Years with ASEAN

“I slept and dreamt that life was joy. 

I awoke and saw that life was service. 

I acted and behold, service was joy.”

- Rabindranath Tagore 

It's been 3 years I service the ASEAN Secretariat under Security Cooperation Division. There are a lot that I have been learned not only about the work of international organization, the dynamic of the relations among ASEAN member states and/or with ASEAN dialogue partners, and the issue of political-security in this region. By living for three years in this building I have found something that maybe more than lessons or experiences, it is just like a life that God want me to see through the struggle, pain, joy, sincerity, and anything that out of my prediction before.

Some people said, working at the International Organization is just like a pride. It is same when I see most of people say that 'I am so cool' working at the ASEAN as the regional organization in Southeast Asia. Indeed the feeling of 'being cool' is true when the first time I was notified that I am accepted here, till I got the official letter of my appointment signed by the Secretary-General. But day after day, week after week, month after month, I really realized that the feeling cool is just like a 'bonus' for every sacrifice and dedication of working here.  Even now I have found that there is NO cool things of doing the job of of international organization.

My years at the ASEAN Secretariat (ASEC) has been passed by assisting my division to conduct every meetings, missions, and projects. Being the part of this organization, we are not only be the part of high level meetings or involving in the prestige projects, but there are many things that we have to feel 'sacrifice' by doing 'unimportant things' such as compiling documents for the meetings or conference or as a connector who convey some information to member states or other external entities, doing admin things, and other logistic matters. But by these small things life happens. 

I thank my God for giving me this job. I thank God for making me forgetting my ambition, forgetting my pride, trying to be sincere and also tough and vicious at the same time, and I thank my God that show me that doing small things is a precious, above all of the pleasant things and privilege that I have got like being in the multicultural environment, having the job according to my interest, and being the part of many ASEAN process. 

So, I just want to tell you that finally this is not the matter of the job you take, not the matter of your position, or money you gonna earn, but how you put every little things in your heart, and doing it with gratitude and joy. I am not saying that money and position are not important but the greatest love of all is what matter most.

Nothing is perfect in this world although you seems have got the good or great thing. But don't you have to worry because you can make this imperfection become a happiness and great bless.

Finally, just pursue what you think best and give yourself a little patience. Like a flowers, they are planted, watered, and grow.