Dibanding saya dibunuh, lebih baik saya kehilangan Kewarganegaraan! #part1

Summary

In this interview, the speaker shares a heartfelt conversation with Eyang Yono, a prominent figure in Prague, reflecting on his life journey. Eyang Yono, a former Indonesian student in Czechoslovakia, discusses his early life, his passion for photography, and his unexpected shift from studying abroad to living in Prague. He reveals the challenges he faced after losing his Indonesian citizenship due to political unrest in the 1960s, choosing to stay in Czechoslovakia and continue his life there. Eyang Yono emphasizes his strong belief in standing up for truth, despite the personal sacrifices it entailed.

Takeaways

• 😀 Eyang Yono has lived in Prague for over 60 years, having moved there in 1963 at the age of 24.
• 😀 He is widely known for his unique style, including wearing batik, carrying a camera around his neck, and always smiling.
• 😀 Eyang's love for photography began as a hobby, and he believes that photography can be a valuable tool for self-expression and gift-giving.
• 😀 He was sponsored to study abroad by the government of Indonesia, specifically by the Governor of Jakarta, Dr. Sumarno, due to his contributions to the Indonesian Red Cross.
• 😀 Eyang Yono was part of a government-sponsored scholarship program during President Soekarno’s era to study in Czechoslovakia, with a commitment to return to Indonesia after completing his studies.
• 😀 However, due to political turmoil in Indonesia, including the 30th September Movement and the rise of the New Order regime, Eyang Yono's visa was not renewed, and he lost his Indonesian citizenship.
• 😀 Eyang Yono received political asylum in Czechoslovakia and chose to stay in Prague, continuing his studies and eventually settling there.
• 😀 He met his spouse in Prague, started a family, and has lived there ever since, building his life and contributing to his community.
• 😀 Despite the hardship of not being able to return to Indonesia, Eyang Yono finds solace in his belief that he stood for truth and justice, even if it meant personal sacrifice.
• 😀 He rejects being called a hero, stating that he was simply doing what he believed was right, and that anyone could have done the same in his position.
• 😀 Eyang Yono's story highlights the personal cost of political opposition, the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs, and the strength that comes from conviction.

Q & A

Who is Eyang Yono, and why is he considered an important figure in Prague?

Eyang Yono is a respected figure in Prague, often described as a unifier for the community. He has become a popular personality in various YouTube channels, and he is known for his unique and easily recognizable traits, such as wearing batik, carrying a camera, and his constant smile.

What makes Eyang Yono's character stand out to the speaker?

Eyang Yono stands out due to his unique and memorable appearance, including his batik attire, the camera he always carries, and his warm smile. These traits make him easily recognizable and admired by the speaker.

How long has Eyang Yono been living in Prague?

Eyang Yono has been living in Prague since September 10, 1963. This year marks 61 years of his life spent in Prague, which is more than half of his life.

Why did Eyang Yono go to Prague initially?

Eyang Yono was sent to Prague to study as part of an educational program sponsored by the Indonesian government during the presidency of Soekarno. He was chosen due to his active involvement in social work, particularly with the Indonesian Red Cross.

How did Eyang Yono feel about being selected for the scholarship to study abroad?

Eyang Yono felt extremely grateful and happy when he was selected for the scholarship. His family was unable to afford further education, and the scholarship provided him with a great opportunity to continue his studies.

What were the conditions of the scholarship Eyang Yono received?

The scholarship required Eyang Yono to return to Indonesia after completing his studies and contribute to the country for 5 to 6 years, as a part of the agreement.

What significant political event impacted Eyang Yono's life during his time in Prague?

In 1965, the political turmoil in Indonesia, specifically the 30th September Movement, led to Eyang Yono losing his Indonesian citizenship. This happened after he expressed his opposition to the New Order regime during a political screening at the Indonesian Embassy in Prague.

What was Eyang Yono's stance on the New Order regime, and how did it affect him?

Eyang Yono opposed the New Order regime, believing it violated human rights. As a result, his visa and passport were not renewed, leading him to lose his citizenship and remain in Prague as a political refugee.

How did Eyang Yono handle the loss of his citizenship and the challenges he faced?

Despite the shock and difficulty of losing his citizenship, Eyang Yono remained resilient. He believed that his actions were justified by his commitment to truth and justice. His determination allowed him to overcome the challenges of being an expatriate.

How does Eyang Yono view his role in the historical context of Indonesia's political situation?

Eyang Yono does not consider himself a hero. He believes he was simply following his convictions and standing up for what he believed to be right. He emphasizes that anyone can do the same when guided by strong principles.