UNS — Joko Suranto, SH, MH., a crazy rich from Grobogan, Central Java, suddenly went viral because of his initiative to renovate 1.8 kilometers of damaged road worth Rp 2.8 billion on personal funding. Unexpectedly Joko is an alumnus of the Faculty of Law (FH) Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta, who currently serves as the Chairman of the FH UNS Alumni Association Foundation (IKA).
The story began when he took the initiative to renovate the road in his hometown, Jetis Village, Karangrayung District, Grobogan Regency, Central Java, which connects three villages, Telawah, Jetis, and Nampu. “I am actually concerned about the condition of the damaged road, and it has not been repaired for decades. It also often causes accidents,” Joko said over the phone, reported via Instagram @mgradio_network that went live on Tuesday (19/4/2022).
As stated by Joko, the road in this specific area has not been repaired for 20 years. “The road in Jetis Village, about 3 kilometers to my parents’ village, is severely damaged. Indeed, about two kilometers of road were already cast in concrete. However, aside from the renovation carried out 3-4 years ago on the 2 (two) kilometers road towards Telawahi, the remaining road to the entrance to my village has never been repaired. It means that for almost 20 years, there had never been any action taken for the road condition. It’s just like a patchwork. Indeed, before it was paved, but the asphalt quality is not good,” explained Joko.
The renovation progress has been completed, and is only waiting for the asphalt to dry up. Joko estimates that on April 29, 2022, the road will be passable by passenger cars so the public can use it before the 2022 Eid homecoming tradition. However, initially, Joko did not expect his actions to invite citizen discussion, considering that this was not his first-time initiative. Previously he had also built roads in Bandung Regency, Cicalengka, Subang, and also built 30 mosques in West Java. “It’s usually only known to people around me. I was also surprised when the road construction in Jetis Village could go viral on social media. I have absolutely no idea how come it went viral. But it’s okay. No need for further discourse. Basically, as human beings, we must share,” added Joko.
Many speculate whether this action was done sincerely or not. Responding to this, Joko said sincerity could only be known in one’s heart. He always remembers his value ‘do not be afraid to do good.’ “But, when we do something that is not sincere, what are we looking for? We seek no personal interest except for witnessing happiness in the eyes of those closest to us and our best friends. Knowing that our friends are happy with the new road is something beautiful, irreplaceable. It’s also a good idea that people who walk down that road get an invaluable sense of happiness, right? We don’t expect praise from anyone. Good intentions with good goals, inshallah, will turn into favorable outcomes too,” explained Joko.
Joko continues that everyone reserves the right to share kindness. The rights to build as well, sharing the good. Regardless of his profession. It must start from a firm intention and determination that every good action will return to the respective character. “Everyone can do good deeds, and they can share kindness. It doesn’t have to be an entrepreneur or an official. Anytime we are entrusted with a duty or task, we have to do a lot of kindness and establish a lot of merits. And since it’s a duty if you can’t do it, then just back off because you can’t carry out the task properly,” Joko said.
Joko also urged the government, which is still slow in its performance, to better understand each other’s duties and actively encourage collaboration with the private sector. “When you can’t carry out assigned duties according to your role, then you need to learn a lot. Don’t bring many reasons as you get in an official position. There will be a way. Our tagline is ‘must be willing, must be able.’ So only the people who walk will arrive at their destination, only those who work will finish their duty. It means that it depends on one’s will, intention, and willingness to complete the task as soon as possible. Sure we can,” concluded Joko. Humas UNS
Reporter: Lina Khoirun Nisa
Editor: Dwi Hastuti