Postgraduate Students Preparing for the New Normal

In the midst of the decline in covid-19 cases, governments in the world began to implement the new normal protocol, including the Indonesian Government. So what should we do in the new normal era?

Ahead of the implementation of the "new normal", I attended a discussion held by the Indonesian Postgraduate Student Association (HMPI, Himpunan Mahasiswa Pascasarjana Indonesia) which was attended by various national figures, former leaders/presidium and activists throughout Indonesia.

The event that was held at the zoom meeting (6/6) was attended by Spokesperson for the President of the Republic of Indonesia Fadjloer Rachman. Rachman, as a founder of Forum Mahasiswa Pascasarjana (Forum Wacana, old name of HMPI) said, "HMPI is the biological son of reform, whose movement is grounded in science." At the age of 22, he hopes that HMPI can continue to be faithful to science-based reform and democracy.

Fadjloer Rachman speech about the basic principle of HMPI

Advice session from Ali Mochtar Ngabalin 

Presidential expert staff member (KSP, Kantor Staf Presiden) Ali Mochtar Ngabalin has delivered "taushiyah kebangsaan" (advice for nationalism) for all participants. There are three things, Ali said, that our students must pay attention to, namely improving the quality of self, caring for the network, and improving language skills. "Those three things must be present in each of us so we can continue to learn and contribute to the nation," said Ali, who holds PhD from Universitas Negeri Jakarta.

This meeting also agreed to prepare the HMPI National Conference (Munas, Musyawarah Nasional) as best as possible by inviting the Indonesian President. In addition, HMPI will prepare history books related to the journey and contribution of the HMPI for the Indonesian people as biological children of Indonesian 98 reform.

I was appointed as coordinator for the writing of history books and HMPI contributions to Indonesia which will be launched at the National Conference. The plan was for the National Conference to be held in December 2019 but was delayed due to various factors. I am trusted by the President of HMPI Andi Fajar Asti as Chairman of the HMPI National Conference Streering Committee which is planned to be held on the UI campus in Depok (another option is in Balikpapan).

The event was hosted by Zahera Mega Utama and opened by HMPI Chairperson Andi Fajar Asti. Former presidents and presidium present included Marjani Sultan, Reni Marlinawati, Laode Wahab, M. Ridho Taqwa, and Mustadin Taggala. The Secretary General of HMPI who is also the Deputy Chair of the Republic of Indonesia's Republic of Indonesia H. Jazilul Fawaid closed the event by giving the message that HMPI can continue to contribute to the progress of the nation.

Participants at HMPI zoom meeting

At the age of 22, HMPI has carried out various activities such as discussions, workshops, hearings, sending press releases to the media, and actively giving opinions on various public issues in Indonesia. Also, HMPI formed Asosiasi Pemerintah Pesisir se-Indonesia (The Coastal Government Association of Indonesia, Aspeksindo) which was lead by Bupati Penajam Paser Utara H. Abdul Gafur Mas'ud.

So what should students prepare for in normal new times? First, preparation for college planning. They need to plan when completing their college work and also their education. Second, they must also remain active in giving fresh ideas to the government because the government needs input from various groups, especially from sholar. Third, keep abreast of health protocols that have been determined by the government to stay healthy, safe from covid-19 and can be productive in their respective fields.

YANUARDI SYUKUR, President of Rumah Produktif Indonesia, Assistant Professor at Department of Anthropology Universitas Khairun, Ternate and PhD candidate at Department of Antropologi UI.

George Floyd, Pandemic of Racism, and Trump's Response

Protests outside the White House over the killing of George Floyd by a police officer. PA Images (source: opendemocracy.net)

The death of a black man, George Floyd shows that racial problems still occur in the United States of America. "The pandemic of racism", according to lawyer for Floyd said, lead to Floyd's death and also adds to the long list of racism in the country.

Meanwhile, President Trump's response is considered insensitive to racism. Trump seems to be showing his power to confront demonstrators who have joined various property looters.

ABC News polling shows that 74% of Americans view George Floyd's death as an underlying racial injustice problem (5/6). When asked, "Do you approve or disapprove of the way Donald Trump is handling the response to the coronavirus (COVID-19)?" About 60% respondent says: disapproved. (see: https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/74-americans-view-george-floyds-death-underlying-racial/story?id=71074422)

Floyd's death and the protests show that there is unfinished in the American melting pot. Those who come from various backgrounds - White, Hispanic, Black, Asian, etc. - until now have had to deal with racism.

Brookings Institutions projects

According to William H. Frey, a senior follow at Metropolitan Policy Program, Brookings Intitution, The US will become ‘minority white’ in 2045. Sensus projects shows that youthful minorities are the engine of future growth (see: https://www.brookings.edu/blog/the-avenue/2018/03/14/the-us-will-become-minority-white-in-2045-census-projects/).

Another problem in America is about White Supremacy. White supremacy still exists in the body of the country. Since the beginning, racial differences have occurred a long time in America. Barack Obama's rise as president of the United States was a breath of fresh air for blacks, but when Trump came to power there seemed to be an "revenge" impression of Obama's black leadership and of course his party's orientation was different.

For me, President Trump should be brave to give a terrorist label for the White Supremacy who have using terror as a way to conduct their vision. He must be fairly about this matter. All terrorist attack should be designated as a terrorist.

George Floyd protest around the world (source: voa)

By the way, in discussions held by Radio SmartFM (6/6) regarding "Trump and the rise and the fall of racism", various speaker critisized Trump like a "very bad to overcome covid-19", "insensitive in the case of Floyd", etc. Trump should change his way to handle the problem (internal riots, South China sea disputes, etc.).

Until now, it seems that many people are not happy with Trump's response to the Floyd case. He even wanted to mobilize the national guard if the wave of protests continued. Some say, it's just a snapping like Trump used to do before.

To be sure, Trump is currently going to think how he can win the presidential election battle in 2020. His opponent, Joe Biden, is of course getting "fresh wind" (angin segar) in the midst of Trump's failure to solve the covid-19 problem which is currently the highest death rate in the world (more than 100 million people).

From Indonesia we hope that Trump can be wiser in his domestic affairs. The slogan "America first" or "Make America great again" should be an inspiration to care about creating justice in society. Inequality must be opposed in accordance with the mandate of the American constitution. But can Trump do it?

When I was in front of the white house walking from the National Museum of African-American in the area of National Mall, Washington, D.C (August 2019)

Trump seems to be very supportive of white supremacy, but on the other side of his foreign policy, for example in "religious freedom", he seems to embrace all. All who are victims of injustice are helped or supported by America. So, there is an impression that America supports appreciation and respect for human dignity but on the other hand there is an impression that it is a double standard of American politics.

In the eyes of Indonesian expert, Dewi Fortuna Anwar, America is currently in a "crisis in a crisis". Before the virus was finished, they had to be attacked again with Floyd's death which resulted in social unrest. Other countries seem to wait and see what happens. China certainly observes closely the event in the midst of a trade war with America.

Furthermore, Mr. Trump must pay attention to the American constitution and human rights. America is a big country, a world war winner, and a champion in democracy. America must be an example for others. America must be able to face this internal problem by adhering to the constitution and human values.

He must to win people's voice and act like the great person in American history. If  he doesn't act by the constitution then he will be known as a demagogue as an American professor, in a discussion at Zoom Meeting (5/6), said, "he is a talented demagogue!" And, if he wants to write a book, said Jack Shafer at Politico, "he could write the book on talking like a demagogue."

As a statesman, not a tyrant, the president should remind four critical qualities namely, a bedrock of principles, a moral compass, a vision, and the ability to build a consensus to achieve that vision. In this internal problem, Mr. Trump should have a long vision to build a democracy and prosperity not only for American but also for the global world.

Finally, this is the best time to do the right thing for American and global world. Just be a good leader as well as a good statesman, Mr. President.

YANUARDI SYUKUR, President of Rumah Produktif Indonesia, Assistant Professor at Department of Anthropology Universitas Khairun, Ternate and PhD candidate at Department of Antropologi UI.

The ability to adapt to change

Famous physicist, Stephen Hawking (1942-2018) once said, "Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change."

In a pandemic situation like now we need this type of intelligence, which is adapted intelligence.

Adaptable intelligence, namely personal and communal abilities to respond to crises by grounding in their ability to survive, exist, and get through the crisis.

Everyone needs that intelligence. Each of us must be able to adapt to ourselves and the changing environment without us knowing. The community must also be able to deal with these changes.

Who survives is the one who adapts. So, now we all have to adapt as best we can in order to become winners of a global pandemic that quite disturbs the existing order.

It could be that there is an old order that has changed, and that is a necessity. Our task will be how to take advantage of this crisis by staying healthy, strong, having a long vision, and collaborating for the sake of progress together.

One time, I attended a "Understanding Blockchain" discussion by a practitioner in Israel. He tells the story of the development of the world that leads to all-digital, including in how we treat money.

This topic is like "aura of mystery" and science-fiction about it. But, it is important for all of us, regardless of the field of work, to at least understand its basic structure, principles, and applications because blockchain will be part of our future. I am very agree.

In a pandemic like now, people are starting to be careful about printing money because of the concern that the corona virus will stick to the money. So, the trend of money transfer via online is a necessity.

Discussion about this also leads us to the idea of digital money. Right now we are already going there when we use go-jek, grab, and so on. In the future it looks like we will also go there.

So what should we do? One word, adaptation.

YANUARDI SYUKUR, President of Rumah Produktif Indonesia, Assistant Professor at Department of Anthropology Universitas Khairun, Ternate and PhD candidate at Department of Antropologi UI.

James Hoesterey's view of Indonesian Muslim

James Hoesterey is an American anthropologist and Indonesianist who focuses on research on Islam. His predecessors were many names such as Ben Anderson, Clifford Geertz and Robert Hefner. James is an associate professor at Emory University in Atlanta.

James's research focus is mainly related to the influence of Aa Gym on the issue of "anxiety and aspirations" of middle-class Muslims in Indonesia. James is very well versed in explaining the phenomenon of Aa Gym from the perspective of religious anthropology.

In the Nusantara Foundation discussion led by Imam Shamsi Ali, James said "gado-gado" (Indonesian-English) on many topics. He for example began with the statement that we must protest to injustice everywhere, in response to the death of a black man, George Floyd by a police officer in Minneapolis.

Injustice is caused by "badness in the heart", said James. If there is evil in one's heart then unity will not arise. This thinking is largely influenced by Aa Gym's "Qolbu Management" (manajemen qolbu) perspective, which focuses on the importance of maintaining a clean heart so that it can spread goodness to many people.

In James's eyes, Aa Gym is a televangelist who is "soothing, pleasant to hear, and easy to digest." What Aa Gym does is part of "public piety" for Indonesia.

In terms of phobia, James explained that it must be faced together, both phobias against the west or Islam. It takes a person who can be a bridge between western thought and the middle east. Here, Indonesians can play an important role, as Imam Shamsi Ali did.

Efforts to become a "middle way" have been carried out by Indonesian Muslim leaders, for example, seen from the vision of "Islam moderat" (moderate Islam by several activists and thinkers), "Islam Nusantara" (Nahdlatul Ulama), "Islam berkemajuan" (progressing Islam by Muhammadiyah), to "Islam wasathiyah" (Wasathiyyah Islam by MUI). Coupled with the word "Islamic smile" as opposed to a strict Islam. It is all part of an effort to show the face of Islam that is peaceful and gives mercy to all.

An important thing that must be possessed by Indonesian Muslims in order to become a global figure is to display the noble character of Islam. James said that before becoming an Apostle, the Prophet Muhammad was known as a noble person. That's what made him accepted by many people - although of course hated by some.

Indonesian scholars in the past were respected by many groups such as in Mecca. They were at the time mediating various quarrels of Islamic thought. Today Muslims need figures who can mediate the west and the middle east.

Another important thing is the matter of "religion as public diplomacy". The United States is aware of that, so various religious diplomacy is also carried out, as in the issue of religious freedom. Australia has also done the same thing, like through AIMEP since the 2002 Bali bombing. Although it is already good, the fact is that the budget provided by the state is still small in the religion-based diplomacy.

There was one other thing that the participants asked, namely about the presence of the Minang language gospel. Imam Shamsi Ali as the moderator explained that in the context of religious freedom indeed everyone is welcome to preach their religion, but the important thing is that every Muslim must strengthen his faith.

If the "Minang-speaking Injil" are forbidden, it could also have an impact on the prohibition of the "English-language Qur'an" in America. That becomes a dilemma. What happened in Minang, said Imam Shamsi, for example, if there is a ban, it will also affect New York.

YANUARDI SYUKUR, President of Rumah Produktif Indonesia, Assistant Professor at Department of Anthropology Universitas Khairun, Ternate and PhD candidate at Department of Antropologi UI.

Covid-19, Religion and Belief: A Brief Notes

Three days before the event, I got a broadcast from Dr. Dicky Sofjan, lecturer at UGM and the member of Asian Public Intellectual (API) about the Webinar held by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in partnership with several other institutions di Europe and the US. I immediately registered to get seat and learn a lot from the forum.

The Webinar was opened by Francesco d'Lillo, moderated by Prof. Brett Scharffs with three speakers from Asia, namely Dr. Jaclyn L. Neo (Singapore), Dr. Dicky Sofjan (Indonesia), and Prof. Faizan Mustafa (India).

What is covid-19 effect to the religious community? In general, the effect is on restrictions on worship in places of worship (mosque, church, sinagog, etc.), the rise of religious-based solidarity until the existence of religious phobia sentiments towards certain groups who think that they "fear God more than corona."

Initially, the Tabligh Jama'at group was highlighted due to their regional gatherings from various countries. In case of Gowa, South Sulawesi, for example, "Ijtima 'Asia" (Asian level meeting) was attended by many people and it was feared that covid-19 transmission would occur. In Malaysia, similar meetings also have an impact on covid-19 transmission.

The attitude of "more fear of God than corona" causes antipathy, even phobias in religion. Religion should be a solution for humans, especially since this type of virus is very new. Fear of God is clear in religion, but maintaining the health of a coronavirus is also an important part of religion.

In Indonesia, religious authorities such as the MUI have issued fatwas so that Muslims adhere to health protocols such as not praying in congregation at the mosque, praying 5 times at home, and Eid prayer as well as at their own homes. There is a new type of religiousity that leads to something different, said Dr. Dicky

Jaclyn told us about covid-19 in Singapore that showed the government's seriousness in dealing with the virus. After the covid-19 case emerged, they immediately restricted communal activities - including religious activities - and each community showed its concern for their respective communities.

Meanwhile, Faizan Mustafa talked about the Tabligh congregation that was active in his country and it was feared that it would have an impact on the new covid-19 cluster. The issue of "corona jihad" was also present at the beginning when the virus entered countries that were predominantly non-Islamic.

In India, the debate about "India is a country for Hindus" is still warm until now. This was opposed by mainly the Islamic community, which some time ago was quite hot and tense. Supposedly, in a globalized world like now, a nation-state that consists of various diversity is more important to maintain than to build a religious state.

Covid-19 has an impact on the way we interact, religion, and how we see and think about life. That there is more power than knowledge and technology, which is God. So, increasing faith-based immunity is very important to be healthy and strong in this global pandemic.

YANUARDI SYUKUR, President of Rumah Produktif Indonesia, Assistant Professor at Department of Anthropology Universitas Khairun, Ternate and PhD candidate at Department of Antropologi UI.

PS: Thanks to Dr. Dicky for the very nice info.

Memories in the Pittsburgh Incline

One night, after shalatul maghrib, my eyes look on the file of the American program I followed last year. I remember the days when I visited Pittsburgh, city of bridges.

While on the Pittsburgh incline, I saw the city from above as a whole; a spectacular panorama. Sturdy skyscrapers, bridges and the rivers. According to USA Today Weekend Magazine, the incline is one of the "10 most beautiful views in America."

At the time, over there I made the video "man jadda wajada", which means whoever is serious then surely he can. I remember, I used to hate English, but when I got rid of feeling lazy, ashamed, and hated, I finally got a "new world" that was previously unimaginable.

The experiences is like a "whole new world" lyrics of Aladdin 2019 movie:

A whole new world
A dazzling place I never knew

I was sitting alone in the Wyndham University of Pittsburgh room. Outside the glass, I see a tall building. A field unfolds before the eyes. Over there the building is the Cathedral of Learning, a tall building like the Harry Potter campus.

At the time, i ask to my soul, "how did I get to America?" When I lived on the edge of the Tobelo seaside, I never imagined I could go to America, except I only knew the names of some of the great figures like General McArthur, who was a hero in the Second World War.

In Pittsburgh I also remembered the late Professor Achmad Fedyani Saifuddin, my late supervisor at UI who was very humble and gave me his book- sent from Jakarta to Ternate. I was also given the opportunity to be a speaker at UI to speech a critical study for Professor Nils Bubandt's book from Denmark. I hope that at least there can be a good trail from him.

When I opened the Pittsburgh file I realized an important thing: "opportunities are always there for those who try." So, the biggest problem in life is not lack of opportunity, but lack of effort.

You must to remind that great opportunities don't come everyday. You must to recognize and seize them as best as you can.

You must try and try. If you don't try, you forfeit the opportunity.

If you try hard, then opportunities will slowly come near to you. But if you're lazy, opportunities also just stay in place.

In Pittsburgh I came to understand. That the secret of life lies in effort and hard work. So, keep your spirits up and work hard.

YANUARDI SYUKUR, President of Rumah Produktif Indonesia, Assistant Professor at Department of Anthropology Universitas Khairun, Ternate and PhD candidate at Department of Antropologi UI.

Photo: @Pittsburgh, 2019

Moving Forward in the Pandemic Situation

Life in a pandemic situation is not fun. However, like it or not, we have to live it, we have to enjoy it.

Complaining the situation is not wise at all. The best attitude to face this era is to accept this situation through some activities which is benefit for survival mode in difficult situation.

Since the beginning, God created humans with various advantages, both mind, physical, and soul. It's like a "package" that must be optimized in order to survive in a world that we don't know all of the matters. So many unknown, isn't?

Involving in knowledge sharing with friends is a solution to keep our habits like face to face interaction culture. We can use social media and various platforms to tell stories to friends, increase capacities, and make ourselves happy as homo socius.

What did I do during the pandemic?

I am happy to be a speaker at various forums. At least, there were dozens of activities that I did as a speaker such as writing workshop, motivation session, book review, until as a speaker for opening remarks with the Australian ambassador.

Somehow I often feel happy when sharing. It became my habit that has long been embedded--from my young period of age. There is a bad feeling if i don't share a couple of experiences with others. My happiness is there.

Also, in this pandemic i was built a new community namely Rumah Produktif Indonesia, "a house for indonesian to involve in productivity sphere", which in three months has carried out dozens of online activities. Discussions about the impact of George Floyd's death, for example, were also attended by a number of U.S. Embassy staff in Jakarta.

The members also look very enthusiastic. They showed a high enthusiasm to move forward, work together, and contribute to advancing Indonesia through their respective fields. I imagine in the next 50 or 100 years this "community of opportunity" can contribute so many positive impacts to the nation and the global world.

Living in a time of crisis is indeed not easy, but we must pass it with the strength of the soul, physical, and strategy.

Stay save and keep healthy. 
Keep productive and stay happy.
YANUARDI SYUKUR, President of Rumah Produktif Indonesia, Assistant Professor at Department of Anthropology Universitas Khairun, Ternate and PhD candidate at Department of Antropologi UI.


Photo: @Sydney, 2015