Seeking unity in diversity
The lower portion of Indonesia’s national emblem consists of a scroll gripped by the claws of a legendary Garuda bird, on which appears a phrase in Old Javanese: Bhinneka Tuggal Ika—“Out of the Many, One.” This is an adage from an ancient myth. It is said that long, long ago there lived a king who devoured one human each day, thereby instilling fear amongst the people unsure who would be next.
One day a warrior, saddened by the plight of the common folk, made a request of the king: “Better that I die on behalf of the people. But I beseech Your Highness to cease this practice henceforth!” Outraged, the monarch refused. “How dare a lowly warrior dream of interfering with the will of the King!” When the warrior realized his advice would not be heeded, he abandoned his peaceful appeal and initiated a fierce fight. During the battle, the Hindu deity Shiva entered the body of the king, while Buddha likewise entered the warrior’s. Each demonstrated his prowess to the fullest, but a deadlock ensued. Finally, Brahma intervened: “Bhinnekha tuggal ika!” he pronounced, signaling an end to their duel. For although the pair were dissimilar in looks, and the gulf between their mindsets was great, in reality they comprised an indivisible entity.
The various lives, desires, joys and tribulations portrayed in literary works represent a universal appeal that transcends ethnicity, language and culture. Therefore, FLP Taiwan exists not only to provide a space in which Indonesian migrant workers, students and immigrants in Taiwan can tell their own stories; everything they describe when they put pen to paper is also part of human collective cultural awareness. Of course, the creative works of Taiwanese also form part of this collective. Everything coalesces on this soil, echoing the words on the scroll gripped in the Garuda’s talons: “Out of the Many, One.”
To mark the end of Ramadan, Indonesian migrant workers far from home enjoy the customary feast—this time in the concourse of Taipei Railway Station.