"Jian’s very own Game of Thrones? Or will Trump roam the corridors of Mentari?"
By: Hugo Hutapea
‘Let the hunger games begin’.
A famous quote to most as it brings back memories of the sadness and pain that Katniss and “friends” underwent upon the utter of a single phrase. Like the Hunger Games, Mentari is no stranger to seeing their very own face off against each other in numerous ways, be it the annual Red and White Day or even during classes when teachers instruct students to play Kahoot. Aside from these things though remains a once prestigious body, now untouched, after years of pain and sweat put into it simply because the teachers wanted it to. This is in reference to the Mentari Student Council, which has become a shell of its former self ever since its discontinuation several years ago. Throughout this period, even if competition still remains very prevalent in other endeavors, competing parties and presidential elections have not once been mentioned therefore leaving those who seek political enjoyment or a chance to lead in a party with nothing…
At least that’s what we thought until several individuals laid out the information regarding the revival of the student council under the alias “The Mentari Government”, which one party member claims to be “A fresh new start.” Now comes the question that is probably burning in your head, “What is the Mentari Government?”
To answer that, I was lucky enough to have spoken to Arief Rajendra, a 12th grade student in Mentari who has ties within the government and plans to run for a position under a given party once it is established. Mr. Rajendra was kind enough to entertain several of our questions, even posing to take a photo, and was very fruitful in giving answers. This may be important if any Mentarians are wondering who the next Barack Obama will be or how to stop a potential Donald Trump from building a wall separating Barong’s Diners and Sunny Kitchen.
“It is a way for students to find their voice in an ever-growing community”, explained Arief during his discussion on what the government would mean for the students.
“It is essentially where students can properly communicate with the staff, allowing for us to share our ideas that may help the school over time.”
Unlike the previous student council, the Mentari Government uses a completely different system of parties and candidates. Several years ago, the concept of a student council focused mostly on the campaigners and not the team or party which they were representing. Mentari Government uses a party system that is highly complex but simulates real-life governments therefore also simultaneously giving the students a demonstration of the actual “political world”. The new government is also very focused on the ideals and perspectives of the future president.
Arief adds (using his party leader, Charlotty, as an example): “Our party leader, Tty, believes in exposing the students to new experiences and giving them more opportunities to connect with others, so I think the system’s ‘flow’ also changes based on the candidates.”
With the many candidates eyeing for the prize of the winning party, it cannot be said for sure who currently holds the lead but amongst the potential presidents, Charlotty (Grade 9) is said to be a frontrunner and her perspectives regarding the importance of students within Mentari’s future could be in line with what many Mentarians are looking for in a leader.
“I have understood a lot regarding how we should run the school. That we should give students incentives to do more, we should give them more opportunities, we should further improve each student on their own areas of expertise by offering programs such as school clubs, which the students can create by themselves. What she wants to do is reflective on what the student wants. She’s not a dictator, she won’t impose many policies. She simply wants the students to become themselves,” mentions Arief, who is once again running for the position of the treasurer under Charlotty’s party.
The government’s beginnings within Mentari is still under process but will be in effect very soon.. “If everything goes to plan, campaigning will start as soon as possible and the voting procedure will take place within September.” Arief also offers valuable advice for other students to also take place within the government as it offers many benefits.
“Joining the government gives one an experience that would be unforgettable, so I highly recommend for people to join this. This also helps with your resume and CV for college and since I want to attend Universitas Indonesia's Faculty of Economics, I think this would be highly beneficial.”
Remember Hunger Games? Basically, (spoiler alert) the movie ended in unicorns and rainbows as the two main characters survived until the end. Even when the game required only one winner, they managed to prove that love beats all odds. If Katniss and Peeta didn’t die, then I’m sure the government won’t too. Kidding. What I meant is that whatever happens at the end of the presidential voting, everyone is a winner, because what stays embedded is the fact that a group of ambitious students was able to bring back a tradition that Mentari once lost. This proves that not all students spend most of their time eating their own boogers. Although for that matter, I myself am not too sure.
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