Take I: Welcome to Padang!
About Me
Hai! I am Mecca Vance, named after the birthplace of Islam Makkah. So it goes without saying, that faith is an instrumental aspect of my life. My faith has lead me to believe that you, and I alike, share a greater responsibility to add true value to the world for subsequent generations. Although I still contemplate what that means for myself, there is no doubt that it should leave a lasting impact worldwide. Maybe my namesake has influenced this ideology, especially because Makkah draws millions for a once in a lifetime renewal of faith. Coincidently, I embarked my journey to Indonesia to reap a once in a lifetime opportunity to explore something bigger than myself! While I have only been here for a week, I have already engaged life-changing conversations with people from all over the world (i.e. England, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia). So, before you read another word, I want to thank Professor Warren for presenting me an amazing opportinity and I hope to leave a lasting impact on the collaboration shared between our Center for Comparative Justice and Andalas University Center for Constitutional Studies with the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Indonesia.
Padang City
Despite my first week being primarily limited to travel, I have witnessed an insurmountable amount of beauty. More than anything, Indonesia's culture has graced me with an entirely new perspective. As an African American, my culture has prescribed a need to look over my shoulder at all times, which my mother reaffirmed through text, “Don’t trust anyone!” After being met with much gaze, I asked Khaza, "Is it safe for me?" Instead, she affirmed to me that people were excited to welcome me with admiration. Since then, walking throughout Padang has prompted numerous people to stop me for pictures. Above all, Indonesians carry deep pride in their country and are curious about what brought them here. Whereas I have known Americans to frequent tourist destinations like Bali, Padang welcomes you into a nurturing familial atmosphere.
I've been told that Padang City, the capital of Indonesia's West Sumatra province, is most known for its unique cuisine throughout Indonesia. So far I have tried delicacies including rendang, dedeng and sate padang. When I started to feel homesick, I began to crave pancakes my host was kind enough to make some (I hadn't had pancakes for more than a month prior to my arrival in Indonesia lol). I asked Khaza if she liked pancakes, but she said that pancakes were too sweet and she preferred Nasi Goreng (fried rice with an egg on side) because it provides all the protein she needs for the day. Nasi Goreng is Indonesia's all-time favorite dish and I've eaten it for breakfast four of the six days that I have been here (you see why I missed the pancakes lol). You might be asking what exactly does this have to do with anything...but as my new friend Elsie told me "we eat with friends to have fun." Since everyone has made such a huge effort to accommodate me; it only makes sense that I explore as much Indonesian culture as I can!
Andalas University (UNAND)
At the forefront of Andalas University is its vision “Becoming a Leading and Distinguished University.” Essentially, its establishment was forged in Indonesian pride to break free from Dutch colonization. Most notably, this initiative emerged from the country's desire to educate nation's youth. In an effort to support national independence, Andalas University produces globally competitive graduates by advancing support and access to quality higher education. It is the hope that UNAND graduates fulfill Indonesian "independence and bring progress and glory to the nation in the future."
Despite constant suppression, West Sumatra's community leaders maintained motivation to establish a university. As a result, in 1956 Andalas University became inaugurated as the first university to be established on the island of Sumatra. The University created its first discipline as the Faculty of Law, leaving a lasting framework of Indonesian independence. Two years later, Andalas graduated its first graduate from its Faculty of Law, Mr. Rudito Rachmad.
Arriving to campus, I saw amazing buildings made from sandstones bringing attention to Padang's natural beauty. The university faces the Indian Ocean, providing a serene campus showcasing an array of valleys and hills. Actually, the school describes its environment as "very conducive for learning and research to explore and develop science and technology for the glory of the nation." Students are offered activities including traditional dance, rock climbing, traditional instruments, arts and more.
PUSaKO
For my first month, I will have the pleasure of collaborating the the PUSaKO. PUSaKO is the Faculty of Law research institution led by Bang (Big Brother) Director Charles.
The research institution was established on Monday, September 6 2004 by the Chairman of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Indonesia (Prof. Jimly Asshidiqie - the first Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court) and the Dean of the UNAND Faculty of Law. It mostly consists of mostly lecturers and several students from the law faculty of Andalas University who conduct research on the development of the Indonesian Constitution, state institutions, Human Rights and Democracy. Aside from research, the institute offers its students opportunities to collaborate with several state institutions, such as collaborating with the Constitutional Court, People's Representative Council, Regional Representative Council, Judicial Commission, Corruption Eradication Commission and other state institutions.
Sampai jumpa minggu depan!See you next week!