A Story of Tenderness, Firmness, Tenacity, and Self-Confidence

From small things like that for great female figures like Mooryati Soedibyo, maybe we can learn.

KOMPAS/COKORDA YUDISTIRA

BRA Mooryati Soedibyo, founder of PT Mustika Ratu Tbk, June 2019.

Around the end of 2009, a friend introduced me to Mrs. Moor (read: Mrs. Mur), Dr BRA Mooryati Soedibyo's nickname, at her house in the Menteng area, Jakarta. Several years later I often communicated with him, especially when I edited one of his books entitled Mooryati Soedibyo, Transforming Woman's Voice (2011).

I remember a few things that stood out from my introduction to Mrs. Moor, which I consider to be a valuable lesson for my life. How her views and attitudes, despite being a noblewoman, aristocrat, and successful businesswoman, still showed humility and politeness.

On a certain occasion, when I asked what the secret to his health was, he said, "Just take a piece of ginger and finger-length galangal, chew it every day. At first, your mouth will suffer, but you'll get used to it," he said. God willing, it will make you healthy.

Another thing that I remember during our conversation with him is a few expressions. "Never feel smart and great. Because, it makes us arrogant. Arrogance is actually our weakness."

"Work diligently in doing anything, as if we are working on something that, in our opinion, is the best thing in our life."

When discussing the final manuscript of his book at his home, Bu Moor asked with a serious and sincere face, "According to Pak Idi, does the language and words in my book appear arrogant? Please read it carefully and show it to me later."

In the years following the editing of the book "Bu Moor," she sometimes still sends short messages asking about me and my family's well-being and never forgets to pray for our goodness.

From small things like that to a great female character like Mrs. Moor, maybe we can learn.

Today, on Wednesday, April 24th, 2024, Bu Moor passed away at the age of 96. Rest in peace, Bu Moor. May Allah SWT forgive her mistakes and accept her good deeds. Amen, O Lord of the Worlds.

Idi Subandy Ibrahim, book editor Mooryati Soedibyo, Transforming Woman's Voice