In early November, the therapists at a rehabilitation clinic in Bantul held a special gathering. It was attended clients and patients of the clinic, members of their families, and staff and volunteers with the Red Cross. The goal of the gathering was to inspire the spirit of suméléh, or acceptance of one’s condition with all of their heart and soul.
With some of the patients having been picked up from home by their therapists, more than 70 clients were able to participate in this luncheon. As most of the patients are typically at the clinic only for regularly scheduled appointments, being together gave many of them an opportunity to meet one another for the first time.
This kind of gathering, called syawalan, typically happens after the Eid-il-Fitr holiday. In this case, the gathering was hosted by two masters of ceremony who were themselves clients at the clinic. The day’s programme began with a speech by the coordinator of the clinic who, marking the essence of the Eid-il-Fitr tradition, asked for forgiveness for any mistakes of the past. Additionally, speeches were given by patients, followed by local music, comedy, and puppet performances that enlivened the atmosphere for all involved.
Pak Waluh, a local puppet master, entertained those in attendance with a truly humorous show. Using puppets made of leather, he sent a message of hope by encouraging clients to remain in good spirits even when faced with physical challenges like being wheelchair-bound.
“Perhaps I am healthy. But, by seeing all of you here, who are able to do a lot of things by yourselves, that makes me envy you and all of you encourage me to be a better person,” says Pak Waluh to his audience.
Tutur Priyanto, the clinic coordinator, shared his commitment that his therapists and the Indonesia Red Cross volunteers will always be there for their clients.
“We are never tired of helping them to improve. Our main jobs are assisting them to get better and to be independent as human beings. Their happy faces give us the energy we need to continue supporting them, but of course in a positive way without causing them to become fully dependent on us,” says Tutur.
The event ended with an exchange of gifts. At the beginning of the luncheon, all of the clients put unmarked gifts into a pile. At the end of the lunch, those gifts were distributed randomly, so no one knew what they would get or who it would be from. A girl received a bunch of snack foods, a gentleman received a nice mug, and one old man received a beautiful veil – this last gift inspired great laughter for all in attendance.
It seemed, as the gathering dispersed, that all those at the clinic had become like a big family. All in attendance seemed hopeful, and that is the spirit of suméléh – accepting their current condition joyfully, with all of their heart and soul.
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Tutur Priyanto, the clinic coordinator, welcomes the guests of the gathering. The goal of the gathering was to inspire the spirit of suméléh, or acceptance of one’s condition with all of their heart and soul. (p16846)
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| The gathering was held at the medical rehabilitaion clinic of the Indonesia Red Cross (PMI) in Bantul. With some of the patients having been picked up from home by their therapists, more than 70 clients were able to participate in this luncheon. (p16851) |
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| Pak Waluh, a local puppet master, entertained those in attendance with a truly humorous show. Using puppets made of leather, he sent a message of hope by encouraging clients to remain in good spirits even when faced with physical challenges like being wheelchair-bound. (p16849) |
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| The therapists team of the rehabilitation clinic in Bantul. These are ‘the heroes’ of the survivors who were handicapped by the devastating 27 May 2006 earthquake. (p16852) |
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| “We are never tired of helping them to improve. Our main jobs are assisting them to get better and to be independent as human beings. Their happy faces give us the energy we need to continue supporting them, but of course in a positive way without causing them to become fully dependent on us,” says Tutur. (p16853) |
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