tells the story of how a young Japanese school girl benefits from going to an unconventional school after being expelled from another school. Mr. Mohammad Ridwan of that school described how their activities in the classroom in support of Japan were designed to help children “arouse their empathy with other people.”
employee in Japan working to establish a branch there. Mohammad Sabed Abdi Lawang of Dompet Dhuafa described how the employee’s presence was a “blessing in disguise”, as he was able to mobilise Indonesians in Japan to render assistance in temporary accommodations that housed displaced people.
In addition to activities in Indonesia, there were those who gave direct on-theground assistance in Japan. At the time of the earthquake, the Muslim charitable organisation Dompet Dhuafa had an
Rokhima Rostian was also there at the time, a lecturer at Universitas Gadjah Mada. She was in Sendai and experienced the enormity of the earthquake. Although evacuated, she soon returned to lend a hand along with some other Indonesians. “Besides helping people, we made Indonesian food every weekend and distributed it in the camps.” And with a view of helping Japanese children through this difficult period, “We played a lot of Indonesian games with them.” We found the stories that we collected to be compelling and heart-warming, and they said a great deal about the closeness that many Indonesians feel with Japan. While for some the bond was a result
4
Julian CH Lee is a lecturer at RMIT University where he teaches International Studies. He has published several books, including The Malaysian Way of Life and Thinking Through Malaysia. He writes a regular column for a Malaysian magazine, the B-Side.
"As Indonesia is familiar with the hardships caused by natural disasters, it was no surprise that one of the things that came through was a sense of solidarity with those in Japan in this respect." of having lived and made friends there, others shared a worldwide appreciation for Japan’s culture. Furthermore, as Indonesia is familiar with the hardships caused by natural disasters, it was no surprise that one of the things that came through was a sense of solidarity with those in Japan in this respect. As Reni Ekifitriati of the hoshiZora Foundation noted, “We need to
help them. Especially when there was the earthquake, because we’ve experienced that too.” To see some of the people described above telling their stories, including Muryadi Saputra who was interviewed in full cosplay attire, watch the short documentary on YouTube, For Japan: Our Sister.
1. Members of the Atsuki Tokusatsu Community in Jogjakarta collecting donations for “Jogja Care for Japan”. Picture courtesy of Atsuki Tokusatsu Community. 2. Muryadi Saputra in cosplayer attire. He is dressed as a Kamen Rider. Photograph taken by Tasha May. 3. A screen shot from the short film For Japan: Our Sister, by Mahatma Putra and Julian CH Lee. Available on YouTube. 4. The cover of Totto-chan, a Japanese book that has had great influence in the field of education. Image taken by Julian CH Lee.
issue 113 indonesia expat
7