connectWORLD SUBUD ASSOCIATION Second Edition 2017
SUBUD INDONESIA’S BASARA ZONING SUBUD 70TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL IN SPACES
Remembering the A Gathering Subud youth in Groups on 3 continents share 6 founding of our Subud 11 Like No Other 36 Europe get down to 38 their Subud center success Association business stories EDITORIAL WHAT IS THE WSA ? The WSA is the umbrella organization for the world wide Subud community, which includes 54 member countries. The WSA exists to support the practice and use of the latihan and the human actives that arise from it.” So responsibilities of the WSA chair MY DEAR SUBUD is to ensure that the aims and mission of the WSA SISTERS AND BROTHERS, and congress resolutions are carried out. He or she also represents Subud in the world and is aware of membership concerns. The deputy supports the overall mission. The executive team maintains the elcome to the second World Congress Organizing Team, but also a day-to-day work of the WSA and helps to organize edition of Connect time for us all to prepare the space inside to the congress. The WSA is assisted by an administra- tive team. magazine where you understand the content of this congress, to can find out what make it a truly special congress that will take WHAT IS THE WORLD SUBUD is happening in our Subud to the next step along the path. Now is COUNCIL ? SubudW world. In this issue there is a lot of news the time to give special attention to developing The World Subud Council is made up of: WSA chair, from our Subud youth who are becoming more the mechanisms which bring stability and chair of the executive team, the zone representa- and more involved in Subud activities. We hope continuity for the long term projects in Subud tives, the international helpers and the chairs/coordi- nators of our foundation, affiliates and wings. you enjoy. and allows us to follow the guidelines set by Bapak, our beloved founder, for the future Every Subud member is represented on the World Recently, three main events brought our generations. Subud Council by their national committee through Subud family together in three very different their zone representatives. parts of the world. We started in Poland As you will read in this issue of Connect, WSC works in coordination with the zone repre- with a European gathering of two Zones (3 our next generation is competent in its way of sentatives and working groups, where they exist. & 4). In Zone 4, more than 400 people came doing things and energetic and enthusiastic Discussions on issues of worldwide concern are pre- sented as resolutions and voted on at World Subud together and a new team of representatives about doing work for Subud. They are moved Council meetings. for the youth evolved and began their work of by the inner connection to each other through fundraising both for youth travel and for WSA the latihan and are willing to make the effort WSA TEAM support. to work harmoniously, solving any differences Elias Coragem Dumit, Chair, Brazil along the way. Lucia Bohm, Deputy Chair, Germany The second event was our gathering of the Ismanah Schulze-Vorberg, Executive Chair, Germany Americas in Cali. Again the energy of the Finally, a note on this magazine. We know it Anwar Ziesel, Executive Vice Chair, Germany Hilaria Dette, Treasurer, Germany young people and their representatives was has been some time since the first issue but Salamah D. LeClaire, Secretary, USA felt and we saw the presence of many youths we are working on making this a sustainable Elwyn Waugh, Accountant, Britain due to the efforts of their representatives, Arif project that will appear in your inboxes more WSA ‘CONNECT TEAM’ Rivero and Konrad Munos. The culminating regularly. If you have any comments please youth effort became evident with the send to our secretary Salamah at salamah. Peter Jenkins Salamah D. LeClaire wonderfully successful “Basara” camp in [email protected] with the subject: Connect Mardiyah Alexandra Miller Kalimantan. These gatherings have shown us comments. Suzanna Dayne how ready the next generation is to support Translators the activities of Subud and how important it is With love and respect, Paloma de la Vina for the older generation who knew Bapak to Arnaud Delune The WSA Team Dahman Bennani make sure that the path for the future of Subud Maridana Situmeang is prepared in a way that upholds the vision Marsiya Alla Belinskaya and mission that Bapak had for us all. Did you know Connect is available in Photography: Now, as time dictates, we are preparing for English, Indonesian, French and Spanish? Uttama Pranaya, Heriyanto Ridwan, Viktor If you know someone who would like to Boehm, Rashida Pope, M. Bachrun Bustillo, our World Congress in Freiburg, Germany next be on the mailing list please email us at M Mustafa Syafrudin, Bjorn Vaughn and many year! It is a very exciting time and a time when [email protected] with the subject: thanks to other members who contributed. Connect Mailing List and the language Thank you to all the documentation team and it is important for all of us not only to prepare you prefer. the organizing members of Basara and the the outer venues for a successful congress; Indonesian Congress and The 28th National Congress. work that is being done by our very capable
CONNECT WITH US ANYTIME AND IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE ADDED TO OUR DISTRIBUTION LIST EMAIL US AT : [email protected] CONTENTS CONNECT MAGAZINE MARCH 2017
“Bapak therefore considers CONTENTS it necessary in this Subud community of ours - especially as it is now spreading all over the world - to have some kind of magazine. This may contain members’ writings that need to be communicated, as well as news of the newly established groups or centers; also articles 06 11 36 by committee members and by Remembering the founding of A Gathering Like No Other Subud youth in europe get down helpers, to convey necessary our Subud Association information to those in distant places; and addresses, SUBUD IH NEWS SUBUD SPACES INDONESIA’S 70TH to facilitate the meeting ANNIVERSARY of members and of latihan Remembering the Buenos dias Groups on 3 continents facilities in various places.” 06 founding of our Subud 28 Costa Rica! 38 share their Subud Bapak and Ibu Siti Sumari in Coombe Springs, Association center success stories - Bapak Muhammad Subuh Sumohadiwidjojo, First Subud 1957. Courtesy WSA Archives World Congress, Coombe Springs, 18 August 1959 Code number of Recording:59 CSP 8 BASARA SPECIAL THE HISTORY OF AN ARTIST’S LIFE SUBUD PROJECT
A Gathering Like Harlinah longcroft Sculptor Lorraine 11 No Other 29 chronicles Subud’s past for 46 Arden’s ‘fast forward’ future generations
MUHAMMAD SUBUH ARCHIVES FUNDRAISING FOUNDATION MSF grants awarded in Carrying Out Bapak’s Working as one 26 5 countries 30 Plan for the Archives 48
ON THE COVER: ZONING IN EVENTS Subud youth start lifelong friendships at Basara. Subud youth in Europe Viva l’Italia! 36 get down to business 50
4 5 SUBUD INDONESIA’S 70’TH ANNIVERSARY CONNECT MAGAZINE MARCH 2017
SUBUD INDONESIA’S
“ Ibu Siti Rahayu asked that we all give thanks and pray according to our own faith as we have been blessed by Almighty God for the last 70 years since th the establishment of the Subud...
Anniversary
In 1947 Subud was officially registered traditional dances from around Indonesia in the Javanese city of Yogyakarta and a film on the history of Subud. in the newly independent Republic Iwan reminded all the members that it of Indonesia. Subud Indonesia was 10 years after the founding of Subud commemorated the event with an in Indonesia that Bapak’s receiving that evening of culture and remembrance of he would travel the world began with his the gift YM Bapak Muhammad Subuh trip to England in 1957. Sumohadiwidjojo has given to all Subud members. “From there Subud eventually spread to around 82 countries. From Bapak’s Bapak’s daughter, Ibu Siti Rahayu, passing in 1987 until today, Subud spoke a few words before cutting the continues to spread. This is because top of the traditional yellow rice mountain Bapak prepared everything for us before known as ‘tumpeng’. She asked that we he passed through talks, advice and all give thanks and pray according to guidelines,” said Iwan. our own faith as we have been blessed by Almighty God for the last 70 years “It is our duty in Subud Indonesia since the establishment of the Subud to continue to preserve what we have association and this is something we inherited and not change what Bapak should remember to be truly grateful for. has outlined for us,” he added. Subud Indonesia chair Iwan Syamsudin and WSA chair Elias Dumit spoke at the opening ceremony which included
6 7 SUBUD INDONESIA’S 70’TH ANNIVERSARY CONNECT MAGAZINE MARCH 2017
Subud Indonesia’s 28th national congress opened Although there were many activities at the venue, two days later. More than 900 Indonesian and over one some members also had the chance to slip away and hundred members from around the world gathered absorb local culture with trips to the Sultan’s palace, for the event which was opened by the Governor of Borobudur Temple and museums. Yogyakarta, Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X. “The whole experience was amazing, like a mini The following day, Ibu Siti Rahayu gave an hour long world congress with people from all over. We were talk followed by testing sessions for men and women. truly blessed to have Ibu Rahayu with us and to give us so much through her talk and testing, too” said Congress activities continued throughout the three- one member from the UK. day event and Iwan Syamsudin was tested in as chair for another term. Exhibition with the theme: ‘ Bapak is among us ‘
INDONESIAN -NATIONAL CONGRESS-
“The whole experience was amazing, like a mini world congress with people from all over. We were truly blessed to have Ibu The Governor of Yogyakarta officially Some 1,000 Subud members, opens the 28th national congress. including 100 from overseas Rahayu with us and to give us so much attended the event. through her talk and testing, too”...
The children from Rungan Sari performed a Dayak dance OFF TO SEMARANG
Several dozen Subud members had the opportunity to travel by Ibu Siti Rahayu was there to greet everyone which was a wonderful road to Bapak’s home in the city of Semarang where he worked and surprise for all the members. studied for many years. “Many members thanked her for her continued dedication and work Many of the visitors had not seen Bapak´s house. So they crossed the for Subud. For me it was a special day to be in Bapak´s house again. island of Java on busses traveling for several hours through bustling The last time I was there was in 1971 after the World Congress. I felt villages and rice fields and distant volcanoes and mountains. the latihan and the history of Subud so very much,” said Viktor.
It was in Semarang that Bapak would go through a series of spiritual After lunch, first the ladies and then the men did latihan in a lovely experiences that would eventually be called, simply, the latihan refurbished room. Full of thankfulness we walked back to the busses kejiwaan or spiritual training. and returned to Yogyakarta for the start of the Indonesian Congress. “I was deeply touched by the fact that I was in that place where Bapak received the latihan, the one miracle that unites us all. People Viktor Boehm contributed to this article of all different nationalities were present and shared a similar feeling,” said Viktor Boehm from Germany.
8 9 Subud Indonesia’s 70th Anniversary CONNECT MAGAZINE MARCH 2017
A Gathering Like No Other
Basara was a collaborative Subud endeavor but Indonesian youth were at the core helping to coordinate and developed the program. In the end, 150 young people from 19 countries traveled to Rungan Sari in Central Kalimantan to take part.
10 11 BASARA A GATHERING LIKE NO OTHER CONNECT MAGAZINE MARCH 2017
It was 36 years ago that Bapak first stepped foot in kalimantan and in 1998 the first house was built in rungan sari for Ibu Siti Rahayu.
t was 36 years ago that Bapak first all aspects of Subud in an integrated program. stepped foot in Kalimantan and in 1998 But Basara was more than that. It was a chance the first house was built in Rungan Sari for for Subud youth to experience the meaning of Ibu Siti Rahayu. Today an international Kalimantan. community of several dozen Bapak and party visit Central Kalimantan in 1980. It was time to begin. “We are grateful that although our young people live and work in this remote I generation hasn’t had the chance to meet Subud complex. Bapak in person, Almighty God has This was where some 150 enabled us to witness the spirit and young Subud members from reality of Bapak’s words accompanying “Bapak says that actually those of you who 19 countries arrived in late us in our journey,” said Tauhid Pandji, December for the unique Chair of the Basara Organizing were in Coombe Springs will remember ten-day event called Basara - Committee. which literally means ‘gathering’ that Bapak talked about Kalimantan then. Basara was designed by the Yes Quest in the local Dayak language. Team and supported by the four Wings, the Bapak came first to Coombe Springs in The seed for Basara began during the World Subud Association, Subud Youth and the World Congress in Mexico in 2014 and a year International Helpers. 1957. So it means that already from 23 later at the World Subud Council meeting in “The aim was to create a coherent experience Chile, the idea for Basara quickly became a years ago Bapak had this plan to develop where young people learned about Bapak’s reality. vision for Kalimantan, what has been achieved Kalimantan.” Initiated by Subud Youth, this was a totally so far, and how they might contribute to taking new kind of Subud event that brought together this forward,” said Peter Jenkins, YES Quest Bapak Muhammad Subuh Sumohadiwidjojo, Jakarta, 1981 [Provisional Translation. Code: 81 CDK 1]
12 13 BASARA A GATHERING LIKE NO OTHER CONNECT MAGAZINE MARCH 2017
WINGS TAKE FLIGHT
“After the experience in the ‘My Life’ workshop, there was a clear sense of how the wings work in our lives as all parts of ourselves...
Basara offered a chance for young people to explore the wings in depth and to discover how they can be a part of one or more of the four Subud wings which represent humanitarian work, culture, health and enterprises services, *SDIA, SICA, SIHA and SESI. The first of the three main workshops, ‘My Basara’ was an opportunity for participants to plan how to gain the maximum benefit for themselves and for Subud. The second, ‘My Subud’ was an opportunity to explore their relationship with Bapak, Subud and Kalimantan and to experience those parts of themselves “Visiting projects made it that correspond to each of the wings. The final much more clear for me workshop, ‘My Life’ allowed the young people to the work that can be done declare their goals and create a roadmap of first to help those who might steps to achieving them. not come from the same background as me...
14 15 BASARA A GATHERING LIKE NO OTHER CONNECT MAGAZINE MARCH 2017
The skies the limit for young people at the Basara work- shops.
Basara football fans had a chance to kick off the New Year Basara youth getting ‘crafty’ with with children from Borneo Football International Academy. kids from YUM.
In the afternoons, youth were invited * Borneo Football International to take part in wing workshops. SICA Academy which provides football held a variety of classes from art and training, health promotion, school sculpture, to the creation of a Basara support and basic English for youth and choir and sessions that focused children. on finding your true creativity and * Bina Cita Utama (BCU) which has developing understanding of one’s own grown into a thriving school of over 120 culture. SIHA offered massage classes students from first to twelfth grade. for students and operated the Basara first aid station. “Visiting projects made it much more clear for me the work that can be done During the Susila Dharma Wing Day, to help those who might not come from the Basara youth had the opportunity same background as me,” said one to see first hand five Subud social participant. projects. They include: The youth also had a chance to learn * Yayasan Usaha Mulia (YUM) which about the different Subud enterprises had developed a new training center as in Kalimantan during a morning of well as village home vegetable gardens, presentations and Q&As. There were a library and education, health and presentations of a number of well- community development projects. established and newer enterprises that * Yasasan Tambuhak Sinta (YTS) are growing in Kalimantan in a variety of which is now developing fish hatcheries fields from real estate and construction to supply local fish farmers. to environmental research, mining, tourism, film production and social * Yayasan Permakultur Kalimantan communication. (YPK) which supports community based sustainable agriculture. *SDIA- Susila Dharma International Association, SICA - Subud International Cultural Association, SIHA - Subud International Health Association and SESI – Subud Enterprise Services International
16 17 BASARA A GATHERING LIKE NO OTHER CONNECT MAGAZINE MARCH 2017
CELEBRATE! AND THE WINNERS ARE:
US$2,000 Basara was filled with celebrations from the opening ceremony to New Year’s Eve and a farewell event Robiyanto Sumohadiwidjojo and partners- Subud giving everyone an opportunity to experience IT Service & Congress Kalimantan culture and get to know one another. To serve Subud causes with IT services and Infrastructure, while growing as an open business The opening included a welcome from local dignitaries, enterprise with the goal of being an independent and WSA chair Elias Dumit and Subud Indonesia chair a self sufficient organization. Iwan Syamsudin followed by cultural performances, ENTERPRISING Pierce Vaughn & BPI - traditional music and a youth fashion show. A Kaliwood Media Training traditional Dayak ceremony welcomed everyone to To provide computers at BPI studios so that Central Kalimantan. The ceremony was meant to young local film makers can come and work on enable “our spirits to meet with the spirits of Central YOUTH developing filmmaking skills. Kalimantan”. It was as if we were “knocking on the door” of Central Kalimantan and asking for permission to enter. US$ 1,000 New Year’s eve featured DJ Guillaume Sanchez, local food and dancing by both young and old. The night Anwar Lowther – Just Fruit Clothing To help launch a new T-shirt label that will be sold was capped off by a fireworks display. A number of online. Basara youth also ventured up the nearby hill to watch the first sunrise of the year. Martha Kibti - Kibti furniture To send young people in Central Java to related SESI set Basara buzzing with an offer of US$ events. This is a loan and will be paid back to The closing ceremony was held inside the Muhammad support the World Congress performance show. Subuh Center and featured a night of music and 10,000 to help young Subud members launch dancing. SICA presented a range of vibrant live an idea or an enterprise. Benefactor and SESI Bachtiar Bustillo - Road Safety Awareness performances including Dayak World music band ‘Bella Coordinator Hadrian Fraval said that the purpose of Prompted by the reports on the number of fatalities Acoustic’, the Madden family band with Sebastien in the area of Rungan Sari due to non use of helmets Medina, YUM traditional dance group, Meera Shanker having awards was to inspire young people and to and safety rules from Chennai with Indian classical dance and the have them experience what comes back to you from Osanne Delcourt - World Congress BASARA Choir. what you do – from your effort and hard work. Performance Show To create a show that will be performed at the beginning of World Congress 2018. There were plenty of hugs, promises to meet again More than a dozen projects - from technical to and many thank yous to the organizing team, WSA, creative and innovative - were presented at an Rungan Sari residents who supported the program ‘Enterprise Showcase’ and many were rewarded. US$500 and to everyone who took part in this one of a kind “From little things big things can grow so here we experience. But although Basara ended it may be just Rhyana Blakeley – Children’s International Cook- the beginning – with many talking about making the award the little things and hope that you will grow book To start production of a children’s cookbook as youth gathering a regular event. them,” said Hadrian. a fundraising tool for the World Congress.
Rosalia Lonegran (Audrey) – Uplift Singing Funds for completion of locale in Tasmania Hadrian (far left) and team review the youth enterprises Agnes McKingley – Songwriting To complete coursework for Music Writing with social themes. Elias McKingley – Borneo Football Camp To pilot a project that brings groups of students from Jakarta to Rungan Sari for a two-week football camp. Guillaume Sanchez - Dance Around the Globe To promote the films he has produced on cultural dance
Catarina Graciana Mauretti and others – Subud Storytelling Cafe To gather and write up Subud stories from members in each area and present the project at a Storytelling Cafe at Congress 2018.
A Basara New Year complete with music, fireworks and dancing.
18 19 INSIDE WSA CONNECT MAGAZINE MARCH 2017
Basara was a family reunion for cousins Elias and Orissa
A journey down the river with WOW Borneo. For me, Basara really felt like a gift from God. It was an event that I really think had planted the seed of Subud, and Kalimantan, in a lot of youths. God willing, we may soon see the fruits of the work that everyone involved in Basara made, and the grace that was given to us during this incredible event. Elias, Australia.
“I want to help people now, I want to help my parents and I had no expectations, I learned not to have expectations of Subud my grandparents. A lot of people use Basara to get to know gatherings but I had two hidden gifts from Basara – one a different themselves and to connect… my parents gave me a good sense of type of relationship with myself, and the other solving a personal myself, now I can help others.” Orissa, New Zealand. issue.” Osanne from France
Welcoming the New Year atop ‘Bukit Batu’ Rungan Safari - on the way to a nearby swimming hole.
I wanted to explore Kalimantan and Basara youth experienced traditional Dayak dance experience what the place holds,” member Even more than what expected most satisfying from Spain. overwhelmed – connection to Bapak, friendships formed, adventure, connection to Indonesia, seeing nature and animals WOW, ” Member from Australia. Cycling through the forest organized by Rungan Sari residents.
We have decided to be opened when I go home. It’s been great and a true education in caring for others,” two young women from New Zealand and US.
20 21 BASARA A GATHERING LIKE NO OTHER CONNECT MAGAZINE MARCH 2017
BASARA IMPRESSIONS
Tauhid Pandji Peter Jenkins Chair Organizing Committee YES Quest Founder The main feeling from the start is that Basara Many seeds were sown during Basara that The Youth Team had a clear vision for It might not have developed exactly the would be something needed for the future, will likely yield harvest in various ways in Basara - young Subud members from around way we foresaw but looking at all the and at this moment, for the unity of Subud the future. One of them was a talk about the world would come together, learn about presentations, Basara has been a success, it Youth all over the world and for the sake of making Basara a regular event. Whatever it is, Kalimantan and Bapak’s vision for this place has been a great experience with a fantastic furthering Bapak’s vision of Kalimantan. hopefully the feeling of care and love for our and how they could make a contribution to outcome. The incentives were there in Subud organization will always be present in taking this forward. They would leave with a place and the participants responded to the Working together in harmony, with a feeling all of us who are prepared to take these seeds better idea of themselves and Subud and its challenges in their own way. That is what we of joy and love and brotherhood with many forward. wings, how they could help Subud and how wanted really to have them look deeper into Subud members, something which culminated Subud could help them. themselves and integrate their parts. during Basara, has been one of the biggest boons in organizing this event, and it has been like a reward in itself.
Guillaume Sanchez Rhyana Blakeley Quest Team YES Quest Team The youth seem to understand that Subud things with an open mindedness that is part I think that the Yes Quest workshops have When I look at this team I have a better is about Bapak and the elders and that the of being young. It has been motivating and helped to give content and structure to feeling about the future of Subud. I have latihan is the driving force in Subud. The inspiring to work with them. the whole gathering. For example, it felt hope now. It’s been a resurgence of my participants represent the youth …free to do to me that in the “My Subud” workshop feelings and it feels good. Part of the vision participants got to share and clarify their own of Basara was to show us Kalimantan and I understanding and experience of the wings. have been inspired by the residents’ support and all the amazing projects they are running here, really living the latihan.
Marlena Basser Sebastian Flynn YES Quest Coordinator SICA Chair We wanted to train up young people so that Each responding to what is important to them, The lasting impression I have of Basara is guide the team and steer them allowing them it, Yes Quest, has life beyond Peter and in their own feelings, like sports, activities the competence and sincerity of the younger to grow as a team. Marlene allowed them me and life beyond one or two Yes Quests like “My Basara”, other presentations… for Indonesian organizing team. We all felt they the space they needed but helped keep the every few years. We wanted young people others it’s about engaging in performing and could run a congress if you asked them to. team on track and supported them with daily to experience how to run workshops such as developing self confidence, others in forming I have learned a lot from them about good meetings. these in other gatherings. life-long bonds with young people from will, love and care. The Yes Quest helped to around the world or going on a boat trip and People each had their own particular way exploring Kalimantan. through which they felt connected to Basara.
22 23 CONNECT MAGAZINE MARCH 2017
Members of the Basara team, participants and supporters
Mashudi Sumohadiwidjojo Herry Apridyanto Kharisnantyo Adi Muhammad Budiyanto Registration coordinator Travel coordinator Gift shop coordinator Graphic design
The very moment I saw the crowd come to register, I felt Amid the heated state of the world situation, with greed, I always felt really light working at the gift shop. I never felt The most fun was to meet Subud youth from many so happy. Those coming would be able to see how great racism and religious intolerance, we could be in harmony a lack of energy and I never felt tired. The relationships I countries, a rare opportunity for me as I come from Kalimantan is, and they are my brothers and sisters in here. Through “Subud” and the “Latihan” there is proof that formed were really warm, kind, friendly, cooperative and Kalimantan. I was able to experience how cooperation with Subud. It’s just like one big family meeting again, but what’s we are all brothers without exception. full of joy. I never have felt this kind of bond in my regular other Subud youth really works and was able to form lasting funny is that even people I had never met before felt like field or work, in my career. It was definitely a growing relationships. family. Hengky Soesilo experience for me. Transportation Yudistira Tribudiman Amaliyah Lerrigo Video production Rungan Sari team Wuryanti Soesetyo I feel very blessed to have been involved in Basara. It has Venue and facilities been easy even with all the challenges because everyone is I’ve never been to any congresses, not even the national When the Subud Youth Indonesia chair and his team always smiling and ready to help. We worked very hard to ones. At Basara, I was blown by the potential that the whole arrived, we held a selamatan to mark this special event I truly feel blessed to have been a part of Basara as it make this a good experience for all participants. Subud community has. Ten days with the committee team and, as Bapak’s children, we asked for God’s guidance. touched me immensely. Throughout Basara, the hardest was more that 1 or 2 years with my best friends in Jakarta. This was the first time that the Indonesian Subud youth part I encountered was myself. The happiest part was Chandra Intan The amount of sincerity, integrity and love that everyone would handle such a big event. Many senior Subud contributing. The easiest part was being grateful and loving Food and accommodation has put it to make it happen was just mind blowing. members have worked long and hard for Subud and everyone’s presence. I have to add; the saddest part was Bapak. Soon, we will hand this work over to the youth. I George’s passing. My Basara family included not only the youth but also those must say they did a wonderful job convincing us, without who were behind the scenes like the kitchen and hotel intending to do so, to believe that, God willing, Subud’s crews. It wasn’t always easy looking after 150 people. But future is bright. I got a lot of help. I was adopted by many ‘mothers’ during Basara. So wonderful to collect more parents. They’re all amazing.
24 25 BASARA A GATHERING LIKE NO OTHER CONNECT MAGAZINE MARCH 2017
HUMAN FORCE JAKARTA GOES TO KALIMANTAN AND BEYOND
Spotting orangutans from the river, creek swimming, Dayak dancing, basket weaving and visiting local villages. Making new friends, feeling part of a family, having fun, eating delicious food. Oh, and of course a marvelous sense of achievement at the work we did. All of this and more was on the program of the sixth Human Force camp, held at Yayasan Permakultur Kalimantan (YPK) just before Basara. 14 volunteers, both local and international, came together to work Human Force, formerly a program of SDIA and now housed by with YPK to develop the Bina Cita Utama (BCU) school kitchen the World Subud Association, organizes and facilitates short but garden, learn about the challenges facing local communities intensive learning and working experiences for young Subud and the environment and take positive action. Feedback was members at different Susila Dharma projects around the world. overwhelmingly positive, both from our participants and from our hosts; and the organizers agreed it was ‘the best camp ever’. The focus of this 10-day camp was permaculture and culture, If you are interested in taking part in the next Human environment and community. The Yayasan Permakultur Kalimantan Force camp at YPK, please contact [email protected] Foundation (YPK) connects with local communities, helping their to register your interest and make sure you get updates! traditions come back to life and raising awareness of a more sustainable way of growing food, especially in communities that Solen Lees, SDIA Communications have been persuaded to sell their land to palm oil companies – which leads to environmental degradation on a massive scale.
Subud youth at Suka Mulia, Bapak’s final resting place. An Unexpected Passing
Subud Youth International coordinator from Canada, it so that people with disabilities could have a nice home to George Demers, left this world on January 7th in live in. Central Kalimantan – just a day after the Basara George was officially a Catholic but his passing was closing ceremony. His partner, Camille and Subud also marked by Muslim prayers and a Balinese-Hindu members were with him during his last moments. cremation. Before the ceremony, and with his children George was 65. who had just arrived from Canada, Subud members Participants left Kalimantan with a lifetime The next day the group travelled to Suka Mulia gathered in Rungan Sari hall to remember him. of memories but much more was in store. The located in the mountains near Cipanas. This is He was opened in British Colombia in the early Many spoke of the impression George had made on 1990s. He served as a helper, chair of Subud a number of youth and how he truly seemed to care group headed for Jakarta and an evening in where Bapak is buried. This final trip seemed to Canada, chair of the zonal meeting in Vancouver, and about them. While Camille spoke of her love for George Pamulang, a suburb of Jakarta where Ibu Siti bring the entire Basara experience full circle – helped spearhead the America’s Gatherings. and how blessed she felt to be surrounded by her Subud Rahayu and several members of her family live. beginning where Bapak’s vision for Kalimantan At the World Congress in Puebla he was tested in as brothers and sisters. International Youth Coordinator, a position he felt was “the best Just days before his passing he spoke about what Basara meant to This is also where Bapak spent his final days in began, an evening with his family and finally job in Subud.” him. this world. Ibu gave a short talk to the youth and Bapak’s resting place. latihan and dinner followed. “He truly loved this work, working with and for the youth. And the “Really first and foremost what Basara is about is a place and time youth ...both young and old youth... loved George,” said Camille. so that each individual can connect with their deeper inner self and His last enterprise was to buy an apartment building and renovate connect with God and their own development and to integrate and
26 27 OUR SUBUD WORLD CONNECT MAGAZINE MARCH 2017
MUHAMMAD SUBUH FOUNDATION
Now celebrating its 25th year, the Foundation has granted more than 1 Million USD to building new Subud houses and supporting existing structures.
The Muhammad Subuh Foundation (MSF) is happy to announce the following six recently approved grants bringing the total number of grants for 2016 to $74,251. The total amount of funds awarded in 2016, grants + loans, was USD $114,251. The Foundation has been very fortunate in receiving two large bequests in recent years, otherwise the total size of funds that were awarded in 2016 would not have been possible.
November 2016 Awards USD
Subud Italy 2,500 grant Yayasan Subud Indonesia 8,800 grant Subud Colombia/Cali 20,000 grant, 40,000 loan Subud Jaramuza (Orgiva) 2,650 grant Subud Amanecer local group 5,000 grant Subud Portugal/Lisbon 10,000 grant
May 2016 Awards
Kulon Progo, Indonesia 13,462 grant Popayan, Colombia 11,839 grant “The Foundation has been very fortunate in receiving two large Total grant & loan awards 114,251 bequests in recent years, otherwise the total size of funds that were awarded in 2016 would not have been possible. MSF does not fund raise in the traditional sense; this is left to WSA. However, each Subud member is asked to consider leaving a bequest in their trust or will as a testament to further the work of MSF. Now celebrating its 25th year, the Foundation has granted more than 1 Million USD to building new Subud houses and supporting existing structures. Also, equal support has gone to charitable work.
28 29 It was 36 years ago that Bapak first stepped foot in Kalimantan and in 1998 the first house was built in Rungan Sari for Ibu Siti Rahayu.
IH News THE HISTORY OF SUBUD PROJECT CONNECT MAGAZINE MARCH 2017
BUENOS DIAS THE HISTORY OF COSTA RICA SUBUD PROJECT
The IH’s were treated to a Even though Costa Rica is small in ..It can be said that what Harlinah is working on really relates to visit to a local membership they expressed the same volcano. concerns that we have experienced the kejiwaan – the spread of Subud as a kejiwaan organization…. throughout Area 3, the helpers reported. Bapak is not sure Harlinah’s book will be so interesting to people “Members loved the latihan and outside Subud…Harlinah’s book is a large and long project”. ( were dedicated to Subud but issues of harmony, latihan seeming to stay the same, very few applicants and new members not continuing with the latihan this interview Bapak told Harlinah published in the History of Subud after being opened were the same to write the history of Subud series. Harlinah is working on the concerns other groups have expressed,” without a committee to help her, third. The books she writes belong said Myriam. and he explained how it should to WSA, who cover her costs, but, Area 3 International Helpers, Myriam The IHs were able to share their be written. It was to contain no at her own request, she receives Ramsey and Hoan Toan Phan, visited experiences visiting other groups and read theory, be based on documented no salary or honoraria for writing Costa Rica in Central America this year. quotes from Bapak or Ibu that addressed accounts, and contain latihan these books, nor does she receive The group began in the late 1970s and some of their concerns. People felt very experiences only if these had a royalties. now has 15 members. happy to be able to share and this made result in this world. To end this summary of the clear what we needed to concentrate on The group met for breakfast at the In 1983 very little archival material History project, here is what Bapak during Sunday’s helpers meeting. Subud House then sat together and had been collected. The existing said to the S.B.I.F Trustees at a members shared their concerns and their “Our first meeting was a bit international archives held Bapak’s meeting in his house on July 7 hopes for the visit. confrontational but after the first men During a talk given by Bapak writings and transcribed talks, as 1984. Bapak is comparing the helper testing session, the feeling of each in Cilandak in 1979, he called well as some photographs and not History of Subud with another book It had been many years since the one of us, including those with very strong Harlinah (Longcroft) to test in much else. For the first ten years proposed at that time. International Helpers had visited and opinions, began to open up and eventually front of him. Bapak then told her of this project Harlinah collected they were feeling cut off from the rest of …”the history of Subud which dissolve into some tears, laughter and she should be an historian. The documents and interviewed older Subud. They felt they needed help since Harlinah Longcroft is working on. hugs,” said Hamid. following day he said she should Subud members, travelling around Subud was not growing in Costa Rica. It can be said that what Harlinah write history. the world six or seven times in “I am reminded of what Bapak said is working on really relates to the “Sometimes help (or helpers) comes order to do this. These documents about the Power of God changing things In early 1983, Bapak asked kejiwaan – the spread of Subud as just when it is needed – and I believe this and interviews now form the that cannot be changed,” he said. why no one had started to write a kejiwaan organization….Bapak was the case for our group in Costa Rica. History of Subud Collection in the Myriam and Hoan Toan said that they the history of Subud. Between is not sure Harlinah’s book will be Although we have been trying to arrange WSA Archives. The five hundred were all feeling close to each other and 1979 and 1983, when talking to so interesting to people outside a visit for the last two years, it seems or more hours of interviews are feeling grateful to God for the latihan and members of his family, Bapak Subud…Harlinah’s book is a large that this was the time when we would be currently being digitized as and sincerity of the Subud members in Costa had referred to Harlinah writing and long project”. (Loving Your the most receptive,” said Hamid Kaber, when money becomes available to Rica. the history of Subud on several Fellow Man, page 114). Helper, Subud Costa Rica. do this professionally. occasions, so Harlinah now asked Myriam, Hoan Toan and Hamid Harlinah Longcroft, The IHs noted that there were concerns contributed to this article for an interview with Bapak. During To date two books have been Canberra with attendance at latihan and the harmony of the helpers and members.
30 31 OUR SUBUD WORLD CONNECT MAGAZINE MARCH 2017
The Subud archives started in 1960 when for the entire brotherhood. But perhaps Bapak formed the International Sekretariat this will come to pass after Tjilandak4 and at Wisma Subud. Bapak saw to it that all then we hope that the archives will burst of his talks and correspondence with the at the seams.” Richard goes on to say: “In membership, and all of our reports to him, Tokyo it was decided, with the permission both organizational and kejiwaan, were of Bapak, to prepare Subud Archives for collected.2 The Cilandak international present and future generations.” archives also contain Ibu Rahayu’s papers, The Tokyo World Congress was in talks, and correspondence with the 1967, that was 50 years ago and we are membership. still talking about and wrestling with the One of the earliest written records we problems of collecting and preserving have about the archives is from Richard our Subud archives. We have not Engels3 in a report to the 1971 World found the proceedings from the Tokyo Congress in Indonesia: “We sit on the World Congress where the archives International Archives and wait and wait were discussed. We do, however, have and wait, and see the cob-webs growing . photographs taken by Rachman Cantrell5 . . and nothing happens! It’s unbelievably at the Tokyo World Congress showing BAPAK’S PLAN FOR difficult to lure the brothers and sisters Bapak sitting in front of a blackboard of into generously making available from the agenda where Archives (Tapes, etc.) is their personal treasures, items which are clearly written. THE ARCHIVES of general importantce [sic] and interest
The International Helpers are testing with Subud groups about the importance of the archives and what it means for our future. Some of the receiving indicates that the archives make Subud stronger and will help guarantee that the Subud we all know and love will be available for future generations. Ibu Rahayu has talked about the archives in the past couple of years in some of her talks. Here is an excerpt from one:
“So, it seems that people are being led to have more understanding about the soul. That is why I have explained that the archives are the source for Subud. They should be preserved for all time, because as long as we have the archives and they are profes- sionally managed, Subud will not lose its source.” 1
3rd World Congress – Bapak and Usman with Congress agenda on blackboard. Photo: Rachman Cantrell, 1967.
1. Ibu Rahayu’s Explanations during Wisma Subud Heritage Protection Project Meeting, Cilandak, 30 July 2013, recording 13 CDK 2. 2. Some parts of the original collection were lost through insect and water damage and some documents were loaned and not returned. This large collection was organized and preserved in 1988-1993 with funds from the International Archives Fundraising Team and is still functioning today. 3. Richard Engels was responsible for the archives from 1963-1971 as vice chair, along with Varindra Vittachi, of the newly created SIS (Subud International Services) and then as deputy chair of ISC (International Subud Committee). He was instrumental in recognizing how important the archives were to the organization and to its future. 4. Tjilandak is an older spelling for Cilandak and the site of the 4th Subud World Congress. 5. Longtime Subud member in Subud Pacific Northwest at Greater Seattle, USA, who has photo documented most World Congresses, Subud USA National Congresses and Gatherings and shared his photographs with the WSA Archives.
32 33 OUR SUBUD WORLD CONNECT MAGAZINE MARCH 2017
At the 1971 World Congress, By 1977, Bapak replied to a letter from recommendations were made about Mary Thomson, an English member preserving the archives.6 Other reports were in charge of the archives in the United submitted to the 1975 World Congress Kingdom, who asked Bapak about the in Wolfsburg with recommendations and need for other archives to be established proposals.7 In 1976, Bapak sent a message besides the one at Wisma Subud. Sharif to Varindra Vittachi, the Dewan of Helpers, Horthy said in reply: “I conveyed to Bapak the International Subud Committee, and your question regarding the desirability of all Subud National Committees throughout a second location for duplicate archives. the world. This letter lists the nine duties Bapak replied that it was indeed necessary and responsibilities of the International to make copies of the most important Subud Committee (ISC) and an additional material, but Bapak also felt that two four duties of the Dewan of International copies were not enough. Bapak suggested Helpers. 8 Duty number 6 says: “to that the most important material should arrange for the preservation of archives be duplicated three times and stored and historical material relating to the respectively in Japan (Tokyo), Australia development of the Spiritual Brotherhood of (Sydney), and California (Los Angeles) in Subud.” Many of the other responsibilities addition to the present archives which are that Bapak listed in his 1976 message with you and Vincent [Faisal Sillem] and can relate to archives work. For instance, remain in Europe.” 9 From the WSA archives photo of Number 1 on Bapak’s list was to keep In a report from the 6th World Wisma Subud, site of the 1971 records of the Subud membership. Number Subud World Congress. Congress in 1979 in Toronto, Canada, the 3 was to request and receive reports from Communications Working Party (including all national branches at least once every Archives) chaired by Latip Hutchings, three months. Number 5 was to look after recommended that all Bapak’s printed the publication of Bapak’s talks. talks and letters be put onto microfilm for preservation.
“I conveyed to Bapak your question regarding the desirability of a second location for duplicate archives. Bapak replied that it was indeed necessary to make copies of the most important material, but Bapak also felt that two copies were not enough...
6. 4th World Congress, Working Party Report and Recommendations of Committee on International Subud Archives by Rainier Gebers. 7. ISC Subcommittee Archives Report to 5th World Congress by co-chairmen Rashid Ball and Austen Hamilton giving the recommendations made at the 4th World Congress with the 5th World Congress updates. 8. This was Bapak’s reply to reports that had reached him from ISC. It was intended to be an announcement for all; addressed to Varindra Vittachi, Bapak’s letter Dewan of Helpers, ISC Chair, and all Subud National Committees throughout the world, dated 16 November 1976. outlining duties and 9. Letter to Mary Thomson is in the Faisal Sillem collection in Achel, Belgium. Copies are in other WSA Archives. responsibilities of International Subud Committee, 1976.
34 35 OUR SUBUD WORLD CONNECT MAGAZINE MARCH 2017
At the 8th World Congress in 1989 in At the 14th World Congress in Puebla, We have wonderful collections of We are also interested in accounts about Sydney, Australia, a resolution was passed Mexico, a resolution was passed to develop documents, recordings, videos, films, how the latihan kejiwaan influenced the stating that the five places where the Subud a plan to stabilize the archives.13 Recently, photographs, books, and newsletters, many everyday lives of our members and changed Archives International are located were with the guidance of the current WSA in electronic format, in our five international our Subud groups –all of this is part of our responsible for the storage and preservation Executive team (formerly known as ISC), the archives, now called the WSA Archives. We spiritual growth and history. of these archives. Resolutions resulted in International Helpers, and the World Subud have just started to catalog this material The job of organizing the archives that making preservation microfilm of Bapak’s Council, the general interest in making the in a Subud database called AtoM (Access we already have and collecting archive archives and storing them in secure and archives function better has increased. to Memory), an open source application material to document our history takes climate controlled environments in the developed for UNESCO and other NGOs. The WSA Executive team invited four love and dedication. There is still a lot of four international archive centers outside international helpers and the international We are finding that there are gaps in our collecting, preserving, and cataloging that Indonesia as a back-up in case anything archivists to meet with them in Wolfsburg in history when very little was collected. Some needs to be done. When members have should happen to the originals. Needless to May 2015. An Archives Dewan was formed; of our history is lost and cannot be retrieved. important documents about the history and say, it has often been a struggle for the five it strives to create for the 2018 World However, this can be somewhat remedied development of Subud, they often don’t designated international archive centers to Congress an Archives charter and define if we can get the word out while some of know what to do with them or where to send come up with the funds to store this material the working relationship within the WSA our early Subud pioneers are still with us. them. You can help in our effort by writing to safely, let alone find archivists to collect and Executive, a procedures manual, a plan for These are people who have held offices on the WSA Archivist in your area and tell them process material in these collections. One more financial stability as well as a database committees, were international, national, what archival material you have to donate. of the foremost tasks of the archives is to of what is in the WSA Archives. All of this regional, and local helpers, who were zonal Before sending material to the archives, preserve and collect the recorded talks of in addition to completing the work of the committee and kejiwaan councillors, or contact the archivist in your area of the Bapak and Ibu Rahayu for future generations Legacy Project to digitize Bapak’s talks. those who worked on enterprises, set up world to discuss the appropriateness of the in their true and original form as a proof of social and cultural projects, and organized material, the best way to send it, and which authenticity for future generations and also Yes, we are slowly making progress and youth groups. Some of these people have archive to send it to. to collect, preserve, and provide access to we should celebrate this and look forward to remarkable stories to tell. the history and development of Subud in the archive reports at the next World Congress world. in 2018.
Here are the names and contact information for the five WSA Archivists:
“At the 14th World Congress in Puebla, Mexico, a resolution was passed to develop Amalijah Thompson, Australia [email protected] a plan to stabilize the archives.13 Recently, with the guidance of the current WSA Farlan Williams, Indonesia [email protected] Executive team (formerly known as ISC), the International Helpers, and the World Subud Ichiro Nakamura, Japan [email protected] Solihin Garrard, England [email protected] Council, the general interest in making the archives function better has increased. Daniela Moneta, North & South America [email protected]
If you would like to work, volunteer, or learn how to be an archivist locally, nationally, or internationally, please contact your nearest archives for information. To donate funds to carry on the work of the WSA Archives, go to the following link: http://tinyurl.com/DonateToArchives
10. 6th Subud World Congress Communications Working Party, a six page report on publications, printed translations, archives, and tapes. 11. Silver halide microfilm is estimated to last 500 years if stored in the proper environment. 12. Official Report of the 8th Subud World Congress, Sydney, Australia, January 16-30, 1989. Archive resolutions are on page 60-62. Resolutions for Bapak’s archives in Indonesia included appropriate, environmentally controlled safe housing, preserving, sorting and indexing. It was resolved to start Written by Daniela Moneta, WSA Archivist, Area III: Zones 7, 8, and 9. Daniela is a professional publishing Bapak’s talks in a series of volumes, and resolved the ownership of the copyright of Bapak’s spoken and written word is vested in WSA. archivist and long-time Subud member living in Phoenix, Arizona, where the Area III Archives are Congress also recognized that national archives would be part of the international archive system. stored and processed. Many thanks to Osanna Waclik, Archivist for Subud Austria, for her careful 13. For a summary of the 14th Subud World Congress proposals and recommendations, go to http://www.subudworldnews.com/wsa/report/1_ editing of this article. Summary.Props.Res-VotedPassed.ENG.pdf, page 5 and 6.
36 37 ZONING IN CONNECT MAGAZINE MARCH 2017
Zone 3 & 4 Youth Team ZONING “We draw on our talents and the chemistry that In Poland, during the Zone 3 and 4 meeting, the happens with several people coming together. It’s youth decided that to be more effective it would be more collaborative if there is a team of people doing better to have a team of representatives rather than what they volunteered to do,” she added. just one person handle the whole area. The idea Since then the team has mainly worked on being that each team member would use their own three items: fundraising for Basara, a newsletter particular strengths to accomplish the tasks that lay and the team structure (treasurer, fundraising, before them. communications etc). The team is delighted to report “We wanted to alleviate the pressure of having only that they have helped over 10 young people to travel one or two people for the whole area,” said Rosella to Kalimantan. The new youth newsletter came out Vaughn, Youth Representative. this November, and it has been very well received.
Subud youth in Europe get down to business
Youthful Perspectives
Many young Subud members Many of the young people also While at the WSC meeting, Zone are wanting to get more involved in see a real need for older and 3 representative, Matthew Weiss Subud and have their voices heard. younger members to come together reported on how well the youth “We draw on our talents and the chemistry that Representative Rodrigo Rogers and for young people to take on team functions, how efficient they says there is a recurring theme more responsibility within the are. He said while we the older happens with several people coming together. among many young people and Subud organization. folks are debating how something that is a need to be able to express should be done, and even whether “In the World Congress I see that It’s more collaborative if there is a team of themselves within Subud. or not it should be done, they have the youth need to be allowed to do successfully done it! people doing what they volunteered to do... “It is important to the youth to more. If we are serious about and have an open space. Just like in want Subud to be in the world, then any other situation there are some we have to adapt to the times and Latimah Leguizamo Bustillo of youth who are “more mature” than to the circumstances we live in. If Norway contributed to this article. others so it is important to create we want to evolve we need to make space for all levels of maturity. younger members in positions People will reach out as long as sooner and be less dogmatic, there is a space that is created,” facilitate the latihan and adapt to said Rodrigo. the times,” said Rosella.
38 39 SUBUD SPACES CONNECT MAGAZINE MARCH 2017
Subud California – A Tale of Two ‘Centerprises’
It is the dream of many Subud groups to own their own latihan hall but finding the funds to buy and more importantly maintain these Subud premises is not always easy. Two groups in Subud California have come up with solutions Spaces that work.
Los Angeles
his is a success story about a Subud group that has seen four “ Then wherever there is Subud, at the major changes over the past two years. It is a centerprise, very least there will certainly be a latihan if Tyou will, that uses an entrepreneurial hall or a place for latihan, and a place to approach. Two years ago, Subud Los Angeles was accommodate the members who come struggling to pay its expenses and the maintenance of its landmark building. In to visit that locality. This is what Bapak fact, most months Subud LA was losing money. We were renting the ground floor, pictures, what Bapak envisions, that in all primarily to Alcoholics Anonymous groups. As there are no enterprises in the group, these things you will be satisfied, because in most of our financial burden fell upon our all these things there will be a sufficiency.” membership. Paint was peeling away from the outside walls of our building. The windows showed serious rusting. Whenever it rained, the roof Bapak Muhammad Subuh Sumohadiwidjojo, Toyko, Japan April 11, 1972 Code Number : 72 TYO 2 leaked profusely. But we are situated in one of the most desirable locations in the city, opposite the La Brea Tar Pits and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), which are among the destinations that create “Museum Row” on the Miracle Mile. It is a prestigious location, but there was nothing on our building to identify it as a local Subud center.
40 41 SUBUD SPACES CONNECT MAGAZINE MARCH 2017
Then Luqman Katz was elected chair. Having said that, successfully finding In about 20 years of this approach, the He and a small committee continued the a good tenant, leveraging the revenue group has had only two renters, the current search begun by the previous committee, from that tenant, and generating renewed one having been here now over two years. to find a tenant for our ground floor. They self-confidence and self-image among The group’s finances are always in the communicated monthly progress to the the membership of the group has been black, the building has been commented group, and it was not long before Luqman transformative. Success breeds success. upon by county inspectors as the best-kept found a startup company that wanted to school of its kind around, and repairs and And future projects will contribute to the rent the ground floor. It took some time to improvements are seen to by a property restoration of our fine building. In two years negotiate and renovate the space but after manager paid out of the proceeds of the or so, the long-awaited Metro Line will be about a year everything was set and the school’s rent. installed, serving LACMA and the city. This tenant moved in. will dramatically affect the property values. Despite the positive financial situation A new roof was then put in and signage This year will see stable finances and a from the school, a full 92% of the group’s designed by Aswan Karapedian was flourishing group, thanks to these initiatives. members also contribute regularly, and as installed on the outside of the building Four years ago, the building was valued at a result, the Sacramento group is a stable, thanks to a generous donation from $2.8 million. Who knows, by 2018 its value fiscally-responsible center that consistently Henrietta Music. may have escalated to perhaps $5 million lives up to its financial commitments. as a result of these developments.
Subud Perth This year will see stable finances and a “ From renovation to flourishing group, thanks to these initiatives. rejuvenation Four years ago, the building was valued at This is a story how the renovations of a hall Many members wanted to move and this $2.8 million. transformed a Subud group, re-invigorating caused some conflict. But property prices it and attracting many new people to it. had risen dramatically, and a considerable Perth in Western Australia is geographically financial gap existed between what we Sacramento isolated, being 2,000 kilometers from its would get from selling the hall, and what it nearest Subud group. This isolation breeds a would take to buy a new one. Many years ago, our beloved National Office The group searched for over a year, but spirit of independence. So when we decided Manager, Melinda Pleshe, had sent the group eventually all agreed on a house that was being Many people stopped contributing to renovate our hall, we never thought of $25 and a note, saying, “Do something with sold as a functioning Montessori School. The financially to the group, as they felt nothing getting help from elsewhere, we just naturally this!” Though you can’t do much with that formula was simple: Let the school have the was done with the money, which just sat focused on doing it ourselves. amount, it did spark a serious discussion about building during school hours then let the group there. We were caught in a bind. We were what the group wanted - a Subud House. As have it afterwards. As latihans were scheduled We were fortunate that we bought our locked in this impasse for 20 years, while our the group was small, they realized the only way well after those hours, there was no conflict. first hall back in 1978 and some renovations hall slowly deteriorated around us. to afford a house was to have a renter pay the The school was empty on the weekends, were carried out in early 1990’s, but nothing mortgage. A business plan was prepared, and so Subud activities, like Saturday latihan, else was done and the hall became quite a proposal made to Subud California for a loan, barbeques, potlucks, and center retreats could run-down. which was approved. go on unimpeded.
42 43 SUBUD SPACES CONNECT MAGAZINE MARCH 2017
The“ positive energy of the group, however, was a definite motivating factor for new membership. We now have around 50 active members, including many young members in committee, helper and ancillary roles.
The renovations are not yet finished. We bring, we have grown bigger, stronger and still have to create a social area which flows happier. There were also many opportunities into a garden, providing space for parents to to practice ‘bringing the latihan into our be with young children. daily lives’, as we worked together to face challenges, solve problems, and learn about In contrast to the past, members have our strengths and areas for development. been very willing to contribute money. When the renovations began, 35% of the group So, if you are concerned about the future made regular financial contributions now it’s of Subud, is there some project you can get Working together was Then, Andrew Blake, who was chairman a concertina door, replace the ceiling, up to 93%. involved in, as a group, that can make your key to the success of this community life richer? Then we hope that Subud project. at the time the hall was purchased, stood improve lighting and redo the kitchen and By overcoming our own inertia, which had you, as we did, will reap the many spiritual again for chairman, on the clear platform bathrooms. As the group could see the kept us stuck for over 20 years, we have and material benefits that come with that. of renovating the hall. The group sensed a improvements in our latihan space, the been able to renovate our hall without debt, change was in the air. sense of excitement and achievement grew but more importantly build a vibrant, active and so did the donations. Andrew talked to members informally Subud community. Instead of the dwindling Vivienne Blake, Subud Perth to find out what people wanted and what Then new people started to arrive in the numbers we thought that the future would work they were prepared to do. He quickly group. The reasons were many and varied gathered a strong committee around him. - children of Subud parents reaching the A young student architect drew up an initial age they could be opened; young people concept in 3D. coming down from Jakarta to attend university; people coming for work; people We only had about half of the funds marrying and bringing in their spouse; needed for renovations but we decided to go people who just heard about Subud from ahead and that once we were underway, we friends; and even Subud members came felt that the money would come. from other parts of the world who heard that This approach was a radical departure Perth was a ‘happening place’. for the group, which had always been very The positive energy of the group, however, conservative about spending money. was a definite motivating factor for new We decided to create one large latihan membership. We now have around 50 active space, which could then be divided by members, including many young members in committee, helper and ancillary roles.
44 45 SUBUD SPACES CONNECT MAGAZINE MARCH 2017
New Style for Subud Paris The renovations to the made the members feel Subud house in Paris have closer and perhaps has been completed after established some stronger two years of continued bonds among them,” said efforts by all members. Trisnani Yvoire, Subud Paris A generous contribution chair. started the whole process Although it is a bit early to BEFORE and encouraged many other assess the effects of these members to give and through renovations on group life, the final contribution from many of the members have the National Association stated that their latihan has the money was there to changed and feels stronger complete the project. since the renovations. “Members gathered Members are very happy and regularly to help our Subud feel great about the changes. member who is an architect who, with a small team of Trisnani Yvoire experts, did most of the contributed to this article. AFTER work. This seems to have
(Top) Subud members in Paris enjoy their newly renovated hall. (Right) Members far and wide New Space for Spain came to Orgiva for the grand opening. The new Subud Centre spoken by members in the in Orgiva, Spain opened group. It has become a with around 120 members center for Subud meetings from WSC, International and for members to visit Helpers, MSF and others. and recharge, and with the To date €334,000 has been new facilities they hope to contributed by Subud further develop this. If you members and MSF, but we would like to support us still need about €40,000 to you can read more about finish off the project. The our Crowdfunding Appeal Subud complex includes on our website: https:// a Latihan hall, a swimming subudalpujarra.com/donate/ pool and 8 cottages.
Orgiva is a multinational Andrew Bromley, group, in fact, they have had Chair Orgiva group up to 10 different languages
46 47 AN ARTIST’S LIFE CONNECT MAGAZINE MARCH 2017
AN ARTIST’S Life
“My next project is to write a book about my experiences as a Subud member and illustrate the book with pictures of my art ”
ince she was a child, Lorraine Rochanawati, daughter of Ibu Sumari and Salamah Arden has always been we were all saying ‘Rahayu.’ But none of drawn to the arts. After she us had ever heard of her at the time as she joined Subud in 1963 during the was still very young,” she said. WorldS Congress in Briarcliff, New York, she In 2014, when she was 79 years old, felt to stop painting and after a period of Lorraine started making these sculptures. time become a sculptor. The ‘Holy Women’ series was completed in “In 1968 I was doing latihan at my house 2016. She then decided to make a series with two Subud ladies who were friends of holy men too. So I did sculptures of of mine. The latihan seemed to be a ‘fast Abraham, Moses, Jesus, Mohammad and forward’ of how the rest of my life should Bapak. She hopes to raise enough money be. We felt that I should study sculpture to cast the Subud ones in bronze. and bronze casting,” said Lorraine. “My next project is to write a book about She said she felt the most important part my experiences as a Subud member and of the latihan seemed to be an assignment illustrate the book with pictures of my art,” for my old age. she added. “When I was old I was to create a series Many thanks to Lorraine for her of sculptures of ‘holy women’. We were all willingness to be the official agent for WSA saying the names of the holy women: Mary for many years. She lived in the right place with the infant Jesus; Fatima, daughter of at the right time - Washington DC. Mohammad; Ibu Sumari, wife of Bapak,
48 49 WORKING AS ONE CONNECT MAGAZINE MARCH 2017
WORKING AS ONE
The 2017 budget foresees about USD 105,800 for the field of “human activities” which includes Youth activities, Care support and grants to zones. The budget has been increased in this field to enable two zonal meetings in Africa.
Dear brothers and sisters, At the end of Basara, Elias Dumit highlighted “the excellent lively family-like atmosphere , the amazing work of the organizing team truly ood news! We managed to balance working in collaboration, the Wings of Subud our 2016 budget due to USD getting closer together (pointing the way for 95,000 of individual, group, country The 2017 budget foresees about USD 105,800 for administrator, the accountant and the executive chair, our future) and the successful first step of our and zonal donations along with a the field of “human activities” which includes Youth audit expenses, currency differences may add up to experiment of bringing Yes Quest project closer generousG matching fund from an entrepreneur. A activities, Care support and grants to zones. The USD 97,500 which is about the same like last year. to Subud”. budget has been increased in this field to enable two huge thank you to all of you who contributed. To nurture the tree we count on countries’ In my reply I called this an example of Subud zonal meetings in Africa. What does the World Subud Association contributions, grants and donations from entities working together as one body like spend your contributions on? This year the WSA is focusing on Africa. It is entrepreneurs and individual members. We know described on the Subud tree, adding: to make planned to bring together the delegates of the zonal from the Muhammad Subuh Foundation, they Let me start with the Basara Gathering in this gathering happen, funds found their way to countries with international helpers, representatives decreased their annual grant by 30 percent. That Rungan Sari, Indonesia to illustrate what we Subud. of the World Subud Association and the wings. means we count on countries and individual spend your contributions on. members. We expect that the generous entrepreneur In the last email I ever received from George International helpers’ travel is one more of the During the World Subud Council meeting in who offered to match all donations up to 100,000 he answered: “Yes dear Hilaria, yes indeed, fields we spend money on. They travel to national Chile in September 2015, our brother the late USD last year will be able to do so again in 2017. funds found their way! All my love and a giant congresses and through talking and testing with George Demers, Youth Coordinator, shared the hug, George”. As you certainly have read, George national and local helpers they support a deepening To underline the importance of working together, idea of a joint gathering of the Youth and the passed away very unexpectedly from heart of the latihan. For 2017 we budgeted about USD the Yayasan Muhammad Subuh (an Indonesian wings in Rungan Sari in December 2016/January failure right after the Basara gathering ended. 150,000 in this field. This has also been increased - Foundation) made a donation of USD 3,000 to the 2017. Most of you know George’s great contributions after we had received an earmarked donation - taking World Subud Association. It was handed over to Therefore we had increased the budget line in supporting the preparation of this meeting and into account that international helpers are going to Ismanah Schulze-Vorberg, our executive chair, in for Youth activities in 2016. This gathering with helping to find funds. One young participant said: support more zonal meetings than last year. February, when she attended a meeting with YMS about 200 participants turned out to be very This meeting changed my life. and Ibu Rahayu in Cilandak, Indonesia. Through this For the “Media Unit” which covers translation and successful. Many of you may have donated to WSA feels very much appreciated and shown we are publication of Bapak’s talks and WSA Archives we help raise the fares for young people to attend on the right track in working together as one body. have budgeted about USD 100,000 like last year. Basara. In Europe the Youth of Zone 3 and 4 With love and respect, had an extra fund raising drive for the Basara One more field in the budget includes travels of gathering. the chairs, the zonal representatives and the costs Hilaria Dette, WSA treasurer. of World Subud Council meeting. We planned USD 56.000 for this. Travel for the executive, fees for the
50 51 UPCOMING EVENTS CONNECT MAGAZINE MARCH 2017
March World Latihans
24-26 US East Coast Helpers’ Gathering Amani Center, Subud Washington DC April 2017 UPCOMING EVENTS 01 Contact: https://subudus.z2systems.com/np/clients/ 20:00 (Los Angeles) subudus/event.jsp?event=537 21:00 (Mexico City) 22:00 (Bogota) 23:00 (New York/Santiago de Chile) April 02 3:00 (GMT) 26 – May 1st Zone 3 Meeting 4:00 (London) 5:00 (Paris) Cenacola, Pisa, Italy 10:00 (Jakarta) Contact: Matthew Weiss: [email protected] 13:00 (Sydney) 15:00 (New Zealand)
June May 2017 07 30 – July 4, 2017 Subud USA Budhi to Budhi Member 03:00 (Los Angeles) 05:00 (Bogota/Mexico City) Gathering 06:00 (New York/Santiago de Chile) Pearlstone Retreat Center, MD 10:00 (GMT) 11:00 (London) Contact: Rifka Several [email protected] 12:00 (Paris) 17:00 (Jakarta) 31 – August 6 Subud Germany National Congress and 20:00 (Sydney) Family Holiday 22:00 (New Zealand) Haus Nordhelle, West Germany June 2017 Contact: [email protected] 03 13:00 (Los Angeles) 15:00 (Bogota/Mexico City) July 16:00 (New York/Santiago de Chile) 20:00 (GMT) 6 – 16 Zone 4 Meeting 21:00 (London) Viva l’Italia! Halkidiki, Greece 22:00 (Paris)
Contact: [email protected] 04 The next Zone 3 meeting is happening near just follow what has gone before. Instead of having or 03:00 (Jakarta) the beautiful city of Pisa in il Cenacolo. This is a Kejiwaan days, workshops and plenary days which 06:00 (Sydney) meeting for everyone, 300 m from the beach, 30 separates us into our interests and divide us, we https://www.subud-zone4.org/zone-meeting-and-gathering/ 08:00 (New Zealand) minutes from the Leaning Tower. Families and want to be more inclusive of everyone. In the those not doing Latihan are most welcome from all spirit of Rome, we will have forums (rather than August over the world. There is limited space so you need workshops) on creativity, Subud and the outer to book early as we already have 40 guests. We world, health and healing. There will be Kejiwaan 6-13 Subud Britain Family gathering and Congress are expecting many European youth to attend as activities focusing on youth, enterprises, growth this is a priority for Zone 3 and many projects on of Subud, harmony and the World Congress and Culford School, Culford Bury St. Edmunds. the go. on Saturday evening we will celebrate “50 Years of Contact: [email protected] There is a wish that the World Congress in 2018 Subud Italy”. will be a new adventure and in that spirit, Zone 3 is 2018 also trying something new. Join us. Click on the Booking form here or We want to experiment, explore, and be contact Zone3 at subud.org. Be part of our 26 July Opening of the 15th Subud World Congress inspirational about how we do things rather than adventure! Freiburg, Germany
52 53 World Subud Association
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Many thanks to all the photographers who contributed to this magazine.