MUHAMMAD KASIM ARIFIN | KISAH PALING INSPIRATIF DARI PULAU SERAM MALUKU

Summary

The story of Muhammad Kasim Arifin is one of dedication and selflessness. A university student from IPB, he joined the Kuliah Kerja Nyata (KKN) program in 1964, where he helped transform the lives of farmers in the remote village of Waimital, Maluku. Despite initially planning to stay for just three months, Kasim devoted 15 years to the village, helping build infrastructure and improve the community's agriculture. His commitment earned him respect, and he became an inspirational figure. Known for his humility, Kasim's journey exemplifies the power of community service over personal gain.

Takeaways

• 😀 Kasim Arifin, a student from IPB, was assigned to a remote village in Maluku for a community service program known as KKN in 1964.
• 😀 Despite being from a city, Kasim fully immersed himself in rural life, helping farmers with agricultural work and community building.
• 😀 Kasim lived in the village for 15 years, much longer than the original three-month assignment, to continue his work and support the local community.
• 😀 He was known for his humility, choosing to wear old clothes and sandals while working alongside the farmers in the village.
• 😀 Kasim's dedication to the community earned him the title 'Apan Tua,' meaning someone highly respected in the village of Waimital.
• 😀 Despite opportunities to return to the city and complete his degree, Kasim stayed committed to his work in the village, even after his peers had graduated.
• 😀 He was eventually persuaded to finish his studies by his friends and university, who helped him document his experiences as a thesis.
• 😀 Kasim received the prestigious Kalpataru Award in 1982 for his work in rural development and environmental awareness, though he remained uninterested in such accolades.
• 😀 His story inspired many, demonstrating the power of dedication, selflessness, and service to a greater cause.
• 😀 Kasim's life was documented in the book 'Seorang Lelaki dari Waimital,' and he continued his activism in environmental and social causes after retirement.
• 😀 Despite being offered opportunities to study abroad, Kasim remained focused on improving local farming and rejected offers to study in the U.S., emphasizing the importance of local context in agricultural development.

Q & A

Who is Muhammad Kasim Arifin?

Muhammad Kasim Arifin is a former student of IPB (Bogor Agricultural University) who, during his community service program (KKN) in 1964, dedicated his life to helping the villagers in Waimital, a remote area in Maluku, Indonesia.

What is KKN (Kuliah Kerja Nyata)?

KKN, or Kuliah Kerja Nyata, is a community service program where students are placed in rural areas to assist in development and community building. It is an essential part of students' academic requirements in Indonesia.

What motivated Kasim Arifin to stay in Waimital for 15 years?

Kasim Arifin was deeply moved by the conditions of the farmers in Waimital. His desire to help improve their lives, rather than simply complete his program and return home, led him to stay for 15 years, during which he worked on various community development projects.

How did Kasim Arifin contribute to the village's development?

Kasim helped the villagers by assisting with agriculture, road building, irrigation systems, and teaching them new farming techniques. He worked alongside the community, encouraging cooperation and self-sufficiency.

What is the significance of Kasim's decision to wear simple clothes and sandals while working in the village?

Kasim's decision to wear simple clothes and sandals, abandoning his urban identity, symbolized his dedication and humility. It demonstrated his commitment to blending in with the community and fully embracing their way of life.

Why did Kasim Arifin delay his return to complete his degree?

Kasim was so dedicated to his work in Waimital that he delayed his return to complete his studies. He was focused on helping the villagers and believed his work was not yet finished, even as his peers graduated and moved on.

What recognition did Kasim Arifin receive for his contributions?

Kasim received the Kalpataru Award in 1982 for his contributions to environmental and rural community development. Despite this honor, he did not seek accolades and was more focused on his work than on receiving awards.

Why did Kasim Arifin refuse to study abroad in the United States?

Kasim rejected the opportunity to study in the United States because he felt that the agricultural practices there were different from those in Indonesia. He believed that his efforts to improve farming conditions in his own country were more important.

What legacy did Kasim Arifin leave behind?

Kasim's legacy is that of a selfless and dedicated individual who worked tirelessly to improve the lives of farmers in rural Indonesia. His story serves as an inspiration for future generations to prioritize community development over personal gain.

What did Kasim Arifin's peers and mentors think of his dedication to rural development?

Kasim's dedication to rural development earned him respect and admiration from his peers, mentors, and even his university. His story was so inspiring that one of his friends, poet Taufik Ismail, wrote a heartfelt poem about his 15 years of work in Waimital.