Description: Group photo of all participants and organizers of the Discussion and Book Launching activity held by Eco Bhinneka Muhammadiyah, on Sunday, November 24, 2024 in Pontianak, West Kalimantan. (Doc. @ecobhinneka.kalbar)
Pontianak –”Pesona Aksi Ramah Semesta Pontianak” event became a gathering for pioneers of tolerance and environmental awareness, especially young activists who practice the values of tolerance through real actions. The event took place in Pontianak, West Kalimantan on Sunday (November 24, 2024). It was divided into two sessions: the book launch and a discussion with various community members engaged in environmental activism, tolerance, teachers, religious leaders, and other invited guests.
Octavia Shinta Aryani, Regional Manager of Eco Bhinneka Muhammadiyah Pontianak – West Kalimantan, provided a brief overview of the event. “This is our year-end activity with the theme ‘Storytelling of Young Social Activists and Tolerance Pioneers Through Ramah Semesta Actions.’ Here, we invited community partners, driving teachers who have been with us for almost a year, and today we’re celebrating by launching books,” said Kak Shinta, her familiar nickname.
During the event, two books were launched. The first book is an anthology titled Menjaga Cinta, Merawat Semesta (Guarding Love, Nurturing the Universe). This book is a collection of inspiring stories about maintaining tolerance, ideas from the driving teachers of Pontianak. The launch of this book is expected to mark the beginning of celebrating the inspiring achievements of various communities, students, and teachers who have created works that promote the environment and tolerance. “This book is not just a collection of words, but a medium for delivering positive messages that embrace diversity and encourage people to act in protecting nature and respecting differences,” explained Shinta.
Description: The first book is an anthology titled Menjaga Cinta, Merawat Semesta (Guarding Love, Nurturing the Universe), and the second book is is a poetry collection, Menjaga Cinta, Merawat Semesta (Guarding Love, Nurturing the Universe), (Doc. @ecobhinneka.kalbar)
The second book is a poetry collection, Menjaga Cinta, Merawat Semesta (Guarding Love, Nurturing the Universe), which contains poems by 10th-grade students of SMA Bina Mulia Pontianak. “We will hand this book over to the school as tangible proof that they have students with unique cultural expressions,” she said. Shinta added that both books were also a gift for Muhammadiyah’s 112th anniversary in November 2024.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Muhammadiyah Regional Board in West Kalimantan, Pabali Musa, conveyed a message to the participants, emphasizing the importance of nurturing a spirit of togetherness and recognizing that we are all united in the mission of protecting the universe. “Eco Bhinneka Muhammadiyah has a spirit of strengthening brotherhood for all. To be friendly to the universe, and to bring benefits to everyone, the key is to make ‘Pancasila’ (the Indonesia national value) the meeting point for togetherness,” he said in his speech.
Description: In this activity, Eco Bhinneka Muhammadiyah handed over to the Chairman of the Muhammadiyah Regional Board of West Kalimantan two books that were launched as a gift for the 112th anniversary of Muhammadiyah.. (Doc. @ecobhinneka.kalbar)
He mentioned that being eco-friendly could be expressed in many ways. “Imagine a green and safe environment, which certainly gives hope to us all,” he continued. According to Pabali, becoming a pioneer in social tolerance activities is not easy. “First, one must be able to control oneself, build togetherness, and provide benefits for everyone. The challenges are indeed not easy, but with togetherness, it will be realized,” he added.
Titah Saputri, Regional Staff of Eco Bhinneka Muhammadiyah Pontianak – West Kalimantan, added that as part of the event, the winners of the Eco Bhinneka Muhammadiyah 2024 short reels and videos were announced as proof that positive messages can be conveyed in an interesting and innovative way. “Through digital creativity, real actions for tolerance and the environment can reach more people, opening their eyes and hearts to the importance of harmonious and sustainable living,” she explained. The event, she said, also gave participants the opportunity to share the impact of Eco Bhinneka Muhammadiyah on their communities. “We gave participants the chance to tell their impressions, initiatives they’ve carried out in their communities, and suggestions for us moving forward,” Titah added.
Description: Kennedy Brilliant, a representative from Bina Mulia High School, read a poem he wrote. (Doc. @ecobhinneka.kalbar)
Aswanto, an activist with the Indonesian Writers Forum (FIM), stated that Eco Bhinneka Muhammadiyah’s real actions should serve as a model for many other communities and movements. “Now I have initiative for practicing tolerance, sharing with neighbors, and focusing on preserving diversity became the writing themes in our writing community group,” he said. As a proofreader and editor, he hopes that Eco Bhinneka Muhammadiyah will expand its program’s beneficiaries.
Meanwhile, Heaven Erisa, a teacher at SMA Bina Mulia, was inspired to nurture diversity in society through real actions. “I am now taking the initiative to help students preserve local wisdom through poetry, and I am fortunate to be collaborating with Eco Bhinneka Muhammadiyah of West Kalimantan,” she said. She hopes that Eco Bhinneka Muhammadiyah will continue to create more inspiring activities for all community groups in the future.
Authors: Ageng Ma’mum Basuki & Dzikrina Farah Adiba
Editor: Titah Saputri
