A Father, Farmer, and Faith Leader Who Builds A Loving Home

Every morning, before the sun fully rises, Supardi is already walking to his field. He works daily as a farmer and a teacher at a small private school in his village, which is located in Lombok . He is also a member of the Village Consultative Body (BPD). But of all these roles, there's one he holds most dear: being a father. 

As a Muslim, he grew up with a strong principle: "Rohimuna yarhamuhumurrahman" — whoever shows compassion to others will be shown compassion by Allah. This principle isn't just something he recites; it's the foundation for his path of change. 

However, around him, this practice sometimes gets blurred. Domestic violence is considered normal. When children fight, parents intervene, not to mediate, but to join the quarrel. Family relationships are often harsh, sometimes feeling far from affectionate. "Actually, the principle is already there in Islam. But due to a lack of education, many forget. Sometimes even I do," he said. 

When Wahana Visi Indonesia arrived, he felt as if he was reminded. Not given anything new, but guided back to old, forgotten values. "Because their invitation was in line with our beliefs, we were interested. We even supported it," he said. 

He began actively participating in the Parents Support Group (PSG). This is where everything changed — his perspective and the way he spoke within his family, to his wife and children. "Before, my language was ordinary. After attending the training, we started using warmer terms, like 'darling.' It turned out to be much more harmonious," he chuckled. 

It wasn't just in his home. Change was felt in the surrounding community. Mothers began sharing how they never knew that gifts from their husbands weren't just presents, but signs of love. That a child who makes a mistake shouldn't be immediately scolded, but rather engaged in an agreement first. "If a child breaks a rule, we now start to discuss it. If I break a rule, what's the consequence? So, both children and parents understand," he said. 

As a religious leader, he is aware that fathers hold great control in the family, although encouraging fathers to attend parenting training is not easy. "We are farmers. Early in the morning, we're already in the fields or looking for grass. But I am confident that a father's role is important. So I keep inviting them," said this father of two. 

Now, Supardi no longer just carries out his roles daily. He embodies values and encourages discussions among religious figures. He also educates parents about children's rights. "Because if you don't know children's rights, how can you fulfil them?" he stated firmly. 

Supardi has a big dream for his family. "I want to go on Hajj," he said with a smile. "But before that, I want this family to understand each other, to support each other. Because from a good home, children can grow up happy," he explained. 

Supardi's transformation began as a farmer in a village corner, but the positive impact he has brought has spread: from the fields to the classrooms, from the mosques to people's homes, from their heads to their hearts. Because loving isn't just about intention; it's about being present, learning, and changing — every day. 

Author: Priskilla Estauli (Faith and Development Specialist – Church Engagement) 

Editor: Mariana Kurniawati (Communication Executive)