Indonesia is an archipelago nation located in Southeast Asia, straddling the equator between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world’s largest island country, consisting of more than 17,000 islands, with over 6,000 of them inhabited. This diverse nation is home to hundreds of distinct ethnic groups and languages, with the Javanese being the largest ethnic group.
Jakarta, Indonesia. As I journey through Indonesia, capturing the essence of a nation striving to maintain harmony among its vast and diverse population, I find myself frequently explaining the basics to curious friends back home. Here’s a primer:
Indonesia, known officially as the Republic of Indonesia, lies in Southeast Asia and Oceania, comprising over 17,000 islands, with about 6,000 of them inhabited. The country’s major islands include Sumatra, Java, Borneo (shared with Malaysia and Brunei), Sulawesi, and New Guinea (shared with Papua New Guinea). Indonesia is the world’s fourth most populous country, with a population exceeding 270 million people.
The rich history of Indonesia is marked by its strategic location along ancient trading routes between the Far East, South Asia, and the Middle East. This position has made Indonesia a melting pot of cultures, religions, and languages. The archipelago’s cultural diversity is one of its most captivating aspects.
Ancient Kingdoms and Colonial History
Indonesia’s history is a tapestry of powerful kingdoms and empires, such as Srivijaya, Majapahit, and the Sultanate of Malacca. These empires facilitated the spread of Hinduism, Buddhism, and later Islam throughout the archipelago. By the early 16th century, European explorers, traders, and colonial powers, including the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, began to arrive in Indonesia. The Dutch East India Company established a foothold in the region, eventually leading to Dutch colonial rule that lasted for over three centuries.
Independence and Modern Era
Indonesia declared its independence from Dutch rule on August 17, 1945, under the leadership of Sukarno and Mohammad Hatta. However, it took several years of diplomatic and armed struggle before the Dutch formally recognized Indonesian sovereignty in 1949.
Today, Indonesia is a democratic republic, with Jakarta as its bustling capital. The country operates under a presidential system, and Joko Widodo, popularly known as Jokowi, is the current president. Indonesia is a member of various international organizations, including the United Nations, ASEAN, and the G20.
Ethnic and Religious Diversity
Indonesia’s ethnic diversity is remarkable, with over 300 ethnic groups. The Javanese, Sundanese, and Madurese are among the largest groups. This diversity extends to languages, with over 700 languages spoken across the archipelago. Bahasa Indonesia, the official language, serves as a unifying force.
Religiously, Indonesia is predominantly Muslim, with nearly 87% of the population adhering to Islam. However, the country is also home to significant communities of Christians, Hindus, Buddhists, and others. The island of Bali is renowned for its vibrant Hindu culture and traditions.
Cultural Richness
Indonesia’s cultural heritage is rich and varied. Traditional arts, music, dance, and crafts thrive across the islands. The gamelan orchestra, wayang kulit (shadow puppetry), and batik textiles are just a few examples of Indonesia’s artistic treasures. The country celebrates numerous festivals, such as the Nyepi (Balinese Day of Silence), Eid al-Fitr, and the Toraja funeral rites, showcasing its cultural depth.
Natural Beauty and Biodiversity
Indonesia’s natural beauty is unparalleled. The country boasts stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and majestic volcanoes. The Komodo National Park, home to the famous Komodo dragons, and the Borobudur and Prambanan temples, UNESCO World Heritage sites, are major tourist attractions. Indonesia’s rich biodiversity includes species found nowhere else on Earth, such as the Sumatran tiger, orangutans, and various unique marine life in its coral reefs.
Economic Growth and Challenges
Indonesia has experienced significant economic growth in recent decades, becoming one of the largest economies in Southeast Asia. The country’s economy is diverse, with key sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, mining, and services. Jakarta, Surabaya, and Bali are major economic hubs.
However, Indonesia also faces challenges such as poverty, inequality, and environmental issues. Deforestation, urbanization, and climate change are pressing concerns that require sustainable solutions.
Conclusion
Indonesia, with its rich history, cultural diversity, and natural wonders, is a fascinating and complex nation. As it continues to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the modern world, Indonesia’s journey towards unity in diversity remains a testament to the resilience and spirit of its people.
U.N. peacekeepers fly into a town to perform emergency surgery on wounded Haitian police officers. MINUSTAH/Sophia Paris.
Orphans International Worldwide Leadership Training & Mentoring Program following the earthquake had the full support of the U.N. troops on the ground there.
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Léogâne, Haiti. The Orphans International Worldwide Leadership Training and Mentoring Program following the earthquake had the full support of the U.N. troops on the ground there.
Mathew Luce, Lauren Towle (seated), and Japanese diplomats at “Scroll for Japan,” a relief effort following the Tsunami-driven nuclear disaster in Fukushima at the Art Students’ League, NYC.
The U.S. Peace Index was launched last year with the aim is to further understand the types of environments that are associated with peace and its economic impacts at a more specific regional level.
New York, N.Y. I first met Steve Killelea one year ago at the Harvard Club when the U.S. Peace Index (USPI) was launched. Last week, in the Japanese-themed Upper East Side home of Krishen and Geeta Mehta, I met him again — along with his lovely wife and daughter — far from his native Australia. Steve is a business-minded visionary who believes peace can be supported better if it is quantifiable. His life mission is to measure it.
Australian visionary Steve Killelea’s U.S. Peace Index is now in its second year. Photo: IEP.
Built upon its highly respected Global Peace Index, produced by the Australian NGO The Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), the U.S. Peace Index was launched last year as the first in a series of national peace indices that IEP has begun to release. The aim is to further understand the types of environments that are associated with peace and its economic impacts at a more specific regional level.
The Global Peace Index 2011 map shows that the U.S. has a “medium” state of peace. Image: GPI.
“We really only study conflict, not peace,” Steve told his captivated audience. This is why humanity needs to quantify peace so we can more readily achieve it.
The USPI reveals many things about our nation, including that my favorite state, Maine, is America’s most peaceful state. Luckily, my second favorite, New York, has seen the largest improvements in peace since the early 1990s. My other favorite states — basically the rest of New England — rank at the top, as does another great state, Minnesota.
I try to only accentuate the positive, but I will mention that Louisiana is the least peaceful state with Tennessee, Nevada, Florida and Alabama at the bottom. Hmm. One fact that surprised me is that peace is politically neutral — neither Republican nor Democratic states have an advantage in obtaining the absence of violence. I won’t share my acerbic thoughts on that topic as I will only annoy friends on both sides of the Aisle.
The Vision of Humanity website hosts an important collection of peace-related videos. Here, “Peace is Everybody’s Business” by Camilla Schippa, Director of the Institute for Economics and Peace, founded in Sydney.
The Institute’s analysis also identifies that there are hundreds of billions of dollars in economic impact to be gained from reducing violence across America. Specifically, the Institute calculates that if all the states in the U.S. had the same level of peacefulness as the most peaceful state (Maine), the total economic effect would be more than $274 billion, with the potential to generate more than 1.7 million jobs. Amazing.
These costs were also calculated at the state level. California was found to have the highest state burden of violence at more than $22 billion per year while Vermont has the lowest at $188 million. For each state taxpayer, the total economic cost of violence varies, from $7,166 per taxpayer in Washington, D.C., to $1,281 for Maine taxpayers.
Social Media Revolution, based on the number one International Best Seller “Socialnomics” by Erik Qualman.
Steve, who founded The Institute for Economics and Peace, told me:
Peace translates into dollars and cents. We have seen this in the findings of the 2011 Global Peace Index, where we found that a 25 percent reduction in global violence would free up over $2 trillion.
Michelle Breslauer is the U.S. Program Manager for the Institute for Economics and Peace on 54th Street here in New York. I sat down with Michelle recently to find out more. She told me:
As the only statistical analysis that offers a comprehensive nationwide measurement of crime and its costs, the Index illustrates the tremendous social and economic impact of violence in the U.S. We see that peace relates to opportunity and lays the foundation for individual and societal well-being.
The Index looks at a set of five indicators, including homicide rates, violent crimes, percentage of the population in jail, number of police officers and availability of small arms (per 100,000 people) to rank the states. The data used to construct the Index is drawn from the Bureau of Justice Statistics, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Centers for Disease Control. Factors such as median income and a state’s political affiliation had no discernible impact on a state’s level of peace.
Steve Clemons, Washington editor-at-large for The Atlantic, has commented on the Index:
For decades, many studies have looked at the issue of peacefulness; however, what we observe with the USPI is that, for the first time, we have the ability to cross reference data painting a much clearer picture of the real costs of violence in the U.S. Quantifying the cost of violence or the lack of it seems to be an important tool to help decision makers to make informed budgetary decisions when it comes to crime control. Studies like this one give us a window into our full potential as a nation, which directly impacts our ability to compete in a globalized world.
Steve’s presentation last week at the Mehta residence was informative as always:
If every prisoner in the U.S. was brought together in one jail, it would rank as the fourth largest American city with a population of well over two million. With 5 percent of the world’s population, the U.S. has 25 percent of the world’s prisoners incarcerated, ranking America with China and Russia. Yet, as the American baby boomers age, there are fewer crimes being committed here.
Given the financial costs of incarceration, emphasis needs to be placed on programs that reduce the likelihood of reoffending or finding more cost effective ways that deal with non-violent offenders. Programs dealing with education and vocational training have been proven to be effective in reducing recidivism.
What is absolutely clear from the Index is that peaceful states perform better across a range of economic, health, education and community factors. They have higher high school graduation rates, lower poverty, better access to basic services, higher labor force participation rates, higher life expectancy and less single parented families. Even social capital, such as volunteerism, civic engagement, trust, and group membership, is higher in more peaceful states.
Steve founded a family foundation 18 years ago working throughout the developing world. His foundation has funded more than 100 projects in countries such as Rwanda for an average of $100,000 to $500,000 in investment.
Global Peace Index 2011 Vision of Humanity video. Image: GPI.
Just as last year, nearly 200 news stories have featured the report, with the USPI covered in USA Today and featured in Time, the Atlantic Cities, The Huffington Post, MSNBC, and the Economist, among many others. Steve’s daughter told me that she knew her dad was making a difference when, upon arriving in the U.S. from Australia, she saw a news report on the Peace Index in the back of a NYC cab, on taxi TV. Click here to watch a short video about the findings and here to explore interactive maps.
John Lennon would not be surprised that in this century, like all centuries gone by, people study violence more than peace. As Steve pointed out, there are few, if any, university courses anywhere in the world on the literature or economics of peace.
My grandfather was an ambulance driver on the fields of France in World War I, my father with Patton at Dachau in World War II, my brother to be drafted the week before the draft ended for Vietnam. I was an exchange student to Germany and Japan, as well as experienced 9/11 as so many New Yorkers did. The need for peace is real — in our lifetime. Now. I commend Steve Killelea for his incredible vision and pledge, on behalf of my son, to do whatever is in my power to assist him in making this world more peaceful.
Photo: John Lee and Deborah Pierre at the UNSNC Aux Antilles dinner dance Nov. 4, 2011 in support of the International University Center Haiti, a project of The James Jay Dudley Luce Foundation.
John Lee and Deborah Pierre at the UNSNC Aux Antilles dinner dance Nov. 4, 2011 in support of the International University Center Haiti, a project of The James Jay Dudley Luce Foundation.
A.M. Rosenthal, a distinguished graduate of City College of New York, was a renowned journalist and executive editor of The New York Times, known for his unwavering commitment to truth and his advocacy for a more just and informed world. He embodied the spirit of global citizenship, fearlessly exposing injustice and challenging powerful institutions to uphold ethical standards.
A.M. Rosenthal’s impact extended beyond his editorial role:
He fearlessly reported on the realities of Cold War-era Poland, earning expulsion for his incisive critique of the government’s policies and societal conditions.
He challenged the status quo, advocating for a more ethical and transparent approach to power, particularly in the realm of international relations.
He inspired generations of journalists to prioritize truth and accountability, recognizing their role as guardians of public trust and watchdogs of power.
A.M. Rosenthal’s legacy reminds us that global citizenship requires courage and conviction. His unwavering commitment to exposing the truth and holding institutions accountable serves as a powerful example of how journalists can contribute to a more just and informed world.
Tags: A.M. Rosenthal, Journalism, The New York Times, City College of New York, Pulitzer Prize, Pentagon Papers, Freedom of Press, Global Citizenship, Human Rights, Social Justice
Jonas Salk, a City College of New York graduate, was a renowned virologist who revolutionized public health with his groundbreaking development of the first polio vaccine. His life exemplified a profound commitment to global citizenship, dedicated to improving human health and well-being through scientific innovation.
New York, N.Y. — Jonas Salk, a graduate of City College of New York, is celebrated as a pioneer in public health. His tireless dedication to scientific research led to the development of the first effective polio vaccine, a breakthrough that saved countless lives and transformed the global landscape of infectious disease. Salk’s life embodied a deep commitment toglobal citizenship, driven by the desire to improve the health and well-being of people worldwide.
Salk’s impact extended far beyond his scientific achievements:
He believed in the importance of making his vaccine accessible to everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status, demonstrating a commitment to global equity in healthcare.
He advocated for the development of other vaccines, recognizing the power of scientific innovation to address global health challenges.
He inspired generations of scientists and public health professionals to dedicate their lives to improving the lives of others through research and innovation.
Jonas Salk’s legacy reminds us that global citizenship extends beyond borders and embraces a shared responsibility for the health and well-being of humanity.His unwavering commitment to scientific progress and his dedication to a healthier world serve as a powerful inspiration to continue striving for a brighter future for all.
Tags: Jonas Salk, Polio Vaccine, City College of New York, Virology, Public Health, Global Health, Science, Innovation, Global Citizenship, Humanitarianism
Daniel Schorr (1916-2010, age 93). An Emmy award-winning broadcast journalist for CBS-TV and National Public Radio. He graduated from the City College of New York (CUNY) in 1939. Schorr was known for his impactful journalism and commitment to truth, which aligns with the principles of global citizenship, such as valuing differences and contributing to global solutions. His work often highlighted issues of social justice, making him a figure who uplifted humanity through his reporting.
New York, N.Y. — Daniel Schorr, the veteran Washington journalist and longtime senior news analyst for NPR, passed away at the age of 93. Schorr was a formidable figure in journalism, known for breaking major stories both domestically and internationally during the Cold War and Watergate. He once described himself as a “living history book,” and indeed, his career spanned some of the most pivotal moments in modern history.
Schorr’s journalism was deeply informed by his experiences and the perspective gained from decades of covering history as it unfolded. He had a unique ability to bring context to contemporary news, comparing presidents from Eisenhower onward with a depth that few could match. This historical insight was a cornerstone of his broadcasting, adding a layer of analysis that made his commentary essential listening.
His career as a foreign correspondent began in 1946, after serving in U.S. Army intelligence during World War II. Schorr reported from Western Europe during the postwar reconstruction, witnessing the implementation of the Marshall Plan and the creation of NATO. His work with CBS News, starting in 1953, included reopening the network’s Moscow bureau and securing an exclusive interview with Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev—a first in American broadcasting.
Schorr’s commitment to investigative journalism was perhaps most evident during the Watergate scandal. He was shocked to find his name on President Nixon’s infamous Enemies List, a badge of honor that underscored his impact as a journalist. Schorr’s reporting during this period earned him Emmys three years in a row and a Peabody Award for his uncompromising integrity.
Schorr was no stranger to controversy. His reporting on CIA assassinations and the leak of the Pike Committee report on illegal CIA and FBI activities put him at odds with powerful institutions. Yet, he remained steadfast in his commitment to the First Amendment, even at the risk of his career. Schorr resigned from CBS in 1976 after being taken off the air, but he continued to challenge government narratives and provide incisive commentary for CNN and later NPR.
Daniel Schorr’s legacy is one of relentless pursuit of the truth, often at great personal cost. He was a journalist who never shied away from challenging those in power, and his contributions to journalism have left an indelible mark on the profession. Schorr’s ability to dig deep and present facts with clarity and context made him a trusted voice in a world where such voices are increasingly rare. His passing is not just the loss of a journalist, but the loss of a critical witness to history.
The Red Army. Officially known as the Workers’ and Peasants’ Red Army, was the army and air force of the Russian Soviet Republic and later the Soviet Union from 1918 to 1946. It was established in January 1918 by Leon Trotsky to defend the new Soviet state during the Russian Civil War.
The Red Army played a crucial role in World War II, providing the largest land force in the Allied victory over Nazi Germany. It accounted for 75-80% of Wehrmacht and Waffen-SS casualties on the Eastern Front and ultimately captured Berlin. Up to 34 million soldiers served in the Red Army during the war, with official losses of over 11 million killed, missing, or captured[1].
The Red Army received significant material support from the United States through the Lend-Lease program, including over 400,000 jeeps and trucks, 12,000 armored vehicles, and 14,000 aircraft.
After World War II, the Red Army occupied much of Eastern Europe, helping to establish and maintain communist regimes aligned with the Soviet Union.
On February 25, 1946, the Red Army was renamed the Soviet Army. It retained this name until the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, after which it became the core of the Russian Ground Forces.
Trotsky Formed Workers’ Red Army to Defend New Soviet State (July 11, 2011)
Photo: Apollo 11 lunar landing mission crew, pictured L-R, Neil Armstrong, commander; Michael Collins, command module pilot; and Edwin E. Aldrin Jr., lunar module pilot. May 1969. Credit: NASA.
New York, N.Y. xxx
Apollo 11 – One Small Step for Man, One Giant Leap for Mankind (July 3, 2011)
Photo: Jim Luce warmly welcomed by children in the Volta region of Ghana north of Accra on the Togolese border.
Accra, Ghana. Dr. Simey was a noted psychiatrist in Accra who committed to helping Orphans International Worldwide build a home for a dozen destitute children either in the capital or Volta Region. Sadly, he passed away shortly before the project moved forward leaving a leadership vacuum on the ground there we were unable to fill from the U.S.
Image: Map of France and the French Diaspora, the Francophone World. Wiki Commons.
Jim Luce écrit en traduction française
Jim Luce attended school first in Paris. His father and step-mother taught French language, literature and Francophone culture at Miami University as well as Harvard and the Sorbonne.
Jim Luce mit Waisenkindern aus dem Tsunami 2004. Bildnachweis: Orphans International.
Von Jim Luce 12. November 2007
Neu York Stadt. Die Vereinigten Staaten haben viele wohlhabende Wohltäter, die von der Idee angetan sind, dass sie mit ihrer Erfahrung und Kreativität Fachwissen und Geld bündeln könnten, um das Leben der Menschen in der Entwicklungswelt zu verbessern.
Ich weiß jetzt, sieben Jahre nach der Gründung meiner eigenen globalen Wohltätigkeitsorganisation, dass dies möglich, aber oft problematisch ist. Man muss viel Leidenschaft, Energie und Verstand haben, aber auch die Menschen im Ausland, die einem helfen.
Als ich vor Jahren auf der Wall Street arbeitete, traf ich auf ein Mosaik von Menschen unterschiedlicher Ethnien und Persönlichkeiten, die alle glücklich dem allmächtigen Dollar nachjagten. Ich erkannte, dass bei einer gemeinsamen Sache alle Unterschiede überwindbar sind.
Zu dieser Zeit verbrachte ich die Wochenenden damit, zufrieden Hunde und Katzen von den Straßen New Yorks zu retten. Aber ich war daran interessiert, etwas für die Welt zu tun. Von einem indonesischen Freund gebeten, mit ihm in seine Heimatstadt auf den Celebes-Inseln zu reisen, ergriff ich die Chance und wir machten uns auf den Weg. Mein Leben sollte sich dramatisch wend
Durch einen glücklichen Zufall fuhren wir an einem Waisenhaus vorbei, und ich fühlte mich hingezogen, es zu besuchen. Ich war fasziniert. Im Laufe der Jahre wurden Waisenhäuser in den Vereinigten Staaten durch Pflegefamilien ersetzt. Als ich das düster beleuchtete Gebäude betrat, war ich von den außerordentlich schlechten Bedingungen überwältigt. Es gab zwar viel liebevolle Fürsorge, aber die Einrichtung selbst war heruntergekommen. Wenn diese Kinder nur mehr Geld für Essen und Unterkunft hätten – etwa 600 Dollar pro Jahr würden reichen, so schätzte ich – könnten sie gedeihen. Was könnte ich persönlich tun, um das zu erreichen?
Ein Baby stach buchstäblich aus den anderen hervor, und seine flehenden, aber entschlossenen Augen schienen zu verlangen, dass ich es mit nach Hause nehme. Sein Name war Mathew. Er war 10 Monate alt.
Die Verbindung zwischen uns war sofort da, und nach einem Gespräch mit meiner Verlobten stimmte ich zu, ihn zu adoptieren. Das Personal bat darum, dass sein löchriges Unterhemd für das nächste Kind zurückgelassen werden sollte.
Innerhalb eines Jahres hatte Mathew die indonesischen und amerikanischen Bürokratien durchlaufen und war auf dem Kennedy-Flughafen in meinen Armen.
Bevor Matt kam, hatte ich mit einer scharfsinnigen Kinderpsychologin in Boston – Frances Dudley Alleman-Luce, meiner Mutter und Freundin – über das gesprochen, was ich miterlebt hatte. Ich konnte nicht aufhören, an die anderen Babys im Waisenhaus zu denken, die unter solch dickenschen Bedingungen existierten, schlimmer als New Yorks Tierheime. Sie konnten nicht alle adoptiert werden, aber man konnte ihnen helfen. Meine Mutter und ich sprachen darüber, wie wir das tun könnten.
Dann kam die Schlussfolgerung: “Mom, rate mal?”, sagte ich. “Ich habe diesen kleinen Jungen adoptiert – du bist jetzt seine Großmutter!” Es dauerte nur Sekunden, bis sie erkannte, dass das Theoretische nun tief persönlich war – und eine neue Seite in unserer Familiengeschichte aufgeschlagen worden war. Die Matriarchin unserer Familie mit tiefen Wurzeln im puritanischen und anglikanischen Neuengland hatte einen chinesisch-indonesischen Enkel bekommen.
Als Matt kam, nahm sie ihn sofort als ihren eigenen an und zeigte ihm den Harvard Yard genauso, wie sie es als Kind mit mir getan hatte, und wies auf unsere familiären Wurzeln dort hin. Heute ist er ein durchschnittlicher New Yorker Teenager.
Es mussten Lösungen für die allgemeinen Probleme existieren, auf die ich auf den Celebes-Inseln gestoßen war. Meine Mutter studierte meine Neigung, Liebe und Zuneigung den Bedürftigen zu schenken, und forderte mich auf, mein Ziel zu konzeptualisieren, das Leben von Waisenkindern zu verbessern.
So entstand die Idee eines stellvertretenden Pflegesystems in Entwicklungsländern. Mein Konzept basierte auf kleinen Häusern mit jeweils nur vier Kindern und einer Haushaltshilfe in jeder Wohnung. Meine Vision war es, Waisenkinder von Kleinkindern bis zum Erwachsenenalter so aufzuziehen, wie ich meinen Sohn aufziehen würde. Diese einfache Vorstellung ist nun als “Mathews Regel” kodifiziert. Könnte Mathew hier gedeihen? Dies ist unser striktes und vorrangiges Kriterium.
Meine Mutter starb 2001, und in ihrem Testament legte sie Geld beiseite in der Hoffnung, dass ich Orphans International gründen würde. Angesichts meines Erbes – von einem Mitbegründer von Harvard (Thomas Dudley) bis zum Gründer des Naval War College (Stephen Bleecker Luce) – glaubte sie vielleicht, dass Institutionsaufbau in meinen Genen lag.
Orphans International Haiti, home in Gonaives.
Wir gründeten Orphans International 2001 in Indonesien und eröffneten unser erstes Haus auf Sulawesi. 2002 gründeten wir die Organisation in New York und begannen, Geld aufzubringen. 2003 begannen wir die Arbeit in Haiti und eröffneten schließlich ein Haus in Gonaïves.
Dann schlug der Tsunami über den Indischen Ozean von Indonesien bis Sri Lanka. Die Spenden strömten herein, von meiner eigenen Gemeinde auf Roosevelt Island und von prominenten Familien auf der ganzen Welt, die durch Mundpropaganda von uns gehört hatten. Wir schickten Mitarbeiter – buchstäblich im Schlamm – innerhalb von Tagen nach Aceh in Indonesien, richteten schnell ein Haus ein und nahmen unsere ersten Tsunami-Waisenkinder mit Liebe und Mitgefühl auf. Ich dachte an meine Mutter.
Als die Welle Sri Lanka traf, wurden ein junges sri-lankisch-amerikanisches Paar an einem Strand in der Nähe von Galle von ihrer tödlichen Wucht erfasst. Der Ehemann wurde weggespült. Seine amerikanische Frau überlebte. Zu seinem Gedenken versprach ihr Vater, ein Waisendorf in Sri Lanka zu bauen.
Unterstützt von unserem Vorstand, bauten wir eine mit den Vereinten Nationen verbundene Nichtregierungsorganisation auf. Unsere Dachorganisation ist Orphans International Worldwide mit unserem Verwaltungsbüro, das von Freiwilligen in Lima, Peru, betrieben wird, und unserem Freiwilligen-Praktikantenprogramm in New York. Diese Struktur ermöglicht es uns, niedrige Gemeinkosten zu haben; unser letzter Prüfbericht zeigt, dass weniger als 8 Prozent für die Verwaltung ausgegeben werden.
Um diese Bemühungen zu finanzieren, haben wir den üblichen Gründerkreis, Präsidentenkreis und Beirat ins Leben gerufen – jede Gruppe mit spezifischen finanziellen Verpflichtungen. Seit wir mit der Unterabteilung für öffentliche Information der Vereinten Nationen verbunden sind, wurde Matts Regel ausgearbeitet und ist zu einem Standard für Waisenhäuser in der Entwicklungswelt geworden.
Nach dem Tsunami kündigte ich meinen Job auf der Wall Street, um mich ganz der Finanzierung, dem Aufbau von Programmen und der Sicherstellung der Einhaltung unserer globalen Standards zu widmen. Enorme Fortschritte wurden mit ehrlichen, unterstützenden und fürsorglichen lokalen Fachleuten erzielt. Wir hatten gehofft, dass sie uns vor den Rückschlägen – einschließlich unzähliger Fälle von Nepotismus und Korruption – bewahren würden, auf die wir gestoßen sind. Sie haben es in gewissem Maße getan, aber es gab immer noch Herausforderungen.
Zum Beispiel drängte uns ein Vorstandsmitglied für eines unserer Programme, seine Geliebte als Direktorin einzustellen und das Anwesen seines Bruders als unser Waisenhaus anzumieten. Nein. Ein Mitarbeiter sah nach dem Tsunami und den Millionen an Hilfsgeldern, die danach flossen, Dollarzechen und verkündete, dass er die Organisation übernehmen würde. Nein. Ein anderer Offizier, der zwei Jahre bei mir war, konnte die Mittel nicht erklären. Wieder nein. Wie kann man die eigenen Kinder nur so verraten?
Trotz dieser Kämpfe hinter den Kulissen sind wir in 12 Ländern vor Ort und haben ein Jahresbudget von einer halben Million Dollar, mit Projekten in Haiti, Indonesien und Peru und der Eröffnung in Sri Lanka. Interessanterweise ist Sri Lanka das einzige Land, in dem wir noch nie betrogen wurden. Dort hatten wir keine Korruption, sondern die langsame Tortur der Bürokratie zu ertragen. Ich glaube, unser Projekt dort, das bald die ersten Kinder aufnehmen wird, könnte zum Vorbild für unsere globalen Bemühungen werden.
Orphans International ist zu meinem Auftrag geworden, und es kann ein gefährlicher sein. Letzten Sommer in Haiti wurden wir beim Schwimmen mit unserem lokalen Direktor und zwei unserer Kinder von einer Menschenmenge angegriffen, die dachte, wir würden ihre Kinder entführen. Die haitianische Polizei erkannte die Gefahr und rettete uns, wurde aber selbst von der gewalttätigen Menge überrannt. Letztendlich wurden wir von UN-Friedenstruppen gerettet.
Letztendlich, so glaube ich, machen Geduld, Vertrauen, guter Wille und das Internet unsere Bemühungen möglich. Wir kommunizieren mit unseren 218 Freiwilligen über Zeitzonen hinweg per E-Mail, Instant Messaging und Skype. Plaxo, Facebook und LinkedIn spielen auch eine Rolle bei unserer Öffentlichkeitsarbeit. Es ist geplant, dass unsere Kinderpaten ihre Kinder direkt über Skype begrüßen können.
Wie auf der Wall Street gehen die 100-Stunden-Wochen weiter, nur dass ich jetzt kein Gehalt oder Jahresbonus mehr erhalte. 2006 löste ich mein Rentensparplan-Guthaben auf, um unsere Bemühungen am Laufen zu halten. Mein Fokus liegt weiterhin darauf, dem allmächtigen Dollar nachzujagen – nur jetzt für andere.
Jim Luce ist der Gründer und Präsident von Orphans International Worldwide.
Orphans International Worldwide World Congress III & Reception “Building Bridges” Alfred Lerner Hall, Columbia University, NYC (Satow Room, Fifth Fl., 115th St. & Broadway)
Saturday, July 8, 2006; 8am – 6pm; $20
SPONSORED BY AIR FRANCE
Program 8:30am – 10:30am Registration: Hannah von Krause (USA) Coffee: Phyllis M. & Rupert Cort, Hosts (Guyana)
8:45am – 9:45am OIWW Business Meeting Jim Luce, Chair
A. OIWW Election of Officers for 2005-2006
President: Jim Luce (Founder, OI Worldwide)
Vice President: Yuri Guanilo (Program Officer, OI Worldwide)
Secretary: James Larèche (Administrative Officer, OI Worldwide)
Treasurer: Luis Alberto Suárez, MBA (Executive Director, OI Peru)
Director: Monalisa Harris (Director, OI Sulawesi)
Director: Ria Indah (Founder, OI Indonesia)
Director: Felicia Nair (Founder, OI United Kingdom)
Director: Natasha Rahmany (Finance Director, OI Sumatera)
Director: Uche Udensi (Chair, Africa Committee, OI America)
B. Selection of OIWW Meeting Sites for next five years
IV 2007 – Guyana? Haiti? Peru?
V 2008 – Singapore? Japan? Hong Kong?
VI 2009 – Ghana? Togo? Nigeria?
VII 2010 – United Kingdom? Germany? France?
VIII 2011 – Sulawesi? Philippines? Sri Lanka?
C. Presentation of Global Standards Standards are being re-drafted by students of the Kellogg School of Management of Northwestern University, Chicago Approval at World Congress IV
D. Address from the Founder: Fifth Anniversary Global Action Plan – Jim Luce Approval Needed
Workshops
10:00am – 11:00am Workshop 1: OI Projects Around the World Moderator: Hubert Eteh-Benissan (Togo) Ariele Cohen, Esq. (Sri Lanka) Yuri Guanilo (El Salvador, Sumatera) James Larèche (Haiti) Rosa Suárez (Dominican Republic, Peru) Uche Udensi (Ghana, Togo, Nigeria)
11:15am – 12:15pm Workshop 2: OI Education & Health Moderator: Donald Hoskins, MD (USA) C. Nilsa Olivero, PhD (Puerto Rico) Wendy Budin, PhD, RN (USA) Doris Chernik, PhD (USA) Gail Farber, MD (USA) Jim Luce (USA)
12:30pm – 1:30pm LUNCH – courtesy of Air France
1:45pm – 2:45pm Workshop 3: Standards, Compliance & Image Moderator: John Wilbeck, MBA (USA) Nathan Byrd (USA) Andrys Erawan (Indonesia) Messan Minyanou (Togo) Jennifer Prince (Guyana) Ethel Romm (USA) Anne Sullivan Smith, PhD (USA)
3:00pm – 4:00pm Workshop 5: Development for the Future Moderator: Carol Noll Hoskins, PhD, RN (USA) Tom Cohen (USA) John Garesché (USA) Rajiv Mallick (India) Felicia Nair, MBA (UK) Boris Stankevich (Belarus)
4:15pm – 5:30pm Closing Remarks Moderator: Jim Luce (USA) With OI Worldwide Officers and Congress Panel Moderators
8:00 pm – 11:00pm Reception in the OIWW Office, Roosevelt Island 540 Main Street #418, Buzzer 157; (212) 755-7285 (“F” Train) Host: Jim Luce, OIWW Founder (USA)
Seema Kohli (b. 1960). “Untitled,” 2007. 46 x 70 inches.Mixed media on canvas. Photo courtesy of Donald and Shelley Rubin.
Don Rubin and his wife Shelley have introduced an exceptional, personal collection of modern and contemporary South Asian art at Oglethorpe University in Atlanta.
New York, N.Y.Don Rubin is becoming perhaps my favorite mentor and role model. He is the ultimate in cool. At 76, he and his wife Shelley do what they want — redo Barney’s in Chelsea into a top art museum, the Rubin Museum of Art; support human rights; corner the market in contemporary Cuban art; and now — who knew? — introduce an exceptional, personal collection of modern and contemporary South Asian art at his alma mater, Oglethorpe University in Atlanta.
Kamal Mitra (b. 1962). “Meditation,” 2007. 49 x 59 ½ inch.Acrylic on canvas. Photo courtesy of Donald and Shelley Rubin.
I first profiled Don’s work on HuffPosthere, when he challenged me several years ago to “get my arms around” Cuban art. I chronicled his private Cuban art collection. As we sometimes meet for lunch in Chelsea, I am always amazed at his grand vision. His work — particularly with Tibetan art — is beyond anything I will ever achieve in my lifetime. Imagine my surprise when I recently discovered the Rubins have also assembled a world-class collection of modern Indian art. Part of their collection just opened at his alma mater in Atlanta, the Oglethorpe University Museum of Art.
Sakti Burman (b.1935). “Untitled,” c. 2000s. 34 1/4 x 44 1/2 in. Oil on canvas.Photo courtesy of Donald and Shelley Rubin.
The exhibition — Goddess, Lion, Peasant, Priest: Modern and Contemporary Indian Art from the Collection of Shelley and Donald Rubin — is the first public display of this collection of more than 50 works from 28 of India’s most famous artists, including Francis Newton Souza, Sakti Burman, and Seema Kohli. I grasped that this exhibition is both important and extraordinary — and spoke to several friends who know this world better than I who strongly confirmed my gut reaction.
With imagery from all walks of life, from the poorest citizens to dynamic deities, the works of Goddess, Lion, Peasant, Priestfocus on India’s incredible people: individual characters gazing back at us, men and women inhabiting spaces urban and rural, kneeling bodies meditating and praying. India’s modern and contemporary art affirms that the modern is truly global.
These works celebrate everyday life in South Asia and its many diasporas, from the most mundane moments to the most transcendent. The 180-page exhibition catalogueis rich in hue and detail. It features fascinating commentary from academic and auction world luminaries such as Edward Wilkinson, Rebecca M. Brown, and Susan S. Bean. The forward was written by Oglethorpe’s president, Lawrence M. Schall.
Nalini Malani (b. 1946). “Love, Deception, and Intrigue,” 1985. 68 x 88 inches.Oil on canvas. Photo courtesy of Donald and Shelley Rubin.
Not having the honor of being Indian myself, as India is not far behind China in providing thought leaders and thought leadersfor our common future, I reached out to three Indian-American friends prominent in the global art community, Aroon Shivdasani, Mira Nair, and Sundaram Tagore. I have profiled the work of Aroon and Mira many times before, and realize I have been lazy in not covering Sundaram’s impressive art career.Sundaram and I go back to college together.
Donald Rubin’s art collection is visionary in his focused, systematic collection of Cuban, traditional Tibetan, and contemporary Indian art. His personal attention to both the art as well as its presentation is his genius.
He has ensured that New Yorkers have access to rare Himalayan art (at the Rubin Museum) that may never have crossed their paths or their understanding prior to this permanent exhibition and the clear curatorial explanations of each work’s background and raison d’être.
New York is richer for this jewel of a museum. I look forward to seeing how he houses his Indian art collection. I love the gestalt of the Rubin museum in its all encompassing embrace of the total culture — in every facet — of Himalayan art, and hope his Indian works will one day find a similar home here in New York City.
Krishna Shamrao Kulkarni (1916-1994). “Untitled,” c. 1970’s.Acrylic on canvas. 46 x 56 in. Photo courtesy of Donald and Shelley Rubin.
Arpita Singh (b. 1937). “Security Check,” 2003. 22 x 32 inches.Watercolor on board. Photo courtesy of Donald and Shelley Rubin.
Amid all the hatred and misery in this world, the antithesis of evil is art. Goodness is not just a lack of hunger and violence, but the existence of social justice and art.
Don Rubin is not only a pioneer in making the world a more just society, but he is an extraordinary visionary whose life work makes the world more beautiful and connected. Don and Shelley’s private collection of contemporary Indian art — Goddess, Lion, Peasant, Priest — offers us an incredible view into contemporary South Asian art and must be seen in person or though the wonderful 180-page catalogue.
Shelley and Donald Rubin. Photo courtesy of Melanie Einzig.
Oglethorpe University Museum of Art Presents Goddess, Lion, Peasant, Priest: Modern and Contemporary Indian Art from the Collection of Shelley and Donald Rubin Tuesday, March 15 through Sunday, May 15
Abraham Beame, a Baruch College alum and New York City’s 104th mayor, navigated one of the city’s darkest financial crises with resilience and dedication. His legacy as an immigrant leader embodies the essence of global citizenship.
New York, N.Y. — Abraham “Abe” Beame, born Abraham Birnbaum in London to Polish Jewish parents, immigrated to the United States as a child, eventually attending Baruch College, part of the City University of New York (CUNY).
Photo: Abraham D. Beame, mayor of New York City, 1965. Credit: Wikipedia.
As the 104th Mayor of New York City, Beame’s tenure from 1974 to 1977 was marked by one of the most challenging periods in the city’s history—the financial crisis that threatened to bankrupt New York.
Despite these challenges, Beame’s commitment to his city and his background as an immigrant who rose through the ranks embodies the spirit of global citizenship.
Beame’s journey from the Lower East Side, where he grew up, to City Hall was one of perseverance and dedication. He was a skilled accountant who understood the intricacies of the city’s finances better than most.
His education at Baruch College equipped him with the tools needed to navigate the complex financial landscape of New York City.
Though he faced immense criticism during his mayoralty, especially regarding the city’s fiscal troubles, Beame worked tirelessly to stave off bankruptcy, negotiating with federal and state officials to secure aid and implement austerity measures.
His actions, though controversial, were driven by a deep sense of responsibility to the millions of New Yorkers who relied on the city’s services.
Beame’s legacy is one of resilience in the face of adversity.
He exemplified global citizenship by showing that even in the direst of circumstances, leadership requires a focus on the collective good. His experience as an immigrant who became the first Jewish mayor of New York City also highlights the importance of diversity in leadership roles.
Beame’s story is a reminder that leaders are often forged in the crucible of crisis and that their legacies are shaped not just by the decisions they make, but by the values they uphold.
