Prioritizing Humanity

Reflection of Local Exposure to Lampung.     

By: Andraharis Pati Ndamung          

Stube HEMAT Yogyakarta is an institution that facilitates students to develop through training that is expected to be more qualified individuals. Here I learn a lot, broaden my insight and be sensitive to social phenomena that occur around me. In addition, Stube HEMAT Yogyakarta is focused on the students and helps them to understand how to utilize life efficiently, independently, analytically, and diligently to achieve future dreams. At Stube, I increase my knowledge and experience, improve my abilities and potencies, and finally join the exposure program to Lampung.

The Exposure to Lampung was an unforgettable experience and became one of stories in my life. I shared skills of cutting hair using scissors and electric clippers, including talking about barbershops and the economic prospect. Running barbershops can be an alternative job for income. Other activities include assisting in making videos and editing process.

I also learned Lampung through visits, such as to the Way Kambas National Park, a place for elephant conservation and even having interaction with elephants. I also practiced how to tap rubber sap in Mesuji. It turned out that tapping rubber was difficult because I entered a rubber garden where there were lots of mosquitoes and leeches and even snakes. I cannot find both elephants and rubber trees in my hometown in East Sumba.

For me, being a student is a golden period as a transition from youngster to adulthood and meeting social problems, confusion, and loss of identity. A student faces the choices that come and must be able to predict what will happen in the future. So, students need to be steady for the goal of being a student and be ready to face the outside world by wisely choosing a supportive environment and shaping themselves into someone who brings change. When the choice is in hand, which will come first, humanity or welfare? Wisely thinking, choosing humanity is more crucial, isn’t it? Most experiences I have ever found that, there are still many people who are oppressed and seek justice. I learn a lesson that 'be a pity to them' is not enough, but building-helping-sharing is a real form of raising human values instead.

From the Exposure to Lampung I learned a lot about humanity, a person with higher education is required not only to show dedication to work professionally, but also sensitivity to see the surrounding problems by opening his living space to pay attention and raise the dignity of other people's lives, as well as accepting and assisting young people to have opportunities for a better life.

I would like to thank Stube HEMAT Yogyakarta for providing the opportunity so I can learn about social and cultural life in Lampung as well as share my knowledge and experiences with young friends in Lampung.***