YOUTH CAMP FOR ASIA’S FUTURE 2012 REPORT
Written by Sausan Nafisah, Indonesian delegate-Mataram University
Becoming one out of eight Indonesian delegates for Youth camp For Asia’s future this year is truly a great advantage for me. I met lots of new friends through out Asia. Even some of them are coming from countries that I never heard of before, like Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan. As the delegate of Indonesia, it was a pleasure for me to see youth of Asia gathers in Korea, not just because of the Camp took place in the country that I dreamt to travel to but to experience Asia directly, to sense the difference and learn from it and to have a better understanding about Asia. As I expected earlier, the delegates sent to the Camp must have fallen for the host Country because of Hallyu and I was right. The topic about Hallyu eased my way in making friends with other delegates from other countries like Singapore, Korea, Malaysia, Laos, Philiphines and it was a good starting point that I and other delegates have in common.
It was Ramadan time during the camp. Even though it was kind of hard to accomplish but some delegates managed to fast for few days. For me personally, it was really special when other friends from different country and different belief respect us when we were fasting and praying and we even had time to talk about our religion. We shared opinion about hijab and some necessity in Islam not because we wanted to but other non-Muslim delegates always came and start up the conversation on the topic. It was also touching when we shared greeting to other Muslim from Pakistan, Malaysia, Brunei and Nepal. I still remember at Asian Food Festival day, when it came to Pakistan delegates turn to introduce their meals and they started with Islamic greeting and we, Indonesian delegates, replied it automatically and the next day we were close because they feel so respected.
When it comes to The Republic of Korea, it’s not just about Hallyu, the Korean wave, but the fact that Indonesia has its independent three years ahead The Republic of Korea is something that bothers me until today. Why? Because the rapid development Korea is not comparable with Indonesia and that remains a big question for me. I realized that at the time I write this, I am just an ordinary math student, a 22 years old girl with her thesis to be done before having a bigger access to the real world. But as a youth, the experience I had 15 days in Korea has opened my eyes and gave me a wider perspective, that I have the responsibility to learn why the development of the two countries is incomparable. I see the system applied in Korea was actually quite simple as I found not much trouble in making adjustment during my stay. But when it comes to determination of Korean citizen, I feel half of my question found its answer. I learn how Korean work to their very best in accomplishing their task, they work to the fullest, and they leave nothing behind. For example, every time we finish doing an activity they keep on reminding the delegates to leave no trash behind. Not just telling us but they start the action by carrying plastic bag and put all the waste inside. Every place that we visit almost has no problem with waste. Every place is nice and clean. When it comes to
meal, every time we finish eating, each person has to clean their own table by retuning the plate, spoon, chopsticks and rubbish to each of their own place. These are just a small example of self discipline, unlike Indonesians, Koreans teach us how a small thing carried with great dedication will turn out big. They also told us to say ‘Kamsahamnida’ (thank you) to the driver when we get off the bus, to the teacher at the end of the class, to the shop keeper when we get the item we bought or receive our change. Those things are beautiful, they show their respect to other people even though those are their job and those people get paid for it. It is actually the culture that starting to disappear back here in Indonesia. To respect others no matter what they are, by saying thank you. And I thank you for reading this, my experience of staying in Korea during Youth Camp for Asia’s Future 2012. Now I’m home.With all the knowledge and experience I got from the camp I wish to make some little changes for my small community back in college. I believe in the power of youth. And I believe in the power of change. From Korea, for Indonesia. Kamsahamnida ☺
