Loyalty to Scouts

KOMPAS/ESTER LINCE NAPITUPULU

Brata Tryana Hardjosubroto

From the time he was young, Brata Tryana Hardjosubroto, now 60, has been loyal to the National Scouts (Pramuka). The Scouts changed his life, and he wants to repay all the good he has received from it.

Brata\'s involvement in the National Scouts Movement (Pramuka) does not stop at the national level. This man, who is quick to smile, is also active in the international Scouts organization for the Asia-Pacific. His contribution to the Scouts movement has earned him several awards from inside and outside the country.

On 10 July 2019, Brata was received the Distinguished Service Bronze Award of the Singapore Scout Association, which was conferred by Singaporean President Halimah Yacob. Brata was recognized for contributing to developing the Scouts in the Asia-Pacific and ASEAN, and to strengthening Singapore-Indonesia relations. Last year, Brata received the Asia-Pacific Chairman\'s Award from the Asia Pacific Region-World Organization of the Scouts Movement (APR-WOSM) in acknowledgment of his leadership and contributions in promoting and developing the Scouts.

"I am very grateful to have received several awards in connection to Scouts activity. Even though I did all without any intention to get awards, the recognitions has made me very happy," he said.

Brata has been working at APR-WOSM since 2003 – more than 15 years. In 2018, he served as the chair of the Subcommittee on Scouting Profile, the penultimate level before advancing to the committee level.

As far as I know, [I am] one of the longest and continuously serving [members] of Scouts organizations in the Asia-Pacific. Others usually take a break.

He plans to campaign for the APR-WOSM committee’s 2021-2027 term at the 2021APR Scouts Conference in Taiwan. "As far as I know, [I am] one of the longest and continuously serving [members] of Scouts organizations in the Asia-Pacific. Others usually take a break," he said.

DOKUMENTASI PRIBADI

BrataTryana Hardjosubroto (second left).

The World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) was founded in 1920 by Robert Baden-Powell of England.

Indonesia’s Scouts movement has the largest membership, but only a handful of Indonesia’s Pramuka leaders have become members of the APR-WOSM committee. Two years ago, Pramuka deputy chair and Indonesian Ambassador to Thailand Ahmad Rusdi was elected to the APR-WOSM committee.

Although Brata is active in the WOSM, he does not hesitate to visit schools and Scouts organizations that need coaching. He is still active in the University of Indonesia scouting organization. He also oversees the Scouts at SMPN 3 Depok fo West Java, which runs the

WOSM’s Ticket To Life program. The school runs special classes for street children.

At every school or university he visits, Brata says he always tries to provide scouting materials that fit modern-day conditions, including the challenges of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

He says that many people only know the Scouts by name. In fact, scouting activities have been recognized in the world as a way to instill goodness, leadership and nationalism.

Scouts values are introduced through games, singing and camping, as well as other activities.

Brata realized that Scouts activities had become less attractive, as many students joined primarily because of school obligations. To overcome this, he encouraged Scouts instructors and coaches at schools to be motivated to make Scouts activities fun.

Life change

Brata admired the Scouts. As the youngest of six siblings, he says he was spoiled as a child and was very dependent on his parents and siblings. When he was in elementary school, Brata was impressed at seeing the Surabaya Scouts camping – without their parents or siblings.

"I told my parents, I want to join Pramuka. In the past, it was not compulsory. Schools did not offer scouting activities. I joined the local Pramuka that held activities at Apsari Park. I really enjoyed the Scouts activities," he said.

Joining Pramuka helped Brata become assertive and confident. When he graduated elementary school, he enrolled in junior high by himself. At first, the other parents looked at him with pity. After Brata explained that he did not want his parents to accompany him, they praised him and pointed to him as an example for their children.

I vowed to always be loyal to Pramuka. I always want to give. I am happy to tell you about my activities. From the time I worked in Jakarta until now, I feel that the Scouts has changed my life greatly.

Brata joined the Scouts with his whole heart. When he was in junior high school, he was chosen to represent Surabaya in the 1973 National Scouts Jamboree in Cibubur. It was his first accolade in his Scouts career.

KOMPAS/ESTER LINCE NAPITUPULU

Brata Tryana Hardjosubroto

"I vowed to always be loyal to Pramuka. I always want to give. I am happy to tell you about my activities. From the time I worked in Jakarta until now, I feel that the Scouts has changed my life greatly," he said.

Brata Tryana Hardjosubroto

Born: 15 October 1958

Wife: Riena

Children: Lestari Andardini dan Satrio Andardono

Achievements:

- International Friendship Award, South Korea Scouts, 2017

- Star of Gemilang Pengakap Darul Iman, Trengganu Scouts, Malaysia, 2016

Organizations:

- Secretary-general, ASEAN Scouts Association for Regional Cooperation (ASARC), 2015–2021

- Deputy chairman, Membership Growth Sub-Committee, Asia-Pacific Scout Region, 2010-2012

- Chairman, Indonesia contingent to 2010 World Scouts Jamboree, Kristianstad, Sweden