JAKARTA – GISTARA GEYA, The Book Satyanegara’s Samurai Smiley is a summary of philosophy and my daily activities, starting from when I was 33 years old. The content of my life journey, after I returned from Japan till present time. There is no intention, I just want to look back at the walk of life and strategy in which I have ever done so far. Besides, I always want to remember the good old days and judge the way I choose, if that is right or wrong and I have been undertaking it till now. It is actually, even when I look back till now, I still have not been satisfied. I mean, there are still some spaces I have not entered for perfection. Anyway, I just let it go. My memory, in which I have reached so far, is a series of events I have ever undertaken. In general, those are the events that make me happy and unhappy, and I actually try not to remember but they are recorded and written. But my position and my task demanded me to practice for alertness of memory, and choose what is allowed and not allowed to speak out of my mouth. Therefore, it is actually a long process. Any event is likely to be proceeded and selected for a story. That is actually a condition of my background, as a diaspora and my ancestor who comes from an isolated rural area in Java, I feel fortunate as the parents who educated me were right till I finally adjusted myself to any events, situation and backgrounds. I still can boost my confidence in front of those coming from various backgrounds in any event. if that is tough or easy. Besides, my parents’ way of educating me has shaped me up nicely that I always win and become a superior in character. That is my character traits since I was a kid, becoming a superior. Becoming a superior makes my life so colorful though I appeared a kid who had often disturbed the people, therefore i was watched but not in a good sense. I often disturbed my friends around me till they felt inconvenient. And I tried to disturb myself by searching for a specialization in science specialization which was said to be difficult for graduation. This is a challenge for me and I have to accomplish. My bad habit and miracle has really shaped my life which is full of surprises for me and others. The walk of my life leads to many things I have ever seen whether that is sorrow, happiness, even something that provokes anger, till apologizing or asking for apology. So far, I have often felt lonely. Although many things were supposed to be moments of happiness together with family, in fact, I was always lonely. When I graduated from the medical faculty of Tokyo university, I was alone. During the graduation day, and passed the examination to become a doctor, I was alone too.
When I entered Tokyo University, the program of neurosurgeons till I graduated from the department, I was alone too. During the time of my doctorate degree, none was present and none praised me. There was no proud feeling and there was nothing that my family felt proud of. Perhaps, they were proud, but they hid the feeling, they failed to show it to me. Therefore, I personally considered all those things for a brief happiness, when I received my certificate of graduation. As I remember, I have always promised in my heart. When I did not have any money to buy some food for almost ten days and could only afford to drink tap water to survive. I promised I would not let such a critical condition happen to my family. I believe in the theory of karma and bad karma. In a sense of what I have done everyday, the result would return towards ourselves, if that is good fortune or the result of bad karma. but there is always a miracle, as it sometimes cannot be explained by theory, but by the fact and can be proved though a bit difficult for detailed explanation.
I have more good friends, but there were some who envied me, though not frontal (envy) on me, the hatred (for me) could not be avoided. There was one of them, showing hatred in negative manner. there was another who had known me, but he did try to keep our good relationship which we had for a long time. But I attempted to keep our good relationship such happiness. Therefore I would like show my gratitude for Miss Metta Wulandari, who was willing to write my biography in which I was at the age of 33 till 85. And also my gratitude for those who always helps me, nurse Rahma and her friends, that my activities and daily routines are set up each day for success
For my friends who always support me, whether younger or older than me, those who have ever or will support me, I always need to express my gratitude for you. And this is my second biography, journey of my life in Indonesia has just started. There are many names and stories. More friends, or less friends, I imitate the good sides. And I just leave the bad ones. I wish, all of them become motivators, that life is always full of obstacles, but men basically have their own strengths to keep moving
Chapter I
Period of Adaptation
I know a little about fortunate man, who has good opportunity like me, as diaspora who had ever been officially summoned by the government to return to Indonesia. I really have never thought before, even that was only in my dream. I had never thought either that my return to Indonesia had caused inconvenience for some people. Perhaps, only he who summoned me to return felt convenience. Therefore, at the very beginning of setting foot in Indonesia, I have often told to myself, it would be normal that many people would dislike and envy me. do not take care of them, but show it with your competence. To summon me return to Indonesia was not tough for me, but it was tough in a sense of mentality. I have my own background, as Chinese descent and was born under the name of Oei Kim Seng. It was a bit contrary. During the period, when Indonesia was busy improving the quality of human resources. Many foreign citizens were forced to leave for their own countries. I still remember when the first time I left for Japan, on the ship of Tjijalengka in 1958. I was sitting on the deck, I met with many foreign citizens who returned to their homeland. They were not allowed to live for a living in the country. That’s what I could see, that Indonesia attempted to grow stronger, stand on its own two feet, at the front of the line after gaining independence from colonialism
The continuation of governmental actions after the era of Bung Karno (Indonesian founding father), establishment and sovereignty is a must, and the country was named as Asian Tiger. That was the point of what I needed to say, there was a little contradiction towards me. I have no idea why I was summoned, and what was the main reason (that I was summoned) since I am Chinese. And what made the government have confidence in me, especially my participation towards the nation-building. I still cannot find the answer. Anyway, I have my responsibilities for the country, and it really exists in my hands. Therefore, the responsibilities I have taken officially to build the nation, in healthcare sector, for the sake of many people and the country, that is Oei Kim Seng who has converted into Satyanegara
The Chosen
September 18, 1972, at 2 a.m., my plane landed in Kemayoran airport, Jakarta. The air was crisp and comfortable. I felt boastful as I finally returned to Indonesia. I want to dedicate, that is the ideology in which brought me till now. I felt boastful since I encouraged myself leaving Indonesia, and got off the ship for more than a month to reach Japan. There was no friend, there was no relative. I did not speak the language. But after 14 years later, I returned to Indonesia with first class flight with my small family, my wife and two sons. Moreover, I was entitled “A neurosurgeon, Tokyo University graduate, Japan.”
On November 1, 1972, I received a decree that I worked as one of PT Pertamina (Indonesian multinational oil and gas giant)’s employee for the central hospital. Two months later, it was January 1, 1973, I was appointed a head of neurosurgeon section, Pertamina central hospital. There were so many people envied, and commented upon the promotion. “Who is he, sent from Japan, far away? Is he competent?” if the question, who it is? Why him? I just asked, why I was summoned from Japan. why and why. But I just try my best with my competence. And it depended on his/her judgement. Giving response those questions in which I had been looked down, I needed to take action, and I showed them my competence.
I grew up in the country of rising sun, in which I had so many friends, and backing group. If I made a mistake of operation, another professor there would help me as backing. But in Indonesia, I myself took responsibility and my responsibility for patients. This is challenging for me, and I have to avoid any mistakes.
I still remember my professor, Prof. Sano who gave messages to me. According to him, “first operation is very significant. If you want to conduct an operation, it should be with good result. It means, just pick the best case, and that would be prioritized for an operation.” And I followed the advice of Professor Sano.
A patient, Mrs. H, was hospitalized since she had often felt faint. The latest condition, she went into a coma for several days. We gave straight examination, and I examined her thoroughly and found the bleeding in her head. Mrs. H had to attend an operation and that was the first time I conducted. Motivational words, “Must Succeed” from Professor Sano, stuck in my head. ‘if possible, it should be dramatized.’This is another message. The meaning ‘dramatized’ that the patient who had been in coma, should be recovered, and open the eyes. The patient who was lame, and turned normal. It was said to be successful. And I felt fortunate, Mrs. H turned conscious after the operation. I thought, that was a very good start to counter those who could not conceal their envies of my competence. This is also a fact that I managed to earn a reputation from the people and doctor colleagues towards my competence.
NEW LIFE
Due to my busy schedule for my routines, I really have to adjust many things. The whole family learned to adjust as I had spent my life in Japan for 14 years. There were so many changes in mine. The culture was totally different, in which I was into Japanese minded, and also the working spirit, etc. throughout my life, I happened to remember one occasion in which I was getting in love with my wife. At that time, I received dinner invitation her family, father, mother and her sisters/brothers. We were four. I was still studying for the last semesters. And I still remembered, at that time we ate eel meat. My wife’s father asked me, “if the plan runs, so what? If married, she would follow you, and perhaps would leave for Indonesia.” I listened to him attentively, “We have no family in Indonesia, so what if she stays alone. She is yours. The only who can protect her, is you yourself. I want you to take care of her.” That was he said to me.
Therefore when we moved to Indonesia, I was a bit worried if my busy schedule would help my wife to adjust herself easily? But, Japanese madame really mingled with the surrounding. There was a secretary of government official who gave lessons of Indonesian language, several times in a week to my wife. But actually, the real teachers of Madame Japanese, were the housemaids who went to work in Mayestik market. She went to the market everyday. And she said, she felt happy browsing around the markets in Indonesia. Of course, she needed to buy some fish in the market while browsing around and practicing her Indonesian language. Therefore I said that the school (of Indonesian language) was exactly in the market, with a little guidance from the teacher. When Madame Japanese turned smart when mingling, I myself still needed more time to adjust many things to my work from day to day. One of them, my adjustment to office hours.
In Japan, working attitude especially their way of spending time in office, it meant that you were much needed. In Indonesia, when I worked starting from 7 a.m. till 2 p.m. even shorter on Friday. On Saturday, office hour would last till 1 p.m. when working as full time doctor in RSPP, I had not been allowed to work in another hospital. I was a bit confused, wondering if I could compensate for leisure time. When I was in Tokyo, I spent my time working till midnight, around 11 p.m. till I went home. But in Indonesia, I did not know if I returned earlier. Then my wife, since she is originally from Japan thought “if you go home earlier, it means that you are less useful in front of the company.” It was confusing.
Actually, many Japanese people did not go home straight to their home, but they preferred to go to café, so they arrived home later, around 9 p.m. or 10 p.m. that was interpreted, as if they were needed by employers. But, some of them really worked overtime. When doing overtime, that was true, the company needed them. If they left office earlier, they were considered incompetent. the difference should be explained to Madame Japanese. I tried to adjust myself.
I never thought of writing a book as I still needed to accomplish many things at that time. Then I just found another hobby. I tried to introduce myself to Indonesia as I had not returned for 14 years. I only knew a little about the country. I had ever lived in Kudus, Semarang, Surabaya. Now, I live in Jakarta. Then I often went out to look for some food nearby the hospital. What I found … well, many delicious food. Fruit of durian, well … delicious. Everything is delicious. Mayestik market was about 10 minutes walking from RSPP hospital. I often walked in the evening time, and I often bought pancake at the roadside. The street vendors of pancake usually started to open at 5 p.m. so I bought and ate there. I thought, why pancake was very delicious. I liked it and it was unforgettable. But, it was finally, there was one think I decided to stop eating pancake. The street vendor washed the dishes by using the ditch. I swore, I would not buy the pancake anymore.
There were so many ways of adjusting myself. The changes had been made drastically. It was a bit stressful for me. Moreover, there were so many ample time. Being idle made me unhappy. Another thing was about language. Since I sailed for almost two months, by the ship Tjitjalengka to Japan, I had not used Indonesian language. Mostly, I used mandarin. For 14 years, living in Japan, using Japanese language 98 – 99 percent. In case of meeting with the students and college students from Indonesia by chance, I used Indonesian language. Then, when I landed in Kemayoran airport, my vocabulary and grammar of my language was reset. I turned and headed for the place I had belonged to
Remembering My Parents
Having returned to Indonesia, was a moment in which I felt released, after I had missed my parents. When I was in Japan, I missed them so much. Returning to Indonesia, I just missed them half. one of the reasons that I basically decided to accept an offering for a duty in Indonesia, that I had missed my parents, and also my brother and sister. As what I have ever written in my first biography, my father was basically quiet, but my mother is the reverse. My mother was tough, straight and stern towards me, but not my sister and brother. I used to disturb, and always. I am sure, my mother was proud of me as his son became a doctor was a dream come true.
But, the proud did not last longer. Three months after I returned to Indonesia, it was exactly in May, 1975, my mother passed away when she was 58 years old in Room 535, old building of RSPP. She suffered from cancer which had spread over other organs. My Mother had ever visited Tokyo and at that time she was examined and the illness was detected. We straight did a treatment, therapy and other things. But the treatment only was conducted for three months only, then she passed away. At that time, I still could not accept. I did not accept as I had not earned so much money that I managed to give to her. My salary at that time was a little since full time doctors in RSPP had not been allowed to work outside. So I was in charge every time I was called in any circumstances, what could I do.
For memories remain in RSPP, in a newly-established building, there was a room number 535 in which I dedicated for presidential room, semi-ICU as RSPP was officially launched as presidential hospital. The room number was made so as similar with my Mother’s room when she was still alive. Not long after, three years later, in 1978, my father passed away. He passed away at the age of 73. I myself did not know what the disease was. This was another big hurt. How could it be, their son is a neurosurgeon, but failed to examine and diagnose the disease. That really hurt me. At that time, the doctor who checked what had made my father dead, said that was heart attack. My father was quiet, seldom spoke out. If sick, he just kept quiet, and refused to go to the doctor. So quiet, even he never praised me. He never showed his proud feeling in front of my. Perhaps, it happened behind me, in front of his peers, saying that he had been proud of me. But he never expressed proud feeling, even once. I used to feel that hurt me. Moreover, when remembering my father’s wise message, when taking me before I left for Japan. ‘if you were not successful, this would be our last meeting’ . for teenager, high school graduate who was still sensitive and always took short cuts, my father’s message would be a knife with two blades. The meaning could be either positive or negative.
How could I if being un-attentive and thoughtful, ‘without any money, but demanded selfishly. I was born, that was not I wished. So why should you act without considering my big load.’ I was thankful to keep the message in a sense of positive thinking. I know his motive, which is good for me. Therefore when he was not alive, I remembered many things about them. For me, I have never done the things which the best for his parents. Compassion and devotion. That is true, that I have fulfilled what they dreamt of (the son who becomes a doctor) but at that time I failed to give something
HOLDING THE PRINCIPLES OF DARUMA
As the chosen, I was brought from Japan and accepted straight good position. Many people did not like me. That was human if they failed to conceal their envy of me, ignored me and hated me. But a provoking situation was very uncommon. I did not want to share how they tried to kick me out.
Although I have shown my competence and capability after I carried out my first operation with great success. But they still did not like me. Moreover I received many good facilities as what they wished to. Firstly, I lived temporarily in Pertamina dormitory for two weeks. Then, I received an official residence in Kyai Maja street, number 9. There were four large bedrooms. i compared the residence with my living place in Japan which was a bit small, but fully furnished. Here it was, my official residence was very large. Besides that, I received operational car, Mitsubishi jeep as I was new comer. And there were less than 10 persons who had received those facilities, while there were many employees. At that time, doctors working for Pertamina had not been allowed to work outside. My salary was enough, according to them. I also received 55 kilogram rice every week and 55 liters for fuel consumption. So it was no wonder, there were so many people envied me and said found faults in me. Even there was one, I was not willing to mention the name, came to Tokyo university and tried to validate my graduation eligibility and status. The answer ‘Yes. He is basically smart.’ There were so many who did like my presence. So I tried more and more, showing my competence, as what I started to write a book Science of Neurosurgical Practice, first edition in 1974. Within two years, I finally managed to launch the book for first edition. That was a way of neutralize those who were hateful or enemy. I just wanted to show my achievement, competence, capability. If being asked, if I was frustrated and depressed? The answer, it was once or twice. It was worrying. But thinking again, I was fortunate, really fortunate as diaspora who had been summoned by the nation and received mandate.
Apart from that, I happened to remember Daruma dolls, which are hollow, round, Japanese traditional doll modeled after Bodhidharma, the founder of the Zen tradition of Buddhism. Daruma dolls will never collapse. If collapse, it will stand up steadily. Daruma dolls are not useless, but Daruma are figures with long history, in Japan, the philosophy of Daruma dolls are, when falling for seven times, you have to get up for the eight times. That is me, a philosophy for toughness and will not fall, and that is what I have done.
Thinking further back, before I studied higher, my Mother was originally from Shanghai – China, had ever taught me about the art of reading mind and learning to know the character of someone. That was really useful as it really occurred when I lived in Japan and Indonesia. There was a character of someone who often praises but attacks from behind. But there is another who often speak harshly but criticize constructively. There are many other characters. There many people’s characters, in which can be seen from their faces. And I managed to learn by the time I see their faces. I think this a very useful knowledge to know the characters of people.
Not only in Indonesia, but also in Japan that I stick to the principles. I pick and choose the good one for mingling. As Japanese people often say, that one step out of the door, will find seven enemies. One step, seven enemies, then just count the next step out of the door. Therefore we should have capabilities and the most important thing, we just get up straight when falling. Moreover in Indonesia. I met many colleagues over here, when I served as Director of RSPP, they looked down on me. ‘Huh! We could see later, Satyanegara could not bear the position within three months’
In fact, I could carry out my job, my responsibility, my promise as what they trusted me to lead, to improve the hospital. There were times of falling, but not in faintness. I did the horse pose and I got up straight.
THREE WISE MONKEYS
In medical science, I always remind my assistants, nurses and others who are around me, to comply with ethical standards, in which we have to keep medical records of patients. That is a must. What we know about patients, is really a secret. If that was a diagnose, the sickness, we can discuss in examining room. Out of that, everything is secret for third parties.
Ethical standards is just similar with Three Wise Monkeys. What is that? Have ever seen the statue of monkeys, one with eyes closed, another one with ears closed and the third one with mouth closed. Guessing, the statue is funny. Wise monkey, is not allowed to see, not allowed to hear, and not allowed to speak out if that is not necessary.
But I need to explain and interpret from my thought. I have stuck to the principle since I was still sitting in university. We can see, but we are not allowed to speak out, we can listen but unallowed to speak out, we can speak, need not to be listened. We can speak but we are not allowed to see, and so on. In short, it is made complicated.
In Indonesia, I was assigned in a hospital with an environment of luxury, in which there were many VIPs with their powerful authorities. Those people were often seen in television, they are high government officials. There were so many VIPS coming for a cure. There was proud feeling, after examining those people, got closer with them. As a doctor, I often see many things, and heard many things from them. Unwilling to share with other, it is not allowed. I was not allowed to speak as I wished. When I needed to share with others, I really had to consider many times till I decided not to speak.
Even I felt that I needed to show off, speaking out. “Yesterday, I met with A, B. he shared about this and that, a big secret. Don’t you know.” But I held it, not to speak, though it was not easy.
It was like the situation in which I got electrocuted, I still had to close my mouth. Since I saw what, and listen what, not allowed to speak. If only, there was someone speaking out, I pretended I had never known about that.
Many people thought that I did not understand anything, in fact that I had never known. But I pretended that I did not understand. Some of them believed in what I said, he felt released since there were so many things very discreet. But he finally shared with me since he knew that I stuck up for the principles. In case of difficult situation and inconvenience complex, the philosophy of monkey really empowers me. It really leads me to an enlightenment and basically beneficial to my life.
But there was a disadvantage to me, that I was regarded stupid. Once, somebody said, “Stupid … you are always around, but did not know anything, huh!.”that bad habit was genetically transmitted to the family. I have never shared with my wife. When the policies arrived, and I had never shared. My wife turned angry. “How could it be, (that) you are unwilling to share with me?” she said angrily. What can I do? That was really a discreet policy, and I would not share. But once again, unwilling to speak was really a burden.
WE ARE EQUAL
To carry out a professional in an elite hospital, providing medical care services to prominence and VIP (very important person), required me to act as an elite also. Moreover, the number of neurosurgeon specialist was still few in Indonesia. In such situation, I happened to think that health care had to be known by many people. Therefore, one of the ways for me, writing a book. After I managed to finish the Book Science of Neurosurgical Practice, first edition, I still had not felt released and satisfied. Since many people envied me, so if I was careless, they would offend against me. So I attempted to fulfill my life by develop my knowledge. I would not accept if people regarded me half and narrow knowledge, merely Indonesia and Japan, so I studied medical care from western countries. Firstly, I visited Chicago Northwest University in 1976. Chicago Northwest University handled many child patients who suffered from genetic disorders. There was a professor whose name Professor Raimondi, an expert in pediatric neurosurgery, and handled many complicated diseases. I got many significant science after I studied for several months there. Besides science, I also improve prestige, increase my position and dignity. Since I was the one who had been summoned to return, I should always keep my pride.
not long after I studied from Chicago Northwest University, I still needed to increase my science. In 1979, I got an opportunity and approval to continue study in Harvard University. i really understood the dynamics of America, there. Before, I thought that Japan was at the top, but America was actually at the top of countries in the world. I saw many smart people gathered together there. There were some carrying out research, improving their knowledges and so on. This was very interesting. If only, there were some people judging that America was evil, that was true, as the education system was very meritocratic. If capable, go ahead. But if not capable, just leave it and go back home. That was, it was short (since responsibilities were supposed to be carried out in short time) and staying in Harvard, got a golden opportunity, I really used my time to improve and study.
Why should I keep improving myself? Yep, I have to keep on standing. Me myself should be attached to science, elitism. Although I did not earn highest position, but I should have competence in neurosurgeon. My skill which is recognized by those people and those who envied me. We are equal, even I may be higher.
BEATING INFERIORITY
To change the mindset of “We are Equal”, even to build my confidence, that was not easy at the beginning. There was once a feeling of inferiority. Back to what it has been said, who I was at the beginning? But the mindset has to be built since I have received the mandate. I learn to build confidence that I have been needed, I am capable, I have my own skill. I learn it further and further. Since I used to feel inferior, even at the significant point, on May 8, 1972, I was called to the Imperial hotel, Tokyo. At that time, I was only a neurosurgeon expert who was focusing on an exam for doctoral degree (S3) and I passed the exam, and was expected to return. Honestly, I felt inferior. Moreover, the opportunity of returning together, in the same group with prominent people, and some conglomerates. I repeated my speaking, I left for Japan I sat on the deck of cargo ship Tjijalengka at that time. Fourteen years later, I returned by first-class flight. Whoever feel inferior and whoever felt envious, and about envious feeling, so many people would politicize me, disgraced me, intimidated, etc. Fortunately, there were many who supported me. So I really learned to resist all of them, by working hard and beating inferiority. Becoming the chosen, there must be a strength in which reason of being chosen, came into my mind. I am sure about that. Till I believed in a professional doctor, I was considered as Godlike. In short, your health is in my hands. Reflecting myself, I asked back about my mindset: I am more powerful at present time. How strong you are, when falling sick, you need to see the doctor, me. The mindset occurred like that, so I turned elegant. I can examine some prominent figures and VIP. Who examines the body without fears, that’s what I attempted to improve mentality and mindset
That was true, the power I got, could not be seen by naked eyes, but health problems of many prominent figures were in my hands. That was the point, my professional doctor accommodated me to get calm psychologically. Once, proudness occurred to me, but very rarely. Being worried occurred more often. Since I dealt with the profession. Being worried when making a decision, whether It was wrong. Being worried, if the result was not good. Fortunately, I learned to know the philosophy of Daruma, when falling just get up straight. And so on. I forget to feel proud.
DEDICATED MY TIME SINCE A LONG TIME AGO
In fact, feeling a bit proud, when I arrived in Japan and studied Japanese language for around eight months, I was assigned to be an interpreter for the first gentleman of Indonesia at that time, Bung Karno who conducted an official visit to Japan. It took place in the Indonesian embassy for Japan at that time. When receiving an invitation, I did not know that I had been expected to perform as an interpreter for first gentleman. It was a bit shocking, but it ran smoothly finally. At that time, First Gentleman brought a big group, together with the representative of Papua, in which there was a claim that Papua was a part of Indonesia. Holland war ships was heading to Papua. Holland refused to give independence of some part of Papua to Indonesia. According to Holland, the people of Papua were not a part of Indonesia, either culturally or ethnically. But he put Papua as a significant part of Indonesia. Therefore, he insisted on struggling to take Papua from Holland.
I was helped by attache of information, Mr. Ramli who translated his speech. As far as I remembered, there were moments of celebrating Indonesian independence in the Indonesian embassy in Japan. I really had never thought I was chosen to perform an interpretation for him while I had not understood Japanese language and Japanese articles within eight months. Even, there were even seniors in Japan, either eight or nine people. I did not know the reason actually, but my Japanese language was quite excellent at that time. How could I master my Japanese excellently? The answer was, that I did not have sufficient money, hahaha… I had not received any scholarship that I needed to earn for a living, becoming an interpreter to survive and continue my study in medical school. Actually, my parents had ever transferred some funds. The story of someone whose name F, was trade partner of Mr. Kojima. So at that time, he needed to renew the visa, and a guarantor was a must. That was the point, I was the guarantor for Mr. Kojima. F was a former Japanese soldier. His appearance was short and had lost his three fingers. It was said, when he struggled to throw grenades, but not all (grenades) could be thrown out. Perhaps, it was too late for him to throw or there was another case. His three fingers were lost. My Mother recognized F, so when there was an intention of transferring the fund to me, my Mother left the funds amounting to 400 dollars on average, which was a very big amount at that time, to F. the funds were yielded after my Mother had sold out her beloved piano. That was regretful. What made me more regretful, the money had never arrived for me. The funds was stolen by F. Therefore I had no choice, except I earned a living by another way. But it helped me anyway, motivating me to keep on struggling. Fortunately, when I left for the Japanese embassy, I was expected to interpret the speech of Bung Karno, together with the attache of information. There was a feeling of pride. Then I felt that working as an interpreter was amusing. By the time, it was summer vacation for two months. During the long vacation, there were so many events. And I would not miss the opportunity to earn money since it was impossible for me to beg my parents. I have my pride, moreover my parents lived simply. So, I interpreted 400 letters and earned 400 yen. At that time, 400 yen was a big amount of money resulting from being an interpreter, it could suffice me for half a year living. Too much. If other students from university shared testimony, saying that working in a restaurant or other places, for dishwashing. I had never done that. I preferred to use the brain.
That was a proud, but it was over, being humble now. There were more who were better. Hahaha….
Adjusting to New Situation, a Bit Suffering, but Those Who Can Overcome, Will Survive. When Holding the Principle Strictly, Will Lead to Difficulty.
TIME OF GOOD FORTUNE
THE DIRECTOR OF CENTRAL HOSPITAL OF PERTAMINA
I am basically a clinician, or a doctor who performs tasks of taking care of patients, examining, consulting and did not tackle management, policy, etc. my educational background, medical in comprehensive and neurosurgeon. So when I returned to Indonesia, I became the head of neurosurgery which was still vacant at that time in Indonesia.
But, it was a sudden decision was made, even when I attended a meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The director of Pertamina and the General Affairs manager suddenly, together with the Indonesian ambassador for Malaysia, returned by private jet. Decision was made, Satyanegara was promoted to become a director of Central hospital of Pertamina,
“What is it?” I thought, “Is there something wrong? So far, I am involved in patient operations only. Never tackle management.”
On assignment, I was told, “You should be ready. That is.” Readiness meant, “I just lead and manage.”
Since I did not want to disappoint the one who had summoned me to return to Indonesia, I took the responsibility. On Monday, February 8, 1988, I was inaugurated officially as the director for Central Hospital of Pertamina.
A series of processes continually. I was supposed to carry out screening of health screening which had been done so many times since I had returned to Indonesia. As far as I remembered, I had casual attire, very formal and also with a Muslim cap. The inauguration took place in Pertamina’s auditorium which was very luxurious. Of course, not all people accepted me happily after they knew. A bit chaotic. There were many among them who did not like me, except my family. At the beginning, there were some who disgraced me. “ …ugh, only three months for him …”
In this position, I was a bit doubtful. The first three months were very tough for me. Firstly, I introduced myself to the team and units, hoping we could recognize each other and learned with seniors who had ever managed a big organization. Another thing, the moment of whatever I said in front of the public, the speech, congratulation, even a condolence message, I had always been accompanied by the head of Human Resource Development. He made a concept of everything in which I had to say. After three months, I finally managed to tackle it by myself. But I kept focusing, and did not want to waste my time, did not want to relax with my position. I just learned further to improve my position to change some parts which had been needed. After the inauguration, I prepared some development plans, management plans for HRD, and a reformed financial system.
DEVELOPMENT PLAN
Firstly, I built a mosque in the hospital, turned two-storey. I made it luxurious with marble floor tiles and canopy. Although I am not Moslem, I know that the majority of Indonesian people are Muslims. I dedicated the facilities and appreciation to them, building a very convenient praying hall in the hospital.
Secondly, I made a corridor between the buildings, which were connected. It used to be a heart attack center and other buildings, disconnected. If pushing hospital beds for patients, it would be very difficult trafficking under the sun and rain. Moreover, for emergencies. How could they use an umbrella? So the corridor would give convenience and safety for patients under trying circumstances.
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR HRD
After that, I continued to prepare for the opening school in nursing (SPK) which had never existed before. It used to target junior high school graduates. The nursing school was equal to senior high school. When graduating, they could attend an exam for a professional nurse. There was an obstacle when I was inaugurated, that government regulation had mentioned that nurses were required, D3 (diploma) graduate. So SPK hanged me. I asked about the condition? That had been closed for a long time, actually. After considering many aspects positively about SPK, I asked for an update if the permit had been made according to the regulation and ready to be reopened. At last, 30 till 40 nurses graduating, was distributed to many branches of Hospitals of Pertamina in some regions since Pertamina controlled many hospitals, clinics,
The school was very helpful. The participants and their parents whose financial conditions had been a problem, were accommodated. The school was also helpful, recruiting human resources in Pertamina hospital since their skills met the standardization of Pertamina hospital. That was because they had been educated in SPK.
Another thing was accommodation or scholarship for doctors who need to attend specialist programs. Before, there was a regulation, that he had been required to work in Pertamina hospital for several years, then they would be allowed to attend the program. After I was inaugurated, I exempted them. Whoever could attend the program, whoever passed the exam, were recommended to continue. So it was open and they should not flatter their immediate superiors to continue their study. Sometimes, those who flattered were not smart, just bullshit.
So why did I change the regulation? The purpose, that would not distort their families’ economical calculations, since the regulation was about working in Pertamina hospital, they were not allowed to work in practice clinics outside. The salary still could suffice the family, the education was supported in total.
REFORMED FINANCIAL SYSTEM
Besides the development, I focused most on logistics and financial affairs for Pertamina hospital itself. Although, by the time I was inaugurated, there was no special request for me to carry out the plans, improvement, development or renovation. None. The message was only “In short, you are ready for that.” Haha ….
But it was clueless, I really needed to take responsibility for my position and learned everything from the start. So the financial matters were prudent and I learned from the start. I read bit by bit all terms of accounting. what made me worried, if there was a mistake since that was not my field from the start. So far, I just knew about loss and profit, buy and sell. Meanwhile the financial report covered miscellaneous terms. Even I was helped by my friend, Mr. Ali Wardhana who served as a minister of finance at that time (and turned coordinating minister for economics, finance, industry and development supervisory). After I understood the main points, I finally made the policies very tight to change the habits of either spending or expending in Pertamina hospital.
So spending on goods at that time was complicated since multiple checks were imposed, approved and signed by a number of people. I tried to make a shortcut of it. As an expenditure of product A, there was a person in charge in the logistics section, who had to check if product A had been in stock? The product was available? The factory was checked too. Then there was another person in charge to recheck product A. all of these were in the process and each of them signed and approved it. If that was OK, the process continued with the submission to the financial and accounting sections. It was checked and rechecked. The process was complicated and long since there were more than one goods to be purchased. It would be thousands. And perhaps, the goods had been planned this week, but if they arrive next month, the payment would be made in half a year. So the price of goods in Pertamina hospital was very high.
For example, a pen. I bought a pen in Mayestik market, costing one thousand rupiah. But if I bought a pen in Pertamina hospital, the price would be more expensive, since the producer of the pen charged higher due to the late payment.
I changed the system in total. I needed the procedure of purchasing till payment would be in two weeks, at the latest. Only three persons were needed to sign; from logistic and finance sections, three signatures respectively. The sooner the better, since there were so many goods needed. The purchase of medicine was also demanding. The process, starting from medicine producer and distributed to pharmacy wholesale suppliers which sell straight. Wholesale suppliers distributed the products to vendors, and vendors sold straight to some institutions which need the products.
So we bought from vendors, not straight from wholesale suppliers. That was expensive. There was a big margin. When I served as director, I refused to buy the medicine from vendors. I made a shortcut for purchasing, as the was a big margin. I myself tried to contact wholesale suppliers and medicine producers. We just had chit-chat. They were willing to sell straight to Pertamina hospital, and shared discounts up to 30 – 40 percent. But they still earned profit since the medicine producer gave special prices to wholesale suppliers.
But both of us understood each other for mutual benefit from either wholesale suppliers or medicine producers. The producers gave another discount for medicine purchase which had been carried out by Pertamina hospital, anyway. Therefore the price of medicine in Pertamina hospital turned lower than market price. But Pertamina hospital still earned income, which was more than 30 percent. Hahaha …. And whatever we bought, we did not have to find a vendor, but dealt straight with the producer.
Once, we purchased CT Scanning or MRI. If we dealt with a vendor, the price would be billions rupiah, but we bought straight from a producer with lower price, bigger margin.
So the hospital costs of neurosurgery operation in Pertamina hospital was quite low. The reason was, the hospital was owned by the government, and everything had been prepared by the government, for the people. What is the use of getting bigger profits or becoming greedy.
I thought it would be better for us, to help and reduce the load of patients. As the hospital costs were affordable and good services were provided, there were more patients coming to the hospital. I examined more than 100 patients per day. But some envied my achievement, after I managed to examine more than 100 patients, there were more than one hundred doctors who could not conceal their envy. From the income, we managed to improve the standard of services and provide bonuses for employees. As A result of excellent services, patients would feel happier. So I often shared bonuses for the employees who deserved to. At the time, 1.800 employees of Pertamina hospital and 3.800 employees in total throughout Indonesia received bonuses.
HONORARY AWARD OF SATYA LENCANA
All policies and plans made by me really yielded usefulness. Within half a year of my services, I and my team worked hard, trying to do and complete the task for responsibilities, which finally yielded profit for the hospital. We earned profit. Perhaps, that was the milestone in history in which people saluted the achievement. Pertamina hospital really earned profits. Significant improvements for Pertamina hospital were made, and I finally was awarded straight from Mr. President, honorary award of Satya Lencana of contributions since I managed to improve many aspects especially income, profit for the government. On the contrary, people had predicted that I could only stand for three months. I served as director till the next 10 years, and took delayed retirement till another five years.
BEING CLOSE TO POWER
Besides the things I shared before, the award of Satya Lencana of contribution could be made since a reformed financial system had been imposed by me. That was a big leap. The result, that more patients came to Pertamina hospital, either public patients or Pertamina’s family patients. At that time, Pertamina hospital was an affiliated hospital for diplomats so they would not go to foreign countries. Many joint venture companies, and many diplomats from America, Singapore, France who worked here. To guarantee their health condition, Pertamina hospital handled all of them. Going abroad for medical treatment could be allowed if they got permission from me. All of the things had to follow the procedures. It was impossible to go abroad just to get treatment for influenza, you wanted to go to Singapore or get permission to return to America, it would be approved by me.
The regulations prevailed over internal Pertamina. There was a difference with business people or those who had connections with Pertamina, which came to Pertamina hospital, they were categorized as Non-Pertamina patients, free.
Powerful authority. But to tell the truth, I avoid getting involved in power over many people. But the seeds of simple life had been planted since I was a kid. There were so many stories, either at home or at school.
For example, when standing in front of the teachers. The story started when I ranked third in the class. The first rank earned big praise, second rank earned big praise, third rank was skipped, fourth rank earned big praise, fifth rank earned big praise. Perhaps the teacher did not like me, did not like to see my behavior, since i had danced in front before earning big praise. Therefore, I was skipped. There was a disappointing feeling, and shame feeling. But the judgement of the rank was not mentioned, and there was no praise, as that was the power. Once, my behavior was seen as bad, was punished, and was asked to stand till the teacher finished teaching. It happened so many times, that was power too. All of my friends were allowed to sit, but I was not allowed, and stood in front of the door. But I did not stand only, Sometimes I looked at the teacher’s writing, and when some of my friends laughed, I stood again. I often disturbed when I was still small. The teachers could punish since they had powers. That made me very careful about power. I really need to take care of myself. I did not want to be drifted, not just for fun with the power without any responsibility. (黃金城 /Oei Kim Seng)
