ESSAY 2: NETWORKING (500 kata)

ESSAY 2: NETWORKING (500 kata)

_My network is built from three layers: state, faith, and adat._

_First, 20+ years in DKI Jakarta bureaucracy gave me network from Lurah Jagakarsa to Governor office. I understand how Indonesian local government works – from population administration (my S1 thesis topic on DKI Jakarta population order) to civil protection. My SKCK and Court Clearance (2022) show clean record, essential for trusted network.

_Second, faith network through Da’Ram. As Pembina Da’Rantau Minang with Buya H. Fikri Bareno, http://M.Ag., I connect Dai’ across Jabodetabek, Masjid Blok M Square, Tanah Abang, Thamrin City, and now Masjid Al-Azhar. In October 2026, I gathered leaders like Ibu Nismawarti (Majelis Ta’lim Al-Quran Jaksel) and Buya Saadi for our Pengajian Akbar. My phone contains contact persons of all Ketua Pengajian Minang se-Jabodetabek – this is social capital built by trust, not position._

_Third, adat network – Urang Awak. Minang diaspora philosophy: where we step, we build surau. I use WhatsApp groups, silaturahmi monthly pengajian, and SAS Foundation to maintain 1 million Minang in Jakarta. We don’t just recite Quran; we help find jobs, help sick, help new migrants. This is networking with heart._

_In UK, I will connect Chevening network with my three networks: I will introduce Indonesian community protection model to UK local councils, bring UK interfaith dialogue methods to Da’Ram, and link UK Indonesian diaspora with Urang Awak. After Chevening, I will create UK-Indonesia Community Protection Forum in Jakarta, using my STIA LAN and Widya Jayakarta alumni networks._

_My name variations (Risman K, Risman Thomas, Risman K Thomas) verified by Lurah Jagakarsa Letter 1653/1.755.2/15 – all same person – show my long journey across systems, building trust everywhere.