This afternoon (April 15, 2007) I went to Arowi 1. It is around two kilometers after Pasir Putih beach. My purpose was to make a writing about a reading room run by Papuan students for their community. Its name is Pondok Media MARTURIA, PAM GKI Marthen Luther - Arowi 1. Several days ago, its coordinator Ms. Ani and a protestant priest from Maranatha church visited my bookshop. They bought a lot of books. When my wife asked why they bought a lot of books, they said that those are for the pondok media.
It was around two o'clock in the afternoon when I arrived in that place. I saw that it was actually a small kiosk selling books and Papuan souvernirs. They also encourage the youth in the vicinity to read the available books. So, it has an additional function, a very very small library.
Its size is around 4 x 3 meters and is devided into two rooms, one for selling display and one for administration room. They put around 100 books on the shelves. On the walls I can see some bags, and hats.
Ms. Ani as the vice chairman of the PAM and Ferry Meokbun who is the one in charge of the Pondok Media Marturia. They welcomed me by saying Selamat Siang (meaning Good Afternoon).
"Oh, ini bagus sekali. Saya senang dengan kegiatan seperti ini - Oh, this is very good. I am happy to see this kind of activity," I started the conversation.
"Yes, this is the reading room which I told you about when we visited your bookshop." Ms. Nina answered.
".... I am Charles. What's your name?" I asked the other man.
"I am Ferry, I handle the administration and the bookkeeping here."
"When did you start this pondok media?"
"We started it on December 12, 2006," she replied. Our intention is to encourage the youth to read books.
Charles: I see you hang bags and hats on the walls. Did you make them?
Ferry: Yes. We - the youth here made them.
Charles: Can you explain me how to make them?
To read the making process, please click:
The Making Process of the Bark Bags (Process 1)
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Besides running the souvenir and book kiosk, the youth in Arowi 1 village are also responsible in building the community church.