Stay Closer to ‘Sedulur Sikep’

at Sukolilo, Pati, Central Java

'Experiential Learning' became one of the teaching methods that Stube-HEMAT does when implementing programs. This method gives added value to students who participate in the program, because they can interact directly with the person and finding personal experiences that will give them impression and reflection.

This method was applied by Stube-HEMAT Yogyakarta in Human Rights program on December 2-4, 2016. The training was held at Hotel Cailendra Extension, Yogyakarta and it was continued with the activity of live-in with ‘Sedulur Sikep’ in Sukolilo, Pati, Central Java, which was attended by twenty three students from various campus in Yogyakarta.

Trustha Rembaka, coordinator of Stube-HEMAT Yogyakarta opened the event with a reflection that we must not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our mind, so that we can distinguish which God's will is, what is good, what is pleasing to God and perfect. This learning opportunity is a blessing of God, then, do our best, find out what is good, to develop themselves and to apply them for the common good. Furthermore, Trustha introduced Stube-HEMAT and described the activities that will be carried out, live-in with ‘Sedulur Sikep’ community.

Dr. Budiawan, a lecturer of Culture and Media Studies, Gadjah Mada University Graduate School described a brief history of Samin community, other terms for ‘Sedulur Sikep’. Pioneered by Samin Surosentiko who fought against Dutch Colonialism on tax levy, Samin community keep their uniquely non-violent opposition. This movement continued to grow and eventually the Dutch troops arrested Samin Surosentiko and exiled to Sawahlunto, West Sumatra. Nevertheless the Samin’s thought continues to be followed by the faithful community even until today. The term of Samin itself, is a term used by outsiders view, while the internal community name themselves as Sedulur Sikep.

On the next day, at 05.30 a.m, the participants departed from Yogyakarta to Sukolilo which need almost five hours by bus. Arriving at Sukolilo, the group directly went to Bombong village, the residence of Gunritno, Sedulur Sikep leader in Sukolilo. A friendly and warm welcome to our visit is the characteristic of the community.

Ariani Narwastujati, executive director of Stube-HEMAT expressed gratitude to Sedulur Sikep for the opportunity for the students to do activities and to know Sedulur Sikep community in Sukolilo. We want to learn values of life, simplicity, honesty, the system of local community life and passion for agriculture and environment.

Gunritno revealed that the Sedulur Sikep welcome the students and provide opportunity to learn together with them and the student can accept and adapt to the situation. He hoped that the learning process does not stop when the Live-in activity ended, but continued by follow-up done by the students. He talked about the principles as Sedulur Sikep, should live honestly (of thoughts, words, and actions), ora srei, drengki, tukar padu, dahpen kemeren, mbedog colong (Javanese).  These mean no envy, no jealousy, no squabble with other (even fighting), not cheating, not stealing, and always doing good and right deeds.

Sedulur Sikep respects life, respects Earth as a mother. Earth is mother earth who gave birth to life and gives adequacy of all time. Respect and care for the natural balance by ‘demunung’ (not greedy) is the key to surviving life. "If not, the nature will arrange their own balance," he explained.

Reforming the balance means 'genepe alam' (the completion of order of nature), through various forms of disasters. "Human is part of nature. It must therefore be ‘dandan-dandan’ (improving human attitudes), to avoid victims and the greater impact of that process," he explain further.

Many interesting stories experienced by the participants who stay at four different places of Sedulur Sikep families. First, at Mbak Siti’s house at Bombong, the participants found independence and role of a tough woman, able to work well in agricultural land, and did not hesitate to take part in constructing the house. In this house, the cooking fuel uses bio gas from cows' dunk owned by this family.

Second, in Mrs. Gunarti’s house at Bowong. Besides finding the passion of Sedulur Sikep community to work as a farmer merely, the participants also found the fact that the children in Sedulur Sikep did not go to formal school, but they are educated in the family and community about the attitude of living, such as honest, humble, not being arrogant, not being envious and not taking other’s property.

While at Mr Wargono’s house at Galiran, first participants faced trouble in communicating with Sedulur Sikep, because they commonly use Javanese language, however they finally were able to establish close relation. Female participants learned to use cloth, because Sedulur Sikep community has principle that trousers are men's wear. Participants found friendliness and close kinship during visiting other houses of Sedulur Sikep families at Galiran.

Finally, the participants who stayed at Mr. Wargono’s house at Kaliyoso told their thrilling travel experiences when the bus passed through dirt road among rice fields. Further, their experience when they revoked rice seedlings and planted them in a paddy field  which was really fertile and had abundant water.  What a natural gift that should be preserved its existence.

Two groups at Bombong and Bowong also visited Omah Kendeng, known as a place of learning and meeting for Sedulur Sikep in Sukolilo. That time there was a meeting of the various parties to discuss the struggle to keep the preservation of Kendeng hills against threat of destruction because of industry.

Kendeng hills became source of life for the surrounding community because the hills provide spring water, fertile land, and place to live various flora and fauna. So, it is reasonable to keep Kendeng hills for their environmental sustainability. Viva Kendeng for the sustainability! (TRU).