit School Association,
graduated in mathematics education,
suits him/her on all students.
related to adolescent mental
the institution where he works,
instability.
seems to have designed the
Sanata Dharma.
Pak Gun found that hasty and
“Teachers can not force others to
learn the same way they have learnt,
“Now I feel that I am so much
program, even before Pak Gun left
judgmental attitudes will make
just because he/she can doesn’t
loved by the students,” said the 41-
teachers not appreciate the
mean everyone can. We often forget
year-old Pak Gun with a smile.
student’s strength. They only see the
that every person has different char-
weakness. The teaching-learning
acteristics of learning and percep-
is also a major trait of Pak Gun, who
be our partners, to discuss how to
atmosphere that should be full of
tions,” said Pak Gun
is now active in developing the
plan for the development of teachers
curriculum of Kanisius High School.
in particular,” said Frater Heru
Hendarto, Pak Gun’s superior.
motivation turns out to make
Perhaps the attitude of listening
Having returned to Indonesia,
students feel “lost before war”. “I
Pak Gun’s methods of teaching have
Because every child is unique the
learned a lot of theories there; every
inevitably changed. His position as a
learning curriculum must also be
student is unique. In Indonesia we
mathematics teacher as well as the
able to reflect that.
need to focus more on this
one who has responsibility to
uniqueness,” he said.
discipline student, makes the big and
Teachers in Indonesia, according
to Pak Gun’s observations is that
for the United States.
“We want friends who have also
returned from the United States to
From the beginning, the Jesuit
School Association that oversees
high school de Britto, Gonzaga,
Sharing Science in School
Leadership Course (PSC)
tall man feared by the students, but
Pak Gun is now applying the
he’s now closer to his students.
102
Canisius and Loyola in Indonesia
does have plans to set up a program
for teachers. “The program named
School Leadership Course of KKS
Until now, Pak Gun holds program
(Kursus Kepemimpinan Sekolah)
courses for the teachers every Friday
aims to train managerial and
and Saturday.
supervisory skills for teachers in
“To become a school principal
there are a lot of things to be
able to prepare school teaching pro-
controlled from the way of
grams according to the character of
their respective institutions.
General candidates to be
targeted are principal, vice principal
Person who can talk
about anything
or those who are already holding the
rein of the institution. Of course, in
order for them to apply they must
“I saw from the beginning he
FOTO: BODI CHANDRA/IIEF-PRESTASI
Indonesia. It aims so that they are
supervision to colleagues, school
management to formulating a
syllabus, teaching plans that are
appropriate to the students’ character.
So it needs training,” said Frater Heru,
the Principal of Canisius High School.
teacher. When you get closer he is
Catholic clergy who previously served
transmit the knowledge they gained
seems to have strong leadership. He
different. Henrikus feels comfortable
as Head of Gonzaga High School is one
later.
can distinguish very well how to
talking about anything with him.
of the senior educator who pioneered
communicate with children,
They have been friends for over ten
KKS program.
School Association worked with
colleagues and with superiors,” said
years. Therefore Henrikus who also
Sanata Dharma University,
Henrikus Suparjono, 39, Canisius
studied the new knowledge from Pak
its third generation. The yearlong
Yogyakarta and USAID. They sent 12
High School Chemistry Teacher,
Gun also agreed his friend is
program was deliberately aimed at
teachers to the USA to study
about the figure of Thomas
appropriate to coach teachers in the
educating potential teachers in
together at Loyola University.
Gunawan or Pak Gun.
program of KKS.
leadership to become principals in
To realize the program, Jesuit
From October 2009 the program
In 2012 the KKS program entered
Selection of the candidates from 80
On the basis of the potential,
teachers was done internally to elect
Henrikus was not surprised when his
started and Pak Gun became a
program is arranged according to the
eight (8) school teachers, two (2)
colleague was elected to study in
trainer of teachers. The goal is that
timeframe of the school year.There
priests and two (2) lecturers of
America. “Even if we just met, Pak
educators can draw up their teaching
have been many teachers from
Sanata Dharma. One of the scholar-
Gun impressed himself jaim,” said
curriculum plan well. So it’s not just a
Jakarta, Yogyakarta and Lampung
ship awardees is Pak Gun.
Kanisius High School’s senior
copy of the government curriculum.
who have taken the program.
103
their respective places. KKS’
PRESTASI:
A JOURNEY
Pioneering Student
Tutorial Program
Sharing knowledge was not only
Kanisius High School. “I’ve
guided me, including criticizing me if
comfortable as possible. In one
intentionally asked Frater Heru to
I was wrong,” Modestus said,
corner of the room even has a short
put me in teaching the most basic
grinning.
table with padded seat cushions. A
done two days a week. Out of the
class, because I want to guide new
KKS program, at Canisius High
teachers to teach directly in the
senior colleague, Henrikus, who was
students are bored or nervous in
School, he also pioneered the
classroom,” said Gunawan.
sitting next to him busy unpacking a
waiting. Everything was so
pair of Rubik games. Henrikus was
comfortable that the students
would talk openly.
tutorial students program. Every
Modestus secretly glance at his
New teachers were assigned to
list of books can also be read if the
five students who rank lowest in
Gunawan as co-workers. Pak Gun
trying to solve the puzzles but he
their class will be gathered to learn
becomes a tutor of ‘toddler teacher’
finally gave up on the three
together every Thursday after
or teachers who have not been
dimensional wooden beams.
school. Sometimes they are
teaching for more than five years –
The simple blocks are not
accompanied by Gunawan but
one of them was Modestus Adityo,
actually just a toy. It was also part
School Student’s Organization (OSIS)
sometimes accompanied by higher-
24, Counselling teacher.
of the teaching strategy applied
room,” said Modestus laughing.
class students whose academic
records are excellent.
Modestus explained that
there. “We deliberately provide 5
“Students are so very fond of
toys like this. Last time I saw there
were some brought to the Intra
And Pak Gun still does not stop
Gunawan often invited him to have
Rubik’s games in counseling
sharing his knowledge. In March
discussion and provided guidance
sessions so that students feel
2012 together with his colleagues,
it much easier to absorb lessons if
about how to communicate with
relaxed here,” Modestus said,
fellow alumni of PRESTASI graduate
their friend of the same age explains
their students. He remembered that
pointing to the blocks that are
scholarships, they founded an
it in the language they understand,”
there was a trouble student who
making a mess on the table.
alumni association called ALPHA-I.
said Pak Gun, who was promoted to
was especially “entrusted” to him by
vice principal after getting a
Pak Gun. They repeatedly discussed
there because each tutorial is
as a coordinator in the education
master’s degree.
the student’s problems until the
preceded at least two counseling
division. “The association was
student felt comfortableexpressing
sessions with student. Based on the
recently founded so I have not had
the tutorial program is also a tool
his personal life. Then they designed
spirit that every student is unique,
time to do much, but I certainly
for Pak Gun to train his juniors. Pak
the most appropriate tutorial for the
the students’ complaints need to be
intend to develop similar programs
Gun even deliberately asked to
student.
explored and heard, and the room
in ALPHA-I,” said Pak Gun.
“I know sometimes the kids find
Like drinking water while diving,
remain teaching Grade 10 in
The Rubik is deliberately placed
During that time, Pak Gun
for the counselling was arranged as
104
In the organization, Pak Gun’s role is
Just wait and see.
ZAENAL ARIFIN
The fastest and best graduate
Master in International Political Economy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Regional Infrastructure
from GSPIA, University of
Project Manager for Social Economics, BAPPENAS
Pittsburgh in 2011 with a major in
Between BAPPENAS, KORPRI and ALPHA-I
International Political Economy,
wants to make his life meaningful
for others.
He
shivered when he first set
foot in the city of
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on
January 1, 2010, where the city’s
weather was minus 21 degrees
Celsius. Unfortunately, the heater in
his apartment was not functioning.
He rushed to a nearby convenience
store to buy an electric blanket. “I
got to learn about blankets,” said
Ary – nickname for Zaenal Arifin,
while laughing.
The extreme changes in
temperature shocked him most
FOTO: BODI CHANDRA/IIEF-PRESTASI
when he came to the land of Uncle
man who has the motto of low
profile, high performance
105
Sam. “Weather shock, which
actually makes me excited,” said
Ary. Moreover, at that time he lived
at a distance of up to 16 miles, or
more than 20 kilometers from
campus. According to him, going
home from the campus he had to
PRESTASI:
A JOURNEY
take a bus then walk about 45
Not to be tormented by Western
an international network that he has
confused and amazed by the
minutes to an hour. “The problem is
food he was a customer of the
formed over the past two years
brilliance of his cognitive skills as
that when it’s after 9 pm, there was
Moroccan restaurant close to
living abroad. “I really feel lucky,
well as the psychometric balance of
no bus and sometimes I was in
campus. “Almost every day I ate
honored and proud to go to college
the 30-year-old single man. The A
campus until 10 pm.”
there,” said the man who is a fan of
there. Many great people of
mark achieved for all courses is an
cooking and photography. Slowly but
Indonesia are alumni from there,
indicator of the ability of the man
Pittsburgh, Ary stayed in an
surely he came to enjoy the taste of
they also (read: organizer and
from Kudus, Central Java.
apartment with an Indonesian
food ‘roughing’ in a month.
lecturer at GSPIA) respect
During the first two weeks in
fellow. But as it was too far from
A variety of new things were
Although he is very prominent in
Indonesian students,” Ary expressed
the academic areas Ary is not the
campus, at the end he decided to
experienced by Ary at the
pride and gratitude when he met
kind of student who does less
move into an undergraduate
university at the Graduate School of
with the team of USAID Indonesia on
socially. In college he was selected
student’s apartment.But, because
Public and International Affairs
his return from studying in America.
for training in a Leadership Portfolio
the heating was off and the
(GSPIA), University of Pittsburgh.
apartment was very crowded, he
“Starting from the weather shock,
only lasted for a month. Only on his
culture shock to the food shock.”
third attempt could he get an
Fortunately, the University of
apartment near campus with a quiet
Pittsburgh is one of the top class
and best graduates from GSPIA,
environment and adequate facilities.
universities in the United States. He
University of Pittsburgh in 2011 with
with students from foreign countries
“I had to study so much and I had to
didn’t know it before but it’s where
a major in International Political
such as China, Ghana, Colombia,
be more focused.” He was finally
the campus of several former high-
Economy and a minor for Public and
Russia, Korea, Japan and many
starting to adapt to the local
ranked officials in Indonesia, such as
Non Profit Management. This is
other countries. “We often discuss
temperature.
former Finance Minister JB
really not an easy thing because
our countries so I understand the
Sumarlin, Trade Minister Satrio
there is a balance of academics and
culture and the thinking processes
tongue to the smell and taste of the
Budihardjo Joedono, Head of BKN
non-academics as indicators of
and how they work. We even set up a
local food called “roughing”.
Sofian Effendi, and Chief of LAN
achievement. Ary must not only be
new organization that embodies
Typically, Indonesian food is full of
Mustopadidjaja AR. With so many
excellent in college but must have
international students, which we call
flavor, but he must familiarize
alumni of GSPIA in Indonesia, Ary
involvement and be active in campus
the International Student Initiative
himself with the western food that
would be able to expand his
extra-curricular activities.
(ISI),” told the 2000 alumni of ITB
was bland.
network in Indonesia, in addition to
Ary also had to accustom his
Program, hosted by the Johnson
Academic and
Non-Academic Balance
Ary become one of the fastest
The professors at Pittsburg were
106
Institute for Responsible Leadership,
as the only non-American participant
who participated in the program.
He also actively made friends
about his activities during lectures.
Especially when studying in a
education in Coro because this is a
months from September to
achieved as all participants had
city known for its network of non-
prestigious institution which is
December 2010. “I learned how to go
prepared, learnt and knew what
governmental community, Ary also
established in 1942. The training
directly to the people and how to
would be presented and decided in
had become acquainted with the
center has produced no less than
build support to be elected as
the meeting. Everyone is doing
people and got involved in various
10,000 alumni who are currently
governor. Yes, I knocked on doors –
something, talking very efficient, to
institutions in the city. “Pittsburgh
leaders in the local, regional,
door to door and persuaded people
the point and straight forward on the
was once a city-based steel industry,
national and global governments and
to support me.” Ary also increased
subject and purpose of the meeting,”
but since the 90s has been
in businesses, nonprofit
his social network with people in the
he said admiringly. Even employees
transformed into a city-based
organizations, and government
United States federal government
can work without the need to come
education and philanthropy and
public officials. Names like Michael
agencies as an apprentice at the U.S.
to the office but they must be
finally now a famous city with its
Davis (Vice President of JP Morgan),
Department of Housing and Urban
connected via telephone / fax and
NGO (Non Government
Director of Consumer Products New
Development (HUD) for three
Internet. “Over there are working
Organization). There are about 400
Microsoft Corporation Michael Kim,
months adding to his list of
systems called telework or
NGOs there,” said Ary amazed.
Chairman and CEO of Metropolitan
achievements. “I learned about the
telecommuting.” With this system
Theatres Corporation Bruce Corwin,
American system and bureaucratic
employees can choose a day when
several NGOs, one of the important
the State Treasurer of California
management, including how to
he/she does telework. “If
activities that Ary took part in was
Hon. Phil Angelidus, Associate
coordinate, human condition and the
implemented in Jakarta the system
leadership training organized by
California Supreme Court Justice
effectiveness of its services to the
may be able to reduce the traffic
Coro Centre of Civic Leadership.
Hon. Marvin Baxter, and Virginia
public. Then I compared it with
congestion that cannot be
“This institute is a training center for
Governor Hon. Tim Kaine is the most
Indonesia. I believe that the
compromised during weekdays,” said
future leaders in the United States.
famously named Coro alumnus.
bureaucracy in Indonesia can take an
Ary.
Besides apprenticeships in
Some governors and mayors have
In Coro Ary learned about how to
example from this and apply it for
Another interesting point was to
been trained in Coro,” he said. After
become a candidate for being
following a rigorous selection, Ary
elected as governor, from the
was elected and was again the only
selection of prospective candidates,
admiration is the efficiency and
that may be filled by non-civil
non-American participant in the
to forming a campaign team,
effectiveness of the meeting held at
servants. Vice versa, public servants
prestigious training.
strategizing and sponsor driven
his internship. “Two hours meeting is
are also allowed to move to a private
fundraising campaigns to the public
too long, since the meeting usually
company and once he has finished
debate. He took the training for four
only takes about one hour. It was
his duty, he can return to his
This young Indonesian should be
proud to be able to experience an
the future,” said Ary excited.
One simple example that inspires
107
provide a certain number of
positions in government agencies
PRESTASI:
A JOURNEY
previous status. “Personal
usually there are no students from
experiences because during the
he has experiences on Western
management is flexible enough there
outside the United States selected
program in Kobe he had the
culture represented from the United
but of course all are with clear
for the joint program,” recalls the
opportunity to visit and carry out
States and Asian culture
selection and procedure,” said Ary.
BAPPENAS employee. He was
activities in several other countries in
represented from Japan. These are
running at full speed and his lectures,
Southeast Asia. For example, when
two cultures from two of the most
scheduled to be finished in 24
he was in Laos, Ary taught at the
advanced cultures in the world. It
months, were completed eight
National University of Laos (NUOL),
requires equally high discipline in
months ahead of time.
the first university in Laos. “I was
each country albeit with a different
lucky to get internships in JICA and
style. In the U.S., given the bulkhead
From West to East
The spirit of competition does
exist in his blood. Not satisfied with
the variety of activities and
Once elected, the next challenge
additional training inside and outside
is USAID permission. “Of course I
KIC while in Japan, which then sent
workbench, “they respect privacy,”
the campus, Ary decided to
have to ask because I am funded by
me to take an internship in Laos-
he said. However, there is still fun
participate in a cooperative program
the Government of the United
Japan Human resource Development
even during working hours. “People
between the University of Pittsburgh
States, whether I was allowed to
Institute and NUOL,” said Ary.
still greet each other and laugh
and the University of Kobe, Japan.
study outside of the United
The selection process is very strict
States?” he said. After a series of
opportunity to study abroad in two
because there is only one slot for the
correspondences, USAID finally
rare giant Japanese organizations
each workbench. Even so, during
best candidate who will be chosen by
allowed Ary to participate in the
that have a very big influence in the
working hours there is no sound at
a selection team to represent the
program and they even financed
international world: Japan
all, silence. “At break time, you can
University of Pittsburgh in Kobe,
the tuition fee at the Graduate
International Cooperation Agency
then hear sounds of laughter and
Japan. The announcement of who
School of International Cooperation
(JICA), is a Japanese government
chatters,” he recalls. The funny thing
was to be selected finally came at
Studies (GSICS), University of Kobe
agency that focuses on the
is although Japanese people are not
the end of 2010. Based on the
with a major in Economics and
development of cooperative
as expressive as American, but they
criteria of academic and non-
Asian Development Affairs. Ary is
relationships with other countries,
both appreciate differences.
academic achievements and after
the only USAID scholarship
while the Kobe International
Studying and working in two
having being filtered through several
recipient who goes to study in two
Cooperation (KIC), is a government
different poles of cultures actually
phases, the Selection Committee
countries and take one course
institution that focuses on the
provided enrichment for Ary, not just
chose Ary as Pittsburg’s ambassador
semester and an internship at
development of Kobe city into an
simply a matter of competence but
to be sent to Japan. “I was very
several institutions in Japan.
international city in Japan.
also about understanding people.
surprised and grateful because
He is grateful for the
Ary really gained a lot of
Ary feels deeply blessed because
108
before lunch time,” he recalls again.
In Japan there are no secrets in
Wealth of experience, networks
and knowledge gained over the past
Ary when he started being involved
learn in the USA. “We founded the
Rinella is the Head of Sub
two years outside of the country,
in the planning meetings to establish
ALPHA-I as a place to explore and
Directorate of Land and Ary’s
according to Ary, makes him more
ALPHA-I (Asosiasi Alumni
actualize the ideas of its members
supervisor since July 2006 up to
ready yet cautious when returning to
PRESTASI-HICD Amerika Indonesia).
outside of their daily work,” Ary
before he left for the United States
Indonesia. Moreover, in BAPPENAS
Actually, it was not too long after he
said. Therefore, in the future, Ary
at the end of 2009. “He was
(Badan Perencanaan dan
returned from America, when
has a mission to make the ALPHA-I
outstanding, even before leaving for
Pembangunan Nasional/National
Akhmad Safik, a PRESTASI fellow
as an alumni organization for
America,” said Rinella. Things that
Development Planning Agency), the
alumnus colleagues invited him to
American qualified graduates,
make Rinella admire about Ary is
institution where he works, most
participate in the formation of an
beneficial to its members and
“Ary did not seem to have gone
employees have a master’s degree
alumni association meeting which
capable of contributing to Indonesia.
abroad. He still called his friends in
and even some who holds a
was then drafted by IIEF with a
“I am very eager to raise ALPHA-I,”
Indonesia and went home with a
doctorate. “I think and work for the
number of alumni HICD-PRESTASI.
said Ary who dreams that one day
souvenir,” she said happily. “He has
they will become a local organization
is modest and respect others which
best to contribute to the
Through the newly formed
development of the nation,” said the
alumni organization and with the aim
to be reckoned with in the national
makes Ary be liked by colleagues
man whose motto is low profile, high
to accommodate the alumni
and international arena.
and superiors,” said Rinella.
performance.
scholarship program USAID to
According to Ary, through the
In fact, according to Rinella, Ary
Musrembang and
KORPRI BAPPENAS
conduct social activities, Ary wanted
often invite his colleagues to be
extreme differences between the
to make life more meaningful. “It
East cultural of Japanese and West
feels good to be doing something
cultural of American, he hopes to
good for other people,” said Ary who
Rinella Tambunan MPA mimicked
caretaker of KORPRI, even though I
combine and apply them when
was elected as Secretary General of
Ary. At that time they arrived at a
am reluctant,” she said. In KORPRI –
returning to BAPPENAS.
the ALPHA-I accompanying Akhmad
place for a business trip. Along the
this is official organization of
Safik as chairman in an exciting
way Ary called his mother several
Indonesian Civil Servants -
voting in the National Alumni
times telling her the circumstances
BAPPENAS, Rinella added, “Ary is a
Meeting, which was held in March
and the place they were at that time.
vice chairman, a new position that
2012.
According to Rinella this is one proof
he has occupied since July 2012. It
that Ary is obedient to his parents.
is a very strategic position for a
junior civil servant like him.”
The Secretary General of
the ALPHA-I
His experience in Pittsburgh,
known as the ‘city of NGOs’ and
“yes mom, yes mom,” said Ir.
For Ary, ALPHA-I is a field of
Kobe, which is known as an
contemplation for those who are for-
“He seems to love and obey his
“international city” is a resource for
tunate to have the opportunity to
mother,” said Rinella.
109
active in organization. “He does not
get tired in inviting me to be the
His organizational experience and
PRESTASI:
A JOURNEY
ability in management is further
evidenced to his appointed as a
He’s a representative of the Head of
BAPPENAS in Musrenbangnas
Committing Officer (CO) as well as a
project manager by the Minister of
organizers and security to junior and
National Development Planning of the
senior employees. “But he’s not
Head of BAPPENAS for a prestigious
arrogant, he remains humble, that’s
project called Socio-Economic
what makes people likes him,”
Development Infrastructure (PISEW)
Rinella added again. In fact, with a
during the year 2008-2009. This
tight schedule and very high
project is one of the major project of
pressure for four months Ary must
the National Development Program
coordinate the forty activities at
(PNPM), announced by the President
national and provincial levels
in April 2007 and covers more than
throughout Indonesia. “In that
2200 villages in 9 provinces and 34
position he is a representative of the
districts in Indonesia. He does not
Minister of National Development
stop there, after finishing his study in
Planning,” said Rinella.
The Director of Spatial Planning
the office at the beginning of 2012,
and Land, Ir. Deddy Koespramoedyo,
Ary also is the coordinator of National
MSc., fully understands the capacity
Development Planning Consultation
of this man, hence he did not
Committee (Musrenbangnas), a series
hesitate to give full trust to the
of events involving the President,
alumni of the university of Pittsburgh
Vice President, all ministers and
as the coordinator of the committee
heads of government agencies at the
Musrembangnas. “I trust him,” said
central level.
Deddy in short. Deddy has observed
“He’s not awkward and
FOTO: BODI CHANDRA/IIEF-PRESTASI
the United States and returning to
Ary’s gait when he was in PNPM
overacting, as usual,” she said. Even
PISEW. “Ary won the title and the
though he becomes the leader for
award for best Officer and the project
about 400 people from the event
manager from Minister of National
110
Development Planning,” he said.
one from BAPPENAS has gone to
his master’s in America has more
translate them into meaningful
Despite having to deal with the
America,” he said. Ary was the first
difficult challenges than taking
scoring to tell me more and become
seniors in the project, according to
employee in the unit who left to go
masters in other countries. “So far I
a tool to identify problems. “He can
Deddy, Ary can handle it well. “He
to study in the U.S. after several
think it is fair,” he added.
make quantitative be qualitative and
used to consult me, so I know his
years of no alumnus from Uncle
problems,” he said. Deddy thinks Ary
Sam.
is always honest with his situation.
High hopes have been pinned on
Therefore, he considered this
vice versa,” said Uke. He gave an
Ary’s shoulders by his colleagues
example, “in a tourist area the
and superior. One of his colleague
numbers would be good if the value
“He does not hide the problem. If
clam man’s desire to learn to a
who becomes his superior since
of land is high. It was in the
he’s hiding anything I will know right
doctoral level. Deddy is convinced
February, 2012, Uke Mohammad
statistics. But, in fact, that is not
away,” he said.
that through the scientific and
Hussein, S.Si., MPP. “Now he’s my
necessarily the case. Because, it
technical capacity of the learning
sparring partner,” said Deputy
must be seen how local cultures
member was not separated from his
acquired outside the country
Director of Land, BAPPENAS. Uke is
interpret land there.”
monitoring of Ary’s track record,
coupled with the experience and
much more senior but feels that Ary
even before he joined the
management skills possessed, Ary
can be paired with him as an equal
hopes Ary will be a person who
BAPPENAS. The ITB alumni was the
could be a hope for many people to
partners. “He always has new input,”
continues to develop himself. “His
highest score test taker for the civil
build Indonesia. “I want him to
said Uke, smiling.
mind is brilliant, so with the capacity
servant throughout Indonesia in
proceed to the PhD program,” he
2005. With the capacity he has,
said. According to Deddy, the
calm and professional demeanor
he will be able to occupy positions in
since joining BAPPENAS in 2006
doctoral program will further
owned by Ary, Uke thought, will
BAPPENAS or perhaps in
until now, Ary has held several key
simplify Ary’s career steps in
provide a positive impact on the
Indonesia,” said Uke.
positions at a relatively young age.
BAPPENAS. Supported by his quiet
development of the Ministry of
Ary is a hard worker with a lot of
nature, Deddy is confident Ary will
National Development
about those expectations. He said
achievements. On many occasions
be successful. “A career path for him
Planning/BAPPENAS which became
that if what he has done is appraised
Ary has expressed his brilliant ideas.
is in front of him,” he said.
Indonesia’s think tank. “He could
well by others, he was grateful and
describe the conceptual levels to be
will always want to do better.
operational,” he said.
However, his achievement is the gift
Deddy’s confidence in his team
“I think he deserves to pursue
The combination of genius and a
Today, after returning from
In line with Deddy, Uke also
and experience already possessed,
Ary is not willing to be arrogant
his Master’s degree in the United
America, he did see a change in Ary’s
States,” said Deddy. America, Deddy
attitude. “He’s more confident, but I
First, according to Uke, data and
said, is the best place for the best
think it’s normal, not excessive,” he
figures for Ary are merely data and
and from the support of family and
people. “It’s been a long time that no
says. Understandably, he said, taking
numbers only. But now, Ary can
friends.
111
from God from his mother’s praying
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is an
T h e I n d o n e s i a n I n t e r n a t i o n a l E d u c a t i o n F o u n d a t i o n ( I I E F ) is an Indonesian
independent agency of the U.S. government that provides economic,
not-for-profit organization that is committed to promoting the development of the
development and humanitarian assistance around the world in support
Indonesian people through international education. Established in 1982, IIEF has
of the foreign policy goals of the United States. In 1961, President John
developed expertise in four core areas: Scholarship and Fellowship Management;
F. Kennedy signed the Foreign Assistance Act into law, creating by
Capacity Development Initiatives; Services to Education; and Testing and Certification.
executive order what is now known as USAID.
USAID is headquartered in Washington, DC, with offices in more
Strongly committed to delivering measurable impacts, IIEF is driven by its lasting
values focusing on organizational excellence, professionalism, and integrity. IIEF is
than 80 countries and territories in four regions of the world: Sub-
dedicated to employ a fine-tuned combination of local and global approach in developing
Saharan Africa, Asia and the Near East, Latin America and the
its strategies and activities that are comprehensive, effective and innovative. Driven by a
Caribbean, and Europe and Eurasia. USAID’s office in Indonesia is in
long-standing commitment to expanding access to education including for those from
Jakarta.
remote and disadvantaged populations, IIEF has built significant institutional experience
Since 1950’s, USAID and its predecessor agency have been working
and network working with various populations throughout Indonesia, including those who
with the Government and people of Indonesia to stimulate the
may be facing geographic, economic, gender, linguistic or ethnic barriers to participation
country’s economic development and meet the needs of its people.
in education.
Based on active partnerships with the host country government,
Currently, IIEF has been trusted by various government institutions, corporations,
local private and non-governmental organizations (NGOs),
foundations, education institutions, organizations of profession, and other sponsors, both
USAID/Indonesia mission identifies needs and establishes a strategy
from Indonesia and overseas, to develop and manage a wide range of programs which
for delivering assistance to the host country. The authority to design,
include in-country and overseas scholarship, short-term scholarship, travel grant for
procure and implement specific activities is largely delegated to the
professional development, internship, education partnership, and professional
mission, based on USAID/Washington’s approval of the country
certification administration.
strategy. USAID’s assistance is delivered through a variety of
For over thirty years, IIEF has been the Indonesian partner organization of the
contractors and grantees, including U.S. private businesses, U.S. and
Institute of International Education (IIE), a leading private not-for-profit institution in the
local non-governmental organizations (NGOs), private voluntary
international exchange of people and ideas, based in the United States with global
organizations and international agencies.
network in Asia, Pacific, Europe, Africa, and MENA (http://www.iie.org).
121