A Warm Cup of Tea
I woke up early in the morning to prepare for school. We were fetched by our newly found friends (Haris and Alif) at the MESS. We arrived at SMA Negeri Baturraden just on time. Our friends from UMP drove swiftly to school as it is almost time. The ride was cold since the day is a bit gloomy, in fact I even thought it will rain but luckily it didn’t. After a cold morning ride and a scenic view along the road, a warm cup of tea soothe and revitalize our spirit. We were greeted by all the teachers in the teacher hall as well as the school head. They also ask us how are we doing and informed us what is the agenda for today. Few moments later, students from different university who are doing their classroom observation gathered at the teacher’s hall and greeted each and every faculty member. It is really in Javanese culture to observe such gestures and put high regard to teachers daily. I am amazed on how this type of tradition has been preserved up to this present day.
Apel Pagi
While sipping my cup of tea, I noticed that students outside the teacher’s room gathered in the open field and started to line-up. Ibu Cici asked me and Mass to go outside and observe what the students are doing. In the middle is one of the school department heads on a microphone reminding students and also give wisdom. Ibu Cici explained that this ceremony is called “Apel Pagi”. They are doing this every Friday in which all students are also wearing another uniform which is similar to all senior high school in Indonesia. At the back of the speaker are college students who were there to observe the ceremony. We then joined them on a line continue our observation.
Ready player one
Today, students must be happy since there is no class at all. They were just there to cheer for the players on every event. Other were playing drums which they also used to hype-up the players. We stayed first in a room together with other students from UMP and a state university on Purwokerto. We had some small talks with with Haris and Alif about mountain climbing as well as sharing experiences about trekking and Alif having a collection of vintage motorcycles. Few moments later, we were invited to play volleyball by other students. I was afraid with the invite although I want to try because I know I am not good in sports. I was getting a game face when a message arrived that Ms. Lutfi together with Dr. Amarin who is the coordinator of Mas and Pingpong from Thailand arrived and wanted to meet check the school. After meeting some faculties and touring the school, we went to a restaurant in Baturraden.
A Sumptuous Javanese Lunch
Ibu Lutfi and Ibu Cici took us all for a treat in a traditional Javanese restaurant located in the highlands where the weather is cold. We really enjoyed the exquisite and original Javanese dishes which is maybe peculiar to our taste but definitely delicious. Totally a “must try” dishes if ever you will go in Banyumas or specifically in Baturraden. We finished our meal with a Durian ice cream.
A symbolic evening
We went back to Baturraden with the help of our student buddy, Arel and Dede from UMP in the evening for the inauguration of Indonesia’s 74th Independence the following day. There were several students standing in the gate’s entrance showing our way to the hall where the ceremony to be conducted. We were ushered by ibu Cici to the room holding a yellow box full of happy stuffs. Inside the hall were students from different senior high school in Baturraden wearing white uniform. They sang their national anthem and there were some rituals done by the students, School head as well as the head of the district. The event was very solemn and full of emotion that it also got me emotional. I am so amazed on how the citizens in Indonesia value their independence. Independence day in Indonesia is a big thing for them and the ceremony I just witnessed is just a fraction of how the country commemorate their independence. I am honestly out of words to describe my experience this evening. I had some realizations and I think I have a mission to take my realizations to my country and to start it in my class. I cannot wait to see what’s next.
A picture during the inauguration and also after the inauguration together with our friendly student buddies ( from left to right) Mas Arel, Mba Liza, Mba Rainy, Mas Dede and some students in SMA N1 Baturraden.