A reflection on the intermediate leadership program – LKTM

On April 10, 2025, I, Helarius Hido Setiawan, a student from SMK Katolik St. Mikael Surakarta, embarked on an unexpected journey through LKTM (an intermediate leadership program designed for grade 11 students at St. Michael Vocational School). This program aims to train leadership skills by having students live with host families and work at Kanisius schools across Yogyakarta, Surakarta, and Semarang. Students are sent to different locations without prior knowledge of their assignments, and they must navigate their way using public transport without mobile phones or assistance from peers.

I was assigned to the Kindergarten and Primary School of Kanisius Tlogosari in Semarang. I felt nervous about the task ahead, especially since I would be travelling alone. My worries included getting lost and not being picked up on time. However, upon arrival, I felt some relief when I met a friend, Wahyu, who was placed in the kindergarten. Each morning, I spent time helping kindergarten teachers from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM, engaging with children through activities such as coloring and building with LEGO. I particularly remembered a shy child named Chinchin, who opened up to him over time.

I lived with a wonderful host mother, Ibu Maria, a caring kindergarten teacher, along with her family and a few pets. Initially frightened of the pets, I eventually grew accustomed to them and learned that comfort could come from being open to new experiences. I felt welcomed and embraced by the family, which made me feel at home.

One memorable night included a visit to Kolese Loyola High School, where my host daughter studied. The impressive school facilities left a strong impression on me, but it was the pride in her voice as she spoke about her experiences that had a profound effect on me. This made me reflect on my own school, SMK Mikael, and the values it instilled in me, not due to its size or luxury, but for its lessons in leadership, discipline, and service. I recognized that being part of SMK Mikael was not just a status but a vocation to be ready for service.

Another key figure in my experience was Mr. Adi, the school chapel caretaker, who lived a simple life alone after losing his family. Despite his solitude, he radiated a spirit of loyalty and joy. I learned the value of faithfulness from Mr. Adi, who helped clean the chapel every morning and evening, appreciating the caretaker’s genuine kindness.

The last day of the LKTM program was emotional for us. The kindergarten children hugged us tightly, and many teachers cried. Although our time together was short, my friend and I realized that the love and connections formed far surpassed any help they could have provided.

For me, LKTM was more than just a leadership program; it was a process of becoming a complete person. I experienced a whirlwind of emotions, but through all these feelings, I recognized God’s presence in the children, conversations with teachers, and family interactions. I learned that significant experiences often take place in simple moments and that teachers work with dedication, even under challenging circumstances.

I cherished small moments, such as receiving hugs from kindergartners and being regarded as a grandchild by Mr. Adi, and I learned the value of service and the healing it brings. I realized that being a young Catholic is not about participating in activities, but rather about responding to a call to be present, listen, and support others. LKTM encouraged me to take a step forward with faith, believing that even small steps could lead to tremendous growth.

Reflecting on my experience, I saw LKTM as more than a school program; it was a pilgrimage of the heart, transforming my view of the world and my relationship with God. I hope that sharing my story serves as a reminder that God is always present in life’s experiences, often unnoticed but felt in moments of joy, silence, and open heartedness.

Contribution: Helarius Hido Setiawan – student of St. Mikael Vocational School, Surakarta