68th Anniversary: Smandel Alumni Launch Book 'EXPA: A Space for Learning to Become Human'

Alumni of SMAN 8 Jakarta (Smandel) who belong to EXPA (former nature-loving sons and daughters) have published the book ‘EXPA: A Space for Learning to Become Human: The Journey of Nature Lovers’. The book is a record of the experiences of Smandel’s nature-loving community.

According to a statement received on Tuesday (15 September 2026), the 280-page book, featuring contributions from 27 writers, was published by Prenada Media Jakarta in August 2026 as part of the celebrations marking Smandel’s 68th anniversary. Written by students, alumni and teachers, the book is aimed at Smandel alumni and the general public, and is also set to be distributed through the Gramedia bookstore network.

The book’s production would not have been possible without the support of an editorial team of five alumni from various year groups: Suradi and Sulistya Pribadi (Smandel class of 1982), Didot Mpu Diantoro (1983), Raditya Padmawangsa (1985) and Endang Mariani (1984). The five editors, all experienced in the world of literacy, also contributed manuscripts of their own. The book’s design was supported by Smandel class of 1991 alumnus Aa Sugriwa, who designed the cover and layout.

The launch and discussion of ‘EXPA: A Space for Learning to Become Human: The Journey of Nature Lovers’ (RBMM) took place at SMAN 8 Jakarta on Saturday (12 September 2026). The launch was marked by the lowering of a mock-up, or large book cover, from a 15-metre climbing wall by two SMAN 8 Jakarta students who are members of the school’s Putra-Putri Pencinta Alam (Puapala) nature-loving club.

The head of SMAN 8 Jakarta, Ubaidillah, expressed his admiration for the alumni. He commended the creative Smandel alumni for setting the best example for their juniors, including in the process of compiling and publishing the RBMM book.

Following the lowering of the book cover, a symbolic handover ceremony was held, with copies presented to the headmaster, renowned photographer Don Hasman, and EXPA chairman Darius Krisdanu Purwana. A book discussion was then held at the Sasana Krida Hall of SMAN 8 Jakarta.

An extraordinary breakthrough

The book discussion was attended by the headmaster, alumni from various backgrounds and invited guests. Those present included Don Hasman, known as a specialist nature photographer; the chair of Kerabat Pencinta Alam, Evayanti; Sigit Prabowo, representing the Federasi Mountaineering Indonesia DKI; and Giga, CEO of Big Adventure and also a Smandel alumnus.

Also in attendance were the chairs and representatives of various nature-loving communities across Indonesia, including Mapala UI, Kerabat Pencinta Alam (KPA), Sispala DKI Jakarta, the Jabodetabek Hikers’ Forum and KAPA UI, as well as several senior figures from Smandel’s nature-loving movement, such as Heryus Saputro, ‘Ciwo’ Siswoyo Adi and Krisna Purwana.

Before the discussion began, a performance was given by ‘Gita Takitri’, a choir of Smandel alumni spanning multiple year groups.

The discussion, moderated by Endang Mariani, featured responses from Smandel class of 1975 alumnus Prof Wahyu Wibowo (a senior journalist and professor of language philosophy), Agus Rusono (a professional trainer) and Didiek Pranowo (a trip creator), who serves as EXPA’s secretary-general.

Don Hasman said he was proud and grateful that SMAN 8 had nature-loving activists capable of such a remarkable breakthrough as publishing a book. He praised the fact that the entire experience of Smandel’s nature lovers during their time in Puapala had been successfully captured in book form.

“To my knowledge, this is the first book published by a secondary school’s nature-loving community. Hopefully it can serve as a guide for other nature-loving activists. This book was written by remarkable people,” said Don.

Nature as the most honest space for learning

In his response, Prof Wahyu Wibowo expressed high appreciation for the EXPA book. He reviewed it from a philosophical and post-truth perspective, that is, when objective facts no longer shape public opinion.

“If we look closely at the writings of the 27 authors in RBMM, reflection — the contemplation of one’s own experiences in search of identity — remains underlined by all of them. That is interesting, because books today are not usually published in such an old-fashioned spirit. So what kind of readership are they actually targeting?” he asked.

Umar Freudo, a member of the Federasi Mountaineering Indonesia DKI Jakarta who was also present, voiced his appreciation.

“This is an excellent book, because not many publications discuss mountaineering or climbing in connection with character development,” said Umar.

According to Umar, nature is the most honest space for learning, and also a pre-linguistic space — a place where humans learn before being shaped by the words of others.

“Beaches are enjoyable, mountains bring calm. That is the direction I see this book taking. Its title, ‘A Space for Learning to Become Human’, means that humans learn to seek tranquillity, and with calm they can think clearly and behave well. Friends, you must read and buy this book, because it is unlike anything I have read before,” said Umar.

Meanwhile, EXPA chairman Darius Krisdanu expressed hope that the book would serve not merely as an archive of EXPA’s journeys, but also as a source of knowledge and inspiration for nature lovers across generations — a documentation of how nature becomes both teacher and a space for learning to become human.

Endang Mariani, one of the writers and editors who moderated the book discussion, said the launch could mark the starting point for further publications, such as technical guides on outdoor activities.

“We hope this EXPA debut book will be followed by the publication of a series of technical guides for outdoor activities, covering caving, rafting, wall climbing, rock climbing, hiking, mountaineering and disaster response, according to each contributor’s field of expertise,” she said.