Service in Silence, Yet Making an Impact
Updated: Jun 13
Writen by Setyo Budi Prakoso
A professional who is passion for multiple fields. He is part of the training team at Educo Training & Development Centre, where he contributes to the capacity development of university students and young professionals. He is a seasonal writer who enjoys journaling and writing articles, as well as poetry. With a bachelor’s degree in biology and experience in national research projects, he often finds his me-time exploring the scientific world. To learn more about his work, follow him on Instagram (yoyokkeselakcendol), Facebook (Setyo Budi Prakoso), and X (yhoxcendolz).
Honestly, I feel fortunate to have been given the opportunity by my colleague to share my thoughts about a webinar that was organized by the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) of Satya Wacana Christian University (SWCU), in collaboration with one of Indonesia’s NGOs, which is Wahana Visi Indonesia (WV Indonesia), that is part of the global fellowship of World Vision International.
“Why do I consider myself fortunate?” This was my honest reflection. The reason is that I am not very familiar with the NGO and only know a few organizations, such as Greenpeace and WWF (World Wildlife Fund). However, after attending this webinar, my perspective broadened, and I became convinced that the work carried out by WV Indonesia is truly remarkable.
I would like to elaborate on these thoughts through the title of my reflection: “Service in Silence Yet Making an Impact.” The word “silence” describes how Wahana Visi works without needing excessive publicity or self-promotion, focusing instead on directly addressing real problems. This may be one of the reasons why Wahana Visi has successfully operated in Indonesia for approximately two decades – a significant period that reflects consistency and commitment.
Throughout its years of service, the organization has created a substantial impact, particularly for children, who are the primary focus of its mission regardless of their political preferences, skin colors, ethnicities, educational backgrounds, beliefs, and religions. As an organization founded on Christian values, WV Indonesia strives to provide holistic well-being for children through its various programs and services at multiple levels through partnerships with diverse donors and partners.
Through the webinar titled “Building a Resilient Country Through Community Empowerment: Learning from the Work of Wahana Visi Indonesia,” I gained several insights into the organization’s practical contributions. In this reflection, I attempt to relate these insights to the current condition of the Indonesian Government has been facing, based on my observations and life experiences.
I was particularly impressed by WV Indonesia’s dedication as a Christian-based NGO that embraces a universal understanding of humanity. In its work, WV Indonesia is committed to helping children regardless of their ethnicity or religion. This humanitarian perspective, in my opinion, is something that should be embraced by all Indonesians, especially at a time when reports of religious intolerance, such as the disruption of worship activities, still occur. Religion should never become a barrier to helping others. As the late Gus Dur, the 4th President of Indonesia, once stated about religious pluralism that “when we sincerely help other people, no one asks about our religion”. Religion serves as a way of life and a moral framework that guides us in doing good.
Another important point is that all of WV Indonesia’s activities are carried out through careful planning and a structured process that includes: (i) assessment, (ii) planning, (iii) implementation and (iv) monitoring, evaluation, learning and reflection, and (v) transition. These stages are extensive, and I must admit that carrying them out requires significant dedication. This aspect leads me to reflect on certain government policies that sometimes appear to be introduced without adequate planning. In some cases, the absence of thorough preparation often results in programs or policies that feel premature and unsustainable. If initiatives are poorly prepared and short-lived, how can they create meaningful and lasting benefits for the people?
The final lesson I learned is that WV Indonesia’s work is fundamentally rooted in community development, focusing directly on the root causes of problems and seeking transformational change. When I compare this approach with certain government actions, I find that some interventions do not always address underlying root causes. For example, poverty is often approached primarily through financial assistance. However, the root problem may lie elsewhere. The government should also develop policies and programs that increase people’s long-term earning capacity, such as improving access to employment opportunities. Such an approach would be more holistic and would provide communities with greater stability and peace of mind through sustainable sources of income.
In conclusion, the work carried out by WV Indonesia helps fill gaps left by the Indonesian Government when it is unable to address certain issues effectively and collectively. Can the Indonesian Government adopt a similar approach to what WV Indonesia implements with their extensive action from the beginning to the end of their programs? I believe the Indonesian Government can do so when there are sufficient commitment and consistency in implementation. As the holder of the highest authority, the Indonesian Government should be well positioned to implement meaningful and tangible change.
By learning about the work of WV Indonesia, I can say that “May goodness endures for one generation to others.” I sincerely hope that WV Indonesia will continue its valuable work for many years to come, enabling more children to experience positive opportunities and blessings. As Paulo Coelho, a famous Brazilian Novelist, wrote in his novel titled The Alchemist saying that “And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” This is expressed by a king to the main actor about attraction and destiny.
I quote this in the hope that children who need support to fulfill their basic needs can continue to hope sincerely, and that the universe may answer them through the presence and work of WV Indonesia and other organizations who also have the same spirit for making life-changing transformation at the heart of Indonesia, which is community.
Please visit this YouTube link to know more about their learning session on community empowerment and this website page to understand more on life-changing work of WV Indonesia in this country and beyond!
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