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For Banten Social Worker, a Lifetime of Helping Others is Well Worth the Effort
Anita Rachman | February 20, 2012

Muhammad Arif Kirdiat, left. (JG Photo) Muhammad Arif Kirdiat, left. (JG Photo)
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Before starting his ambitious project to build bridges in isolated villages, Muhammad Arif Kirdiat wore many other hats.

He began his career working in a chemical factory in Merak, Banten, where he was active in the local union trying to win better treatment for employees.

“But we never won because the company always had the data and arguments [to back up their stance],” he said.

Wanting to pursue a higher education, he then went to study law at a university.

When he returned to the workforce, he said, he was better placed to take on the company, but many things remained unchanged.

“Then I told myself, maybe I should try politics,” he said. “Then maybe I could get more support when facing the company.”

Arif started lobbying for better pay and benefits for his colleagues, and eventually he decided to pursue a full-time career in politics.

He served as a campaign spokesman for Zulkieflimansyah, the Banten gubernatorial candidate from the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) in 2006, although his candidate lost.

A year later, Arif turned his attention to a travel agency he had set up.

While taking trips with his clients out to the villages in Banten, he developed an interest in the plight of local villagers.

“I learned many things, especially when I observed the widening wealth gap. Something needs to be done here in Banten,” the father of three said.

Unlike in his union days, however, he did not believe politics would help.

He discussed the issue with friends at the provincial legislature, but he said no one there seemed to care.

“I decided that I, that we, can do it by ourselves,” he said.

Fortunately for Arif, two factors came into play that would prove invaluable: friends with the same concerns, and Facebook.

“Getting people to volunteer or donate their money has been much easier since the advent of Facebook and other social media,” he said

The money for his various community programs has come from friends, including those on Facebook, Arif added.

“Many people are helping, both from Indonesia and overseas,” he said.

He is careful to account for every penny he receives from donors, publishing the amount of their donations and exactly how the money is spent.

It is difficult work, but in the end, he said, the effort is rewarding.

“It’s a good feeling to see the people that you’ve helped,” he said.