Like the sun hitting the earth the heat of the weather seeps into the bones. It's not out of the blue, because today's temperature exceeds thirty degrees Celsius. I went to Joglo Ngaji KPTI (Koperasi Property Today Indonesia) in Ngalalangan, Sardonoharjo, Ngaglik District, Sleman Warrant, and it felt like an inferno.
Last Friday, October 27, 2023, after getting off the motorcycle, I said hasta la vista to the online motorcycle taxi driver and quickly sought shelter.
In an age that is no longer young, I feel fortunate to have been selected as one of the participants in the Kelas Penggerak Gusdurian (Gusdurian Movement Class) along with thirty-nine others, even though I don't have a deep understanding of Gus Dur. In the other ways, previously I ain't a die-hard Gus Dur enthusiast.
Just about two o'clock in Western Indonesian Time, the first session of the first day of class began (the class is divided into multiple sessions over three days). The facilitators introduced a fresh cultural perspective, covering methods of self-introduction, boosting our spirits, and the importance of time appreciation.
In many communities in Yogyakarta, the term 'facilitator' is used to use as a substitute for teacher, mentor, or instructor.
Hamada Hafidzu, one of the facilitators, explained that the term 'facilitator' is used because participants come from various regions, occupational backgrounds, and diverse social statuses, and they don't come empty-handed.
Here, it's a platform for exchanging ideas, getting to know each other, understanding, listening, and showing affection across generations, cultures, educational backgrounds, and diverse faith backgrounds.
This makes it easier to build a new atmosphere with positive vibes, instead of sticking to old ways, including improving our determination together without any barriers to awkwardness.
"Before we become movers, we must first have the determination to move," said Luthfi Maulida, another class facilitator.