I was enthralled by an ant as I walked towards the kitchen, bringing along my empty plate and glass to be washed. I came to a halt, setting down my plate and glass in order to get a look at the ant more closely. The ant didn’t appear to be alone. Instead, he was rallying all of his “friends in the Lord” to help him complete the task. A delectable lunch was in front of them all. I was astounded at how these little organisms worked together to lift the cockroach. Despite the fact that the cockroach was heavy for them, they seemed to persevere in carrying it, and I felt a sense of togetherness among them.
The spirit of togetherness among the ants brings to mind Romo (Father) Ageng’s homily at the community Mass on Sunday following the commencement of the local process for the Synod of Bishops, which will be held in three stages over the next two years. Romo Ageng shared with us, scholastics in Kampung Ambon, where I am currently staying, the meaning of “synod” in his homily. He said that “synod” is not a new concept but an ancient word. It indicates the path along which the people of God walk together. It was Vatican II that brought back synodality by emphasising the nature and identity of the Church as People of God. When I reflect on what Romo Ageng had said, it is true that when God created humans, he created us as social beings. Scripture says, it is not good for humans to be alone. We are made for relationships, for communities. And when Christ came to save us, he came to save us in community. I am grateful that the formation here in Jakarta not only focuses on acquiring a range of viewpoints from philosophers, but also on developing a sense of “walking together” in the mission, as I am staying in this community of Kampung Ambon for my philosophy studies.
The news of the Indonesian squad winning the Thomas Cup for the first time in 19 years after defeating China 3-0 flooded the headlines the following day. I remember vividly that day, 17 October. It was such a great experience to watch alongside and support the team of Indonesia with my brothers in the community. The anxiety in watching the nail-biting 2020 Thomas Cup final was soon taken over by the overwhelming feeling of joy when Jonatan Christie jumped, raised his fist into the air, and screamed in delight at the end of his third game: “Indonesia is the champion!” My brothers in the community, who had their eyes glued to the screen for the awarding ceremony, laughed gleefully when I joked that the banana had finally demolished the Great Wall of China.
Why banana? It was because the Indonesian badminton players would grab and eat bananas during their short break. During the awarding ceremony, I congratulated my Indonesian brothers by saying, “Proficiat!” Instead of using the word “Selamat!”, the term “Proficiat” is a typical way of congratulating someone, particularly in Indonesian Jesuit communities. I once confused my Indonesian friends when I used the word, “Tahniah” (Malay for congratulations) at their First Vows. I noticed their perplexed expression. I hope that didn’t sound too Greek to them! Despite the fact that my beloved country Malaysia lost 0-3 against Indonesia in the quarter-finals, I felt a sense of togetherness watching the final game with my community here.
Besides watching the championship of the Thomas Cup together with my community, we would also spend Sunday mornings or Saturday evenings jogging in a place called the Velodrome. It is not far from where I am staying, and takes only around 10 minutes by bicycle. Jogging increases stamina and helps us to keep fit and healthy. Usually we would jog for about an hour. The coronavirus is still around, regardless of the declining trend of confirmed cases here in Jakarta, so all visitors to the Velodrome must present a vaccination card. Since the pandemic, I have observed an increase in the number of individuals exercising in the Velodrome on Sunday mornings. Covid-19 indeed encourages people to be more health-conscious.
Due to the declining Covid-19 cases in Jakarta, we had our first gathering of Kolese Hermanum (Kolman) at the Johar Baru Residence on 22 October to celebrate the birthday of Romo Michael Sastrapratedja. He is 78 years old this year. I am thankful that he taught me Philosophical Anthropology and Philosophy of Culture. I believe that other Malaysian Jesuits, like Michael Phung and Nalerin, as well as those who had their formation in Jakarta, were also taught by him. The four communities (Kampung Ambon, Wisma Dewanto, Puna, and Johar Baru) have not gathered together for about a year and a half due to the pandemic. The offline meeting with friends was indeed more enjoyable and less draining than online meetings. Besides celebrating Romo Sastrapratedja’s birthday, we also celebrated his decision to move to Emmaus Centre in Girisonta to pray for the Society of Jesus as his new mission.
Before dinner began, there was a short interview between Romo Sudiarja, the former rector of Kolman, and Romo Sastrapratedja. Asked why he didn’t feel attracted to beautiful Italian ladies during his studies in Italy, Romo Sastrapratedja answered with confidence: “They are pretty, but Jesus is the greatest!” His answer made all of us burst out laughing, overwhelmed with excitement and a sense of togetherness that night. I am curious as to what he will miss the most after moving to Girisonta. Food and drinks? People? Teaching at Driyarkara School of Philosophy? I have the feeling that togetherness in Jakarta is one of the many things he would miss here – togetherness as Jesuits.
Aaron Lee SJ is a Malaysian scholastic in his final year of philosophy studies in Driyarkara School of Philosophy in Jakarta, residing in Kampung Ambon Unit which is a part of the philosophy scholasticate of Kolese Hermanum (Kolman).