TULUNGAGUNG, EAST JAVA – Udin’s success in developing Belimbing Village Tourism did not come as easily as one might think. His perseverance in changing the community’s mindset through the development of Belimbing Village Tourism faced many obstacles, especially since he only completed elementary school, which led to people underestimating him.
Despite this, his determination to learn and grow was incredibly strong. Udin admits that he was a bookworm. Although he dropped out of school, he visited the library every day to read. He learned about agriculture from the books he read, even traveling to libraries in different areas to gain knowledge he sought.
“I acknowledge that my schooling… was in the library. I believe that reading (books) is a window to the world. It’s true,” he asserted.
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What continually motivated him was advice from his grandfather, which he holds onto even now.
“If one’s life isn’t beneficial to others, it’s better to be dead,” he quoted his grandfather.
He thought such harsh words were justified, considering that, at the time, Udin’s grandfather was subjected to forced labor during both the Dutch colonial era and under Japanese occupation. Udin then explained that his grandfather’s words meant, “Your character dies if you don’t become a person who brings value.”
Udin then spoke as if issuing a call to action, “Don’t just bequeath material wealth, like rice, to our children and grandchildren, which will eventually run out; instead, bequeath knowledge, like a hoe, which continuously grows and never ends.”
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This is what keeps Udin learning, never satisfied with the knowledge he acquires. He wishes to have a college graduate in his home. Since he did not have much access to education, he sought ways to learn what a graduate learns. He believes his journey of seeking extensive literature and connections ultimately serves to fulfill economic needs.
“I firmly believe in the importance of education. Therefore, I always motivate my children to pursue the highest level of education possible. What’s important in their minds should be about what they want to become, not who they want to be,” he declared.
Again, Udin shared a quote that motivates him to keep growing. It says, “A single wave cannot explain who you are once it becomes foam in the midst of the ocean.”
It means, “Whatever we do, don’t expect praise. Just go with the flow. Because if we consider it praise, then we are at risk of stopping there,” he explained.
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Meeting someone like Udin has left a lasting impression on me. At Dompet Dhuafa, we refer to people like Mr. Udin as ‘Local Heroes’. He is a local hero, willingly sacrificing his time and energy to fight for and improve the welfare of others. (Dompet Dhuafa/Muthohar)