BJ Habibie and Germany

Once again, I am back in Germany for the second time. It’s been almost 2 years since I step into Germany. The first time was when I went to Tuebingen-Stuttgart for a summer school program on genetic engineering. I still remember the golden glistening sunset that welcomed me once I arrived in Germany. I couldn’t help but feel such fuzzy feelings in my heart, knowing that I finally reach Germany, fulfilling the dream of ‘little heba’ to study in Germany.

Just now, I departed from Frankfurt after finishing the project at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France. As usual, I fixated my gazing towards the window of the airplane, despite seating next to the aisle. Wherever I am , my gaze is always be directed to the sky- as if my body is receiving an instruction subconsciously. 

Innately, I am someone who’s full of aspirations and eagerness to see the world beyond what it is. Perhaps that’s why I always look for windows- to look at the sky- as if doing so allows my mind to wander itself in a non-isolated medium; to let my imagination sprout without limitation and borders. 

Even when I am brainstorming answers during the examination, I always look up to the sky (or in this case; ceiling)- it’s a natural act of mine that I just noticed. More so when the shy moon is peeking up in the sky- I can't turn my gaze away from her beauty. And the vastness and 'emptiness' of sky- painted by hues and blushes of colours- they make me feel calm inside. 'Less earthy-ly stimulus'. 

Anyway, back to where i am now- in the Airbus 380. Whilst looking out to the plane window, I can’t help but to think about BJ Habibie. For Indonesians, Germany is being synonymed to BJ Habibie, the bright mind that paved pathways for Indonesians to broaden their wings to Europe- to dream the impossible and have the courage to go forward and beyond.

Hence, since I am in the plane now, I can’t help but to relate these to things to him; airplane, and Germany. 

Some thoughts that crossed my mind; ‘He must’ve been to Frankfurt, right? I wonder how the world looks like when he was just my age, with hot blood running in himself, embarking his studies in Europe, away from his comfort and loved ones. 

Was he having the same conflicts as I am now? How much has he sacrificed to come this far? What keeps him going on despite the adversities?’

I try to put myself in his shoes- to imagine living a life full of dedication and perseverance to build a better future for himself, family, and for the future generation to come. 

‘Has he always been full of ambitions and aspirations? Has he always be living with such vision?.’

I am wondering how he was as a person at my age, if I am to meet the young BJ Habibie- 'what kind of conversations we would have had together? Will we be talking about such aspiration and vision full of hopes and dreams? Or maybe we’ll just be having normal conversation, ranting to each other and whining about how hard it is to live as an international student?— since he is also a normal human being who’s not an exception towards the harshness of adulting process?

Of course, I will never find out about it (unless I can travel back in time and meet the younger version of him). 

Or maybe, just MAYBE, I will meet someone like him unexpectedly, when my path cross with that person— who shares the same aspiration and hopes for building a better future, not just for ourself, not just for our family, but for the generations to come… maybe, just maybe, I will be lucky enough to stumble upon someone like that.

20:55, joi 29th of May 

- in the sky of Frankfurt, Germany en route to Bucharest, Romania