IH travels in Asia – a lesson in perseverance
By Suzanna Dayne International Helper Area 1
Despite the fires in Kalimantan, volcanic ash in Jakarta, and ongoing flight cancellations, three of us who live in Rungan Sari managed to reach Indonesia’s capital for our international flights. Mother Nature hit us again on our first stop in Japan, where we seemed to be just one step ahead of a major typhoon. Then to Thailand, where severe flooding in Bangkok required wading through knee-high water to the Latihan hall. Nonetheless, IHs in our Dewan visited six countries in three weeks.
Our travels began in Japan, where four of us arrived for a busy six days visiting members in Tokyo, Wakayama and Osaka. KC’s Arisa and Masayuki were our fearless guides, making sure we got from place to place despite constant weather alerts.
It was our Dewan's first visit to Japan, and it was indeed a very moving one. Through Latihan, testing and sharing, we felt the oneness of our Subud community. There are about 100 active members and eight groups. Many members are ageing, which is a concern, but there are glimmers of something happening; several new members have been opened and are very active. We also tested about helper work and how to develop the helper Dewan. Japan is the only country in East Asia where Subud is established, holding up this part of the world!
From Japan, three of us headed to Malaysia and three to Thailand. The Bangkok group had about four members in 2025. Last year, we opened five new ladies, and a man was opened several months later. On this visit, we opened a lovely young woman and we all listened to an Ibu Siti Rahayu talk. On Sunday, the floods had subsided a bit, and we had an open house to meet interested applicants whom we had first met online. Many new members live far apart, but the two helpers, Ilyas and Niramon, keep in regular touch with them.
In Malaysia, we met with about a dozen members; it’s a small but strong group in Kuala Lumpur, and they will host our next Zone 1 & 2 meeting. We had two kejiwaan sessions and a lovely tour of a new health clinic run by Subud members.
We all met up in Singapore, where there is a very small but growing group. One man, the son of a Subud member was opened, and the women tested in a candidate helper.
Then for five of us it was on to India. This was the first time in many years that an IH visit could take place in one location, bringing together several dozen brothers and sisters representing all groups. Months before our visit we spoke with members about a good place for the gathering that was convenient for everyone and Salem in southern India was chosen.
We were deeply touched to witness the wonderful sense of brotherhood and the happiness of being together again among all the participants. This felt so much more real than any divisions of the past.
Some of the discussions and testing showed a willingness to move forward as one, and that if we can keep this feeling of love and trust alive, then, by the grace of God, this could be a new beginning for Subud India.
From India, we flew to Sri Lanka, where the group warmly welcomed us. They have a beautiful Subud centre and a new Latihan space. During our time together, we spoke about testing and the importance of awakening testing. We also discussed the possibility of Sri Lanka hosting a Subud gathering sometime in the future. The group also treated us to a trip to Galle, a historic coastal city on the country's southwestern tip.
Area 1 is home to Indonesia – with 25% of all Subud members. But in smaller countries, and despite challenges including many ageing members, Subud is very much alive and there is a feeling that something may be changing. We feel a great need to support helpers, share our challenges and grow together.