Wawancara singkat tenaga expatriat ICRC - Dining Tantri Samiyarsi

Summary

This video script shares the personal experiences of a humanitarian worker who has served in conflict zones such as Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Uganda, and South Sudan. The speaker reflects on the extreme challenges faced, including war, difficult weather conditions, and limited resources. They emphasize the importance of passion, adaptability, and professionalism in humanitarian work. Personal sacrifices, such as long separations from family, are acknowledged, but the speaker also highlights the deep fulfillment found in making a difference. The narrative provides valuable insights for aspiring humanitarian workers, emphasizing skills like project management, technical expertise, and language proficiency.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker's first mission as 'The Legend' was in Kashmir, Pakistan in 2007, where they experienced extreme weather conditions, including 50-degree heat and heavy snowfall.
• 😀 In Pakistan, the speaker helped build a water supply system that provided clean water to 60 villages, marking a significant achievement in their mission.
• 😀 Their next missions took them to Sri Lanka during the Tamil Tiger conflict, Uganda, and South Sudan, each offering unique challenges and insights into conflict zones.
• 😀 The speaker recounts witnessing human suffering in Sri Lanka, including severed limbs and death, as well as the emotional toll of being involved in evacuation efforts during the war.
• 😀 In South Sudan, the speaker worked in a newly formed country with very poor infrastructure, unstable political conditions, and environmental challenges like impassable roads during the rainy season.
• 😀 Despite the hardships of being far from family for long periods, the speaker found purpose and motivation in the work they did, driven by a sense of adventure and the desire to help others.
• 😀 The speaker's role as an international staff expert required flexibility, with contracts typically lasting one year, and after each mission, they would return home for rest before considering the next assignment.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes the importance of passion, professionalism, and continual self-improvement for success in humanitarian missions, especially in conflict zones.
• 😀 To succeed in humanitarian work, the speaker advises gaining experience in project management, learning languages like French, and being proactive about career development.
• 😀 The speaker shares that during their time in Africa, they spent three years working on missions, typically returning home once a year, with holidays often spent exploring nearby African countries.
• 😀 The speaker also describes the logistical challenges of communicating with family while in remote areas, where internet or phone connections were often unreliable or unavailable for weeks.

Q & A

What was the speaker's first mission and where did it take place?

The speaker's first mission was in Kashmir, Pakistan, in 2007. It involved building water supply systems for 60 villages.

What environmental challenges did the speaker face during their first mission?

The speaker faced extreme seasonal contrasts, with extremely hot summers reaching up to 50°C and harsh winters with snow.

What significant impact did the conflict in Sri Lanka have on the speaker?

In Sri Lanka, during the Tamil Tiger conflict, the speaker witnessed the brutal human suffering caused by the war, including evacuation of casualties and bombings. This experience was eye-opening and deeply emotional.

What was the situation in South Sudan when the speaker was deployed there?

South Sudan had recently celebrated its first anniversary as an independent nation. The speaker faced numerous challenges including poor infrastructure, political instability, and difficult terrain, particularly with black cotton soil that made transportation almost impossible during the rainy season.

How did the speaker deal with the emotional challenges of working in conflict zones?

The speaker struggled with being far from family, especially during times when relatives were ill. However, the sense of adventure and commitment to humanitarian work helped them cope with the emotional toll.

What role did communication play in the speaker's missions, particularly in Africa?

Communication was often a challenge. In Uganda, the speaker had access to good internet, allowing for regular communication through Skype. However, in South Sudan, even phone calls were difficult, and they could only communicate sporadically.

What are the differences between contracts for staff in Indonesia and international staff?

In Indonesia, field staff typically have unlimited contracts that can be extended. In contrast, international staff are usually on mission-based contracts, with set durations (typically one year). After each mission, staff are asked about their availability for new assignments.

How does the speaker approach their work and career in humanitarian efforts?

The speaker emphasizes working with passion, professionalism, and a proactive mindset. They also highlight the importance of continuous learning, asking questions, and seeking improvement in their role.

What advice does the speaker offer to those looking to pursue a career in humanitarian work?

The speaker suggests learning French, gaining project management experience, and developing technical skills. They also recommend being open to new opportunities and staying flexible, as the work often requires adapting to new environments.

What was the impact of the 2004 tsunami on the speaker's career?

The speaker's involvement in responding to the 2004 tsunami in Indonesia helped raise their profile within the humanitarian field, with staff from Geneva becoming familiar with their work. This experience played a significant role in advancing their career.