For Rai Suryawijaya, Bali is not only his birthplace, but also the place where he forged his character. It is on this culturally rich island that he has built his reputation in the tourism sector.
Serving as Deputy Chair of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI), Rai's love for the Island of the Gods is unquestionable. Rai accompanied Bali through its difficult times until now, when Bali has become a top tourist destination in the world.
On the other end of the line, Rai's memory went back 24 years. At that time, a suicide bomb exploded at Paddy's Pub on October 12, 2002. Shortly thereafter, a car filled with hundreds of kilograms of explosives detonated in front of Sari Club, located on Jalan Legian, Kuta, Bali.
At least 202 people were killed in what is known as the deadliest terrorist attack in history. The majority of the victims were foreign tourists from 21 countries, 88 of whom were Australian citizens.
The event known as the First Bali Bombing not only destroyed buildings, but also shattered the sense of security in all aspects of life in Bali. The island, which had been bustling with tourists, became eerily quiet. Several countries issued travel bans, causing Bali to lose its visitors.
Amidst the trauma of feeling unsafe, Rai realized that Bali needed not only economic recovery but also spiritual healing. A year after the incident, he and his friends established the "Gema Perdamaian" Foundation, which is a forum for promoting peace and based on a sense of togetherness.
"Violence has no place on this earth. Through Gema Perdamaian, I want to voice that life should not be tainted by intimidation and murder. Bali is a home for harmony," Rai said during a conversation in Jakarta on Wednesday (8/1).
Nurturing a wounded soul
Rai realizes that healing the hearts of the Balinese people will be a long process. According to him, peace can be achieved by living in harmony, mutual respect, and tolerance with fellow human beings, nature, and all its contents.
Rai added that the main mission of this organization is to make Gema Perdamaian a vehicle for public education so that a peaceful mindset is formed, recognizing differences as an undeniable fact of life and enabling people to live in mutual respect and appreciation within society.
Some of its missions include establishing Gema Perdamaian's birthday as a holy day of peace for all religious communities and belief systems.
"I want Bali to be a global icon and be known as a peaceful place that can inspire the world. Just as humans constantly strive and remind themselves to maintain inner peace and tranquility as the basis for their attitudes and actions," he said.
Every year, just as the world commemorates United Nations Peace Day on September 21, Gema Perdamaian (Echoes of Peace) begins its journey. Starting with a seminar at the Kertalangu Peace Gong, this series of educational events continues until its climax on the Saturday closest to October 12.
Under the shadow of the Bajra Sandhi Monument in Renon, a magical atmosphere was created. Thousands of people from various backgrounds, including officials, priests, monks, clerics, artists, and students, gathered as the sun began to set in the west.
During the event, they chanted prayers and vibrations of silent peace together with all religions and beliefs.
"We pray that peace will spread once again from every corner and side of Bali. This is a place where the nation's children can gather and unite to follow their inner calling without being divided by their religion and beliefs, ethnicity, and customs," he said.
The event began with an exhibition showcasing the diversity of religious teachings and practices, yoga, padayatra, a speech by the governor, communal prayers, and entertainment.
Rai deeply loves all aspects of Bali, from its people and nature to its culture and cuisine. Through the Gema Perdamaian organization, he hopes that Bali will continue to flourish and remain a favorite holiday destination.
Social activities
Rai said that in addition to voicing the peace movement, the Gema Perdamaian organization also carries out social activities such as distributing basic food supplies and renovating houses.
Behind the beauty of the landscape and scenery, there are as many as 6,000 households in Karangasem Regency still living below the poverty line, according to local government data.
This sparked concern from various parties, including the Gema Perdamaian Community, which held social activities such as distributing basic food supplies and a house renovation program.
"Through the house renovation program and distribution of basic necessities, we want the community to feel a real sense of solidarity and peace," he said.
This activity involved a number of volunteers and communities committed to helping underprivileged residents in the Karangasem area. A total of 125 packages of basic necessities and clothing were also distributed to local residents.
This assistance is expected to ease the burden on communities struggling with poverty.
Rai said that this activity is held annually and is one of the main programs in addition to other peace-themed events, such as yoga and peaceful meditation.
Marking its 22nd year, Gema Perdamaian is once again building livable houses. Constructed with red bricks and simple building standards, the houses measure 6 x 3 meters.
The houses look simple, but for the beneficiary families, they are "palaces." Inside, volunteers not only build bedrooms and kitchens, but also ensure proper sanitation.
"A full stomach and a roof over your head make true peace possible. This makes us realize that living in harmony is important," he said.
Now, Gema Perdamaian activities are not only carried out in Denpasar, Bali, but also in other areas such as Karangasem, Ubud, Kuta, and Jembrana. Currently, Gema Perdamaian has also succeeded in gathering interfaith communities and donor communities from various parties.
"In addition to a sense of security, poverty is a threat to a person's inner peace," he said.
