NEWS
As someone who was born in Indonesia , grew up in Java and has spent the last 14 years in Australia , I am blessed with flfluency in three languages ( or four , if Python counts as one ): Indonesian , Javanese and English . Being a Javanese Indonesian , I was raised with many of the Javanese virtues : one of them was the sapu lidi philosophy – a simple yet profound concept about the strength of unity . The phrase compares unity to a bundle of sticks ( lidi ), made of coconut fronds . Individually each stick is fragile , easily broken and virtually useless , but when bound together , they become strong , unbreakable , and can be used to clean an entire courtyard ( sapu : broom ).
This concept is tied to gotong royong , a principle of communal work deeply embedded in Indonesian culture . It underscores the power of collaboration , mutual support and collective strength . While this philosophy shaped my upbringing , it has found fresh resonance in my experiences at Scotch College .
Since coming to Scotch this year , I have been intrigued by the various components that make up this prestigious institution . More than just a school , Scotch is a dynamic , interconnected community with distinct elements , each contributing to its legacy and success . This multifaceted composition reminds me of the sapu lidi – students , teaching and non-teaching staff , parents , alumni , and entities like the Old Scotch Collegians ’ Association ( OSCA ) and the Scotch College Foundation working together to form an unbreakable bond that keeps the school thriving .
At Scotch , unity is not just an abstract ideal – it is demonstrated in daily
COLLECTIVE STRENGTH :
THE BOND THAT DEFINES SCOTCH ’ S
LEGACY interactions . Like the sticks in a sapu lidi , the community thrives when its members work collectively towards a common purpose . Whether it is staff ensuring smooth operations , students striving for excellence or parents providing crucial support , each plays a role in the strength of the school .
Crawford ( 2016 )* did research on a group of students with diverse backgrounds to explore how music education impacts their learning . The fifindings highlight how music education fosters a sense of belonging and unity by encouraging collaboration and mutual support .
These fifindings resonate with Scotch ’ s structures . Much like the students in the study who thrived through communal participation , Scotch has sustained its 173- year legacy through the collective effort of its many entities – OSCA , the Foundation , students , staff , and parents – each playing a pivotal role in maintaining a culture of inclusivity and shared purpose .
This ‘ uniting of the journey ’ ensures the school remains resilient and dynamic , grounded in the contributions of every community member . By encouraging collaboration across generations , Scotch ’ s
STRENGTH FROM CONNECTION AND
UNDERSTANDING THAT WE ARE
ALL IN THIS TOGETHER
THE SAPU LIDI PHILOSOPHY – INDIVIDUALLY
EACH STICK IS FRAGILE , BUT WHEN
BOUND TOGETHER , THEY BECOME STRONG
AND UNBREAKABLE
enduring success is a testament to the power of collective strength and mutual support , much like the sapu lidi metaphor .
As I continue learning from this community , I am inspired and humbled by how Scotch unites us all , bound by the common goal of nurturing excellence , both for the boys ' character development and academic achievement , and fostering a sense of belonging that will last a lifetime .
DR RUBEN SETIAWAN – TEACHER OF INDONESIAN AND ACTING HEAD OF INDONESIAN
* Crawford , R . ( 2016 ). Creating unity through celebrating diversity : A case study that explores the impact of music education on refugee-background students . International Journal of Music Education , 34 ( 3 ), 276 – 290 . https :// doi . org / 10.1177 / 0255761416659511
50 Great Scot Issue 172 – Edition 2 2024