Day 10: "TOKO ROWONSARI - KINI HADIR"

Amusingly, my day started with Cik Farid realizing I am still unable to tell which road from which even after heading to Rowonsari and back twice over the past two days. "Ah! I remember that Padi Field!" was the best I could help.

It was a lively opening day - certainly made slogging over the past two days worth it. There was a small sense of satisfaction as you see customers walking in and out, wanting to explore the new store. Even excited children walking in clutching a few notes in their hand was a sight that was very heartening.

As I continued helping out at the store and observing them - I realized one thing that differentiated Micromart from other convenience stores. Elsewhere, the setup and opening may not even be realized by members of the community. There was no connection. However, with Micromart - the set up team would often interact with the residents of the area as they bought food or explored new areas, and residents in turn would also interact with MM staff as they passed by or when the store opened.

Somehow, it felt as if MM was integrating into the community - being part of it - whether they realized it or not. From the toko team to kasirs - their interactions with the residents formed a positive first contact with the residents, and this made the opening of the MM a more lively experience. This may be Indonesian culture, this may be clever marketing - but in my point of view, in places like kampungs especially, this creates a very human aspect around MM. Understandably there were some small setbacks, such as the fridge arriving during the opening rather than before, and Mie Sedap Goreng quickly being sold out, and Olema being the only variant of condensed milk available - but from the first day I believe MM could identify very quickly areas that needed improving. I was also glad with our supervisor who took time to guide me in greater detail with regards to the work that is done prior to the setting up of the actual toko which she handles.

Speaking of human aspects, Cik Farid treated the opening team to dinner for their hard work in opening the two tokos at a warung that was known for their sambal (It was good, though not as spicy as claimed). We were all full and satisfied, it was a good dinner and the company was great. They were not just colleagues or a team, they were friends. At the end of it they gave sincere appreciation personally to Cik Farid for the dinner and made their way home.

This was the second time I'm seeing such a lively spirit. Even yesterday, Cik Farid's birthday celebrations were done with an amazing sincerity. Like, he got cakes from all over Indonesia. During the celebration there was not just a "syarat" (for the sake of it) kind of air that you might get at some places - but they seemed like they genuinely wanted to celebrate Cik Farid's birthday. He came to work and for a brief moment there was a party. They each gave a big smile and wished him a happy birthday personally! I imagined that this is not a birthday celebration for a boss. It was a birthday celebration for someone who has made an impact on people's lives. This is really testament to a person's character and leadership in my opinion, and something I would like to aspire towards someday. To really make a difference.

It was amazing really. Before entering Micromart, I expected a corporation, workers more like gears to fuel capitalism, what I found instead was a family.