PRUDENT DECISION
The higher the tree, the stronger the wind. The proverb really touched me when I was beginning the job or responsibility of leading, receiving a mandate to carry out the tasks but my leadership affected those from certain groups’ comfort.
Sometimes, I failed to find the best solution, and I had no good wisdom. But, trying to seek the wisdom which would lead me to pick the best choice, with the lowest risk. When taking any policy, it would affect that some felt happy or the opposite. We would not satisfy all parties. Therefore, prudent decision and courage to make a policy was needed. Although, only few felt happy as those who kept protesting and shouting, were more severe.
Making my point, all the things we did would be judged and commented on. So I would always be considered a tough, strict person and always felt courageous. My slanted eyes, in which I used to stare more often. But now, I’m calmer. Extremely different. I used to be straight and strict. Perhaps, some of them regarded me sternly. That was the behavior in which I needed to be for some time. But I was not as strong as I used to be. I might feel afraid.
More and more, I felt fortunate as my life journey and leadership, I got support strongly from the government. Therefore, the decisions I made, they ran effectively and successfully. But the position which affected many people, I really needed to abandon my thoughts to seek the best for myself, and made changes for the sake of all of us. The strategy determined the results which had been oriented. The strategy, with the lowest risk.
THREE DAYS IN CRITICAL CONDITION
In the event of making a decision, I might felt nervous for the coming three days. Not even the policy, news article exposing me, and I launched a book, all the same. Whether that was an exposure in the television or print newspaper, it would make me nervous. I was worried whether the article resulting from my interview, written by the journalist, was true?. Was the exposure in the media correct and accurate or not? If that was accurate and correct, I still needed to know how the public gave a response. Whether my policy or my statements were accurate and true or not, that it would provoke people’s comments.
Why should I think so far? Giving a statement, even if it was very, very slight, we have to take responsibility. Moreover, the statement had something to do with many people. Perhaps, they still needed to confirm the statement I made 30 years ago, at present. Or they brought my book, which happened several years ago, asked me, “This is your article, true or not?” that was written in history, and it might spark trouble. Those three days, the situation of restlessness and discomfort.
Fortunately, the journalists around me always behaved with positive thinking, the results of my interview were published in positivity. But the positive ones for me, were not always good for the others. If it were a competition, he might not feel happy. But, seeing the response from the surrounding, we really could see whether they are our friends, or enemies.
PROFESSOR AT TOKYO UNIVERSITY
An invitation as professor at Tokyo University, as I remembered, arrived in August, 1987. When the invitation arrived, I did not know at all. At that time, all of my jobs, letters, and paperwork were piled up on the desk. And I did not realize if there was an invitation. Once, my close friend, to whom I played badminton together, came to my room. He shared that his wife was being examined in a hospital. He took his child, coming to me, just to say hello and chit-chat. When we drifted into enjoyment of chit-chat, the child enjoyed playing by himself. He took one paper or a letter from the document in neat piles, and some were scattered down. Since it was scattered down, I took one of them printed with a logo of Tokyo University. “So … what the letter is?” I thought. I asked for permission from the guest: “let me open the letter for a while”, and that was it. The content was very surprising. I was offered to become a professor.
Wow …. What happiness after reading the letter. I hugged the kid spontaneously. I said ,”fortunately, you are here with me. If only you did not come together with your father, perhaps I would have missed reading the letter.”
I felt very happy. Since the condition of the letter was still unchanged. Correspondence. If the letter arrived, it should be collected, piled high on the desk. But now, there is always notification, everything can be known. Therefore, big thanks to the kid who just did something. After I understood, I made a work paper in bilingual, English and Japanese languages. When presenting, I used Japanese language. But the work paper itself consisted in two languages. The essentials were about the explanation of what I had done.
I tried when I arrived in Indonesia. Whatever I tackled, managed, simultaneously accompanied by data. I expressed my hope at the end, wishing for a long lasting relationship of excellence between Indonesia and Japan.
Finally, I was inaugurated as professor at Tokyo University on October 25, 1988. At that time, I happened to drop by the Indonesian embassy for Japan. visiting the ambassador, and he said something, “Wow …. There is no foreigner in Japan who has been inaugurated for the title. You are the one.” In the 1980s, I happened to achieve popularity. Besides working as a professional neurosurgeon, carrying out operations, there were so many patients registering for the next two, three months. In the 1980s, I carried out medical practice for 70 patients per day in total, even the number of patients up to 100.
Then I had to manage the hospital since I served as the director. I also took care of VIP and the family, the close relatives. Then they who had powers consulted with me, more coming. Even one day, they ever said “someday, we would hold a cabinet meeting in the hospital, not in the office,” hehehe…
When it comes to my own path of journey, sometimes I am confused. So if I did not write it up, I failed to realize where my spirit had come from. How could it be? Hahaha…. It was not surprising for me that I became the first foreigner to become a professor at Tokyo University. I am happy, proud.
Besides from Tokyo University, I received another title of professor from Kanazawa University, Japan. When I returned to Indonesia, I had made adjustments to neurosurgery with Prof. Iskarno from Padjadjaran University (UNPAD), Bandung city. I was inaugurated as visiting professor for UNPAD. So I received a title of professor not from one university only. I felt a bit awkward when I was called “Professor Satya”. At that time, I had not been accustomed to it since I was called “Doctor Satya”. But it seemed to be good with what I was called “Prof … Prof….” turning excellent.
AWARDING
After that, all good things would likely come one by one. I remembered when mastering my career goal, I always wish to share many things with many people. I got many awards all the way through. These are good things for next. Sometimes I felt my hard-work during my study time in Tokyo, till I was introduced to many people and one of them recognized me, gave me an award. As I was summoned to dedicate to the nation, and also the awards I received, I think I contribute to the country.
Besides the Satya Lencana award for dedication to serving, from the President, there were more awards. I received the Order of Rising Sun Gold Ray with Neck Ribbon in 2005. The award was given by the Emperor of Japan. I also received another award from Achmad Bakrie, in which the notable award was bestowed for contributions to medicine in 2011.
At that time, the award was bestowed on the finding of proteins and specific antibodies to differentiate between malignant and non-malignant tumor cells. I have received business awards too. Have no idea if that was because I had developed Pertamina hospital or another reason, but I received the award from Sukamdani, Indonesian Business award. Another award was from MURI (Indonesian Record Museum) after writing the book Science in Neurosurgery in Indonesian language, which was the first time in Indonesia. Receiving the awards, I came to realize that all the things I made, contributed to others, and scored highly ‘there you … deserving of rewards.’
That is a motivation for me, of course. I do not stand idle, but more courage and spirit to keep on struggling. And of course, the motivation which my science really gives benefits of helping others.
But the most important thing, the awards I receive would always remind me that I have to keep discipline, confident that I always can contribute, and can still share ideas for myself and others. Since I can do something with the help from others.
Fortunately, since I returned to Indonesia, though there were so many opposing views, I have many friends who keep supporting me so I can continue the ideology and other medical services and dedication to the nation.
Since I am the type of person who keeps thinking, but do some activities. So I need more friends to share inspirations. For example, when playing sports, exclude swimming or jogging, where we do not need live opponents to be able to play. All of them (swimming, jogging) can be played alone. I prefer to play sports which I can compete in and full of spirit such as playing badminton. There is an opponent I have to interact with when playing badminton. When getting lazy, I would turn energetic since the opponent is ready to. Win or lose, is common.
Swimming and jogging are different, which are not competitive since there is no opponent, but only a matter of time and diligence since there are no opponents, and it keeps running. When interacting, such as those who have similar ages, but I still could defeat (the opponents). When the opponent defeated me, I still had another point. This is motivating me to keep alive and energetic in such circumstances. When winning the competition, I will not always feel proud. But receiving awards, besides they are for myself, but showing off the awards towards the children. That I used to forget to take care when they are still small. But becoming an expert neurosurgeon, and the director of a hospital at the same time, I was extremely busy. At that time, quite a few hospitals. In Japan, I started leaving for work at 6 a.m., returning at 2 a.m. when I usually arrive at home. I spent 3-4 hours at home, and I left for work earlier. The situation in Indonesia, changed recently into a similar situation. Therefore, my children grew up till they sat in senior high schools, I could hardly have time to meet them at home. Perhaps, we could meet only on Sunday. But whatever the reason, their father’s professional work is noble for helping many people and received awards. That is the father who earns the respects and rewards, after dedicating to others. This is actually a little feeling of pride. I wish destruction of sin occur
TO BE RESPECTED, ADMIRED
In 1988, that was a year where so many events and news made my family happy. Besides, my inauguration for the position of hospital director or director of Pertamina hospital, on December 1, in the morning, happened to be 50th anniversary of mine, celebrated by family and relatives.
During the 50th anniversary, there was a team organizing everything in the hotel Hilton where the celebration took place, and was considered a luxurious place and prestigious at that time. For me, a happy birthday celebration for half a century old turned out to be a memorable experience. That was like an event of a wedding, where the organizer of the birthday party made formal attire for ushering the guests. When remembering, that is very memorable. And the master of ceremony was Anita Rachman. When she still worked as a journalist and news presenter for state owned television, TVRI. At that time, TVRI was the only television station. Imagine how well known she was at that time. Anita Rachman was popular and known as the best news presenter at that time. And there was a violinist, Idris Sardi who gave a performance too. He had often met me both in Japan and Indonesia. In Japan, he arranged music for Indonesian film production. He told me that he got tired, and needed to meet me. Then when returning to Indonesia, we often met again. During the occasion, he said that he would give a performance to live up the celebration. I felt very happy since he was the maestro violinist in Indonesia. That was true, on the evening of my birthday, he invited his friends to cheer up the guests. There were around 10 or 12 music players he invited. And also his wife, Marini Soerjosoemarno, a senior actress also joined the celebration, accompanied for singing. I felt it was cheerful since many distinguished guests were my close friends, such as Sofjan Wanandi. There were my school friends from Surabaya and Semarang. I still remember, tycoon Mochtar Riady was willing to come. And officials from the Japanese embassy for Indonesia joined the celebration too. As I remembered, there were either nine or ten attending the celebration.
seeing that many guests, I felt that I was respected and admired. Actually, the celebration itself was what I needed to show to my parents, ‘This is your son who used to be named monkey, and now he turns to be like this.’unfortunately, both of my parents passed away. If that was the thing which had been needed by my parents. I just pray, that is what they need. I pray I could fulfill my parents’ ambitions as I was inherited, educated by them. Basically, funny, how could he turn like this?
Marriage of the Eldest
Another good news was the marriage of my eldest son whom he should have been married to. My eldest son had fallen in love for ten years old. That was too long. They decided to get married, and we looked for the suitable place for the wedding reception. At the beginning, I had never thought about it, but I just wished it (wedding reception) in modest condition, but my brother, dr. Oei Kim Ie suggested, ‘Yep … there should be a party for memorable wedding day moments, and would be best remembered by the children, grandchildren.’ And that was true, actually. We chose, initially the building which was owned by Pertamina’s women organization for civil servants’ wives (Dharma Wanita) or Pertamina’s Patrajasa in Simprug area, south Jakarta. We felt a bit doubtful, but VIP suggested to use the building of Sasono in the Miniature Park of Beautiful Indonesia (TMII). What? We were doubtful about the suggestion. The building of TMII, was actually a type of sacred place. That was the place which was used specially for the wedding of the president’s family. But I was greatly appreciated as I accepted the VIP’s suggestion.
When I offered it to my son, of course they felt very happy since marriage is once in a lifetime, and it happened in a very special place in which everybody dreams of it. I felt very happy too. On the day, I received many extraordinary guests. The wedding was full of peace and serenity, and accompanied by music of Gamelan (traditional ensemble music of the Javanese, Sundanese, and Balinese peoples of Indonesia), but the bride and groom, also the parents wore tuxedo. Perhaps, the wedding guest could only see an atmosphere of fusion of cultures like that. That must be very impressive.
ARRANGING HEALTHCARE LANDSCAPE
The prominence of Pertamina hospital, which had been acknowledged as a presidential hospital, was unbelievable. Pertamina hospital had become the landscape and representative of the Indonesian healthcare sector. Therefore, there was a plan for beautifying the building of Pertamina hospital. It was not only for beautifying, but accommodating patients as more patients came, and more excellent services would be needed. Besides, affordable hospital and surgery costs had been considered. It happened so many times, Pertamina hospital could not accommodate the number of patients.
Once, I happened to measure the corridor from tip to tip, which was very large. So I asked one doctor to run through the corridor, and it took 55 seconds. Imagine, running less than one minute, reaching further. Pushing the patient’s bed was too far. So an idea of beautifying the building was urgent. A bit anxious in the beginning, but I had no choice except to rejuvenate the building of Pertamina hospital. The process was quite complicated, as we needed to get permission from Pertamina’s board of directors, then apply for the permit and budget arrangement. But it was really a miraculous support as everything turned clear within several days. The moment was urgent. Formerly, Pertamina hospital complex had three buildings. It was multiple floors, but not too high. First building consisted of five floors, second building consisted of three floors, and the third building only consisted of one floor. The capacity was around 200 beds. Since it was fully occupied, many patients failed to get treatment. While the services of hospital administration and operations to handle patients have really improved. Single storey building was dismantled finally and it was rejuvenated into seven stories
A Helipad (Helicopter landing pad) on rooftop building was added, for VIP in case of under trying circumstances and emergency, quick response will be taken soon. As it was required for the standard of presidential hospital, I prepared the plan of floor 5, for semi-iCU. What was needed to know, the development of a hospital which had been in use was extremely different from the development of a new hospital, for the next use. Pertamina hospital was always fully occupied by patients when I wished to renovate and rejuvenate. Of course, I felt worried if the project of development would disturb patients. Imagine, patients who were taking rest, were disturbed due to the process in construction, involving excavations and foundations. They might complain as they could not take rest conveniently.
That was the most tricky. Fortunately, the contractor company applied advanced technology. As the excavation process was about to start, I disagreed straight to the contractor. So they just executed by using bored piles, also known as replacement piles so it minimized disturbances. There were 99 holes in which foundation supporting structures would be built. In short, all technical solutions were used perfectly and had a short execution time. Eight months were enough, new building of Pertamina hospital was erected and ready to accommodate 500 beds.
HERE, THE NEW HEALTHCARE LANDSCAPE IN INDONESIA
The second president, at that time, was willing to attend and inaugurate the new building of Pertamina hospital. I remembered very well, the day of inauguration happened to be near to his anniversary. So when delivering the speech, I represented the board of directors of Pertamina hospital said: “Although, on this day is not June 8 (1997), but I beg Mr. The President is willing to sign. As if, from the deepest of my heart, the big family of Pertamina hospital wish Happy Anniversary by signing an inscription to mark the inauguration of hospital development.”
Wow … from there, (inauguration) was filled with a big round of applause. That was a big gift from us to him. The presidential hospital turned state representative.
A tall tree has more chance to break during the storm, but the root is really strong withstanding difficulties and challenging circumstances. The tree will never fall forever.
Supportive people will be the key to great life journey. By thinking pleasantly, they will earn guarantee for everlasting power
PART III
IN TIMES OF STRUGGLE
If there is a question, “What’s on your mind when pursuing a career in politics, Prof?” of course, it was on my mind, but fortunately I failed. Hahaha….
One of my friends, when I was summoned to return to Indonesia, the difference was only a month. I was summoned in September 1972, he was summoned in October 1972. I received a decree, appointed as an expert of neurosurgery for Pertamina hospital on November 1, while he was appointed to the consultant section in Pertamina. Five years later, he became a state minister. Me? I still worked as a neurosurgeon. Haha….
I happened to think, wishing to be on the same level with my friend who was in the same batch with me. I envied him. My wife also felt regretful towards me. nobody knew, she turned Mrs. Minister. Haha…
As my wife learned to wear sanggul konde (traditional Javanese women’s hair style) everytime, and he became the chairwoman of Dharma Wanita in Pertamina hospital. Once she was asked to deliver a speech in an event. She learned it by heart from one page of texts, for three days, three nights. Since she had not improved her Indonesian language, she was supposed to use Indonesian language. Moreover she had to appear in front of many people.
She kept on learning the text by heart for three nights and days. I heard it and I could memorize by myself, but she still had not. In the event, when the activity was about to start, she started to say, “Selamat pagi, yang terhormat Kepala Rumah Sait atau Ketua Pembina Dharma Wanita, yang saya hormati (Good Morning, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the director of hospital or the chair of advisory board for Dharma Wanita …” in the middle of her speech, I said spontaneously, “the speech has been learned by heart for three nights and days, and I have memorized all of it.” The audience burst out laughing.
That was, becoming the wife of Pertamina hospital’s director, was a bit troubling. So what’s the use of wishing to become Mrs. Minister? Hahaha….. guesing, that was enough
I happened to realize that politics was not my field, though there was an urgency for looking into the better future, and other things. But it was enough for my field capacity. Moreover I got a message that I was expected to improve the healthcare sector. My concern, carrying out my professionalism and not for politics. That is what I must do, focus on improving the science. Those were times of my struggle to improve the healthcare sector.
BETTER SHARING
In a short period of time I returned to Indonesia and served as the first neurosurgery expert in the country. I thought I needed to do many things. As what had been advised, I was expected to improve healthcare, and I share some of what I have studied, the science. That is a must. Therefore I often organize symposiums by inviting some doctors and top professors who specialize in neurosurgery, whom they are my friends. Being very active, I was appointed to become the President of Academia Eurasiana Neurochirurgica. I was the twelfth president. And Eurasiana Neurochirurgica was an organization which was established initially by 100 professors who specialize in neurosurgery throughout the world. We pledged to gather in one place every one or two years, and attend meetings for two days, sharing information about neurosurgery. Each took turns organizing the meeting to the world.
Sharing science, knowledge, information and all updates were very interesting. If this year, (the meeting) was organized in western countries, next, it would be organized in eastern countries. By attending the forum, I often went to some foreign countries to update and improve neurosurgical sciences. And I had a habit that I often brought souvenirs from the place I had visited. I put it on shelves or one place in my home. One of them was the statue of Quan Yin Goddess standing at three metres high. I got it when visiting Bali, then I put it in the living room.
When I served as the president, I organized a forum and carried out activities in Bali. 50 – 60 percent, most of the participants were professors from throughout the world. As the host country, and also the president, I was forced to understand the English language. I was not confident how good my English was, but when giving a presentation, it was great. Had no idea if the audience understood or not, but I could see their heads nodding, it meant they understood my presentation, hahaha…..
On the occasion, there was other excellent speakers, including me, Professor Sano who attended the forum and shared his point of view. He was a genius. I was fortunate I could meet him and learn from him. Professor Sano gave a presentation on the theory of Einstein which was similar to the nervous system. I am not interested in writing in this book, otherwise those who read (the book) would get confused, hehaha…. But that was true, and very interesting. Theoretically high. Till now, I still remember what he explained. Professor Sano, when delivering speeches, always quotes the poet German writer/philosopher, Goethe. Perhaps, he has admired him since he was still young. So his closing remarks were always prepared by good quotes from Goethe, and translated into either English or Japanese language.
KEEP ON LECTURING
One of the responsibilities which have to be done, after being inaugurated as professor or the one who is mentioned as professor, is to keep on teaching. When the schedule was too busy, I still needed to give lectures. Since the 1980s, till the times of covid-19, I have never been absent from lecturing.
The university in which I have schedule for lecturing, is Padjadjaran University, Bandung city. I give lectures in the faculty of medicine, specializing in neurosurgical science. That is not regular like other lecturers who have weekly routines of lecturing, but I just give lectures once in a month.
That is another interesting experience, moreover the trip Jakarta – Bandung was not as crowded as it is now. It took only two hours, as the traffic was not congested. So I managed to leave in the morning, and returned in the afternoon. On occasion, I often inspect some healthcare facilities which were controlled by Pertamina; either hospital or clinic.
Sharing sciences with young generations is very significant. That is because young generations will continue the struggle of previous generations in advancing Indonesia in the future.
ESTABLISHING FACULTY OF MEDICINE
On one occasion, I met with someone whom I call Brother Sigit. He is a well-to-do person, a successful edamame farming businessman. Edamame is a Japanese dish prepared with immature soybeans in the pod.
Brother Sigit offered to establish a faculty of medicine, Jember University (UNEJ). So … why me? initially, I have not known him very well, but I know his wife, Mrs. Ratih who used to work as my secretary in Pertamina hospital. That is it, we got introduced to each other. When he heard of me, he trusted me.
Brother Sigit was also the chairman of UNEJ foundation (1997 – 2020) for 23 years. He was the secretary of the Board of Trustees for UNEJ. Once he shared with me, when the rector needed him to help improve UNEJ. He gave a straight response by suggesting to establish the faculty of medicine. My name was mentioned too. and I was appointed to become the chairman of Teaching and Research Hospital of UNEJ. So I have a commitment with Jember, UNEJ. The process of establishment ran well and the faculty of medicine attracts many new students. In 2001, I led the process of UNEJ’s faculty of medicine merging with Tokyo Women’s Medical University by MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) signing. Continuing cooperation occurred there. So what they have studied keeps on improving and developing. The latest one in 2022, I was appointed to become a guest professor for UNEJ. If I visit the university, I am considered to be a special guest. An office room was available for me to use. Brother Sigit has his own room besides mine. But during my age, a trip to Jember is too far. When I need to go to Jember, I get on the plane to Surabaya for half an hour. Then I have to continue the journey by land, from Surabaya, for about 4 hours. It is very far. We arrived breathless at the location, … it was exhausting …
Once, Brother Sigit either made a joke or was serious when we arrived. He said, “Let’s go.” While heading to his helicopter. I asked “You will take me by helicopter? Who will fly (the helicopter)?”.m “I myself will fly it,” he said. I just refused to. “No … No … you can take me by car …” that is true that he owns helicopters. But I refused if he himself flew it, hahaha… we just burst out laughing. He is truly rich, but he is basically low profile. Together struggled to improve education
(黃金城 /Oei Kim Seng)
