Robbi HerfandiRobbi Herfandi was born in Solok, West Sumatra, on April 3, 2004. He is currently studying for a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations at Universitas Andalas. Since a young age, Robbi has shown a deep interest in global issues, humanitarian problems, and political dynamics, both locally and internationally.
With a strong intellectual drive and distinctive analytical acumen, Robbi actively writes opinion pieces and reflective essays in various print and bold media. His writings have been published and recognized by local, national, and even international media, making him a significant young intellectual in the public sphere.
His writing style is contemplative and critical but remains down-to-earth, so that each of his works not only touches the intellectual side but also the emotions. Through his works, Robbi consistently raises topics such as social justice, the spirituality of power, ecology, and the crisis of humanitarian advocacy that stem from deep reflection and sensitivity to reality.
Books such as “Dunia Utopia Kerapuuhan Umat Manusia” represent his efforts to raise collective consciousness, provide space for reflection, and ignite hope for a more just and humane future.
In the midst of the rapid development of the era that often causes confusion, modern individuals often lose the opportunity to reflect on their lives. Technology has advanced rapidly, cities have grown rapidly, and the ocean of information has penetrated every aspect of our lives. However, behind all the disturbances, there is a calm that emerges: loneliness in existence, meaningful emptiness, and a fatigue of life that cannot be explained by statistical data or development indicators. It is in this context that the work of the World of Utopia and the Fragility of Humanity emerged. This book does not provide shortcuts or quick solutions to all anxieties, but rather an invitation to sit down, be silent, and reflect on oneself. Robbi Herfandi, the author, invites readers to explore the various layers of the wounds of this era: from failed utopias, humanitarian crises, environmental damage, to neglected spirituality.
The title of this book itself reflects the tension between two concepts: the aspiration towards an ideal world (utopia), and the fragile, wounded, and often lost human condition. From the beginning, Robbi expresses a rejection of a naive view of the world. He does not write from a sterile perspective in the field of philosophy or from a separate academic space, but from direct encounters with the dynamics of real life, from marginalized communities, from hurt nature, and from people forgotten by the system.
In Robbi’s view, human history is filled with hopes for utopia. Various ideologies, systems of government, and technological advances have (and still do) offer the promise of an ideal life. However, the reality is often far from expectations. Global capitalism promises prosperity, but creates greater inequality. Liberal democracy promises freedom, but often creates dysfunctional noise. Even in the spiritual realm, many religions lose their essence and prioritize symbols over the values of compassion and justice.
For Robbi, utopia is not something entirely negative. The aspiration to create a better world remains crucial. However, when the dream is separated from the awareness of human limitations and fragility, then utopia can turn into dystopia, a world of illusion that oppresses silently. A world where humans are only considered as numbers, nature is treated as an object, and spirituality is merely a formality.
Fragility That Liberates
It is interesting to note that this book does not view fragility as a weakness, but rather as a path to new awareness. In several chapters, Robbi invites his readers to accept limitations as part of being human. This is where true strength lies. When someone realizes that they are fragile, they can learn to humble themselves, support each other, and build solidarity. Fragility is not the end, but the beginning of an opportunity to improve the situation.
Robbi also discusses how today’s world is too focused on achieving productivity, efficiency, and growth. However, in that pursuit, many things are neglected: time for family, attention to the suffering of others, even relationships with God. Humans seem to be forced to become machines that work non-stop, always compete, and constantly compare themselves. In the hustle and bustle, space for reflection is lost. We forget to ask: for whom and for what purpose do we live our lives?
Humanistic Social Criticism
One of the attractions of this book is its ability to combine socio-political criticism with spiritual depth. Robbi does not only blame the existing system or structure. He also invites us to reflect on our mindset and lifestyle. He writes with sensitivity to the pain that many people experience, but does not get caught up in cynicism. His criticism is sharp but gentle. He does not attack, but inspires.
In his writings on power, Robbi introduces the idea of ”the asceticism of power.” He highlights how power today is often an arena for showing off, ambition, and domination. In fact, power should be seen as a responsibility not to benefit oneself, but to serve others. Without humility and spiritual awareness, power can turn into a poison that destroys reason and conscience.
Likewise in his thoughts on the environment. Robbi writes with a deep ecological awareness. He reminds us that the destruction of the earth is not only caused by big companies or global industries, but also by our small, indifferent habits. He invites us to adopt an ethic in caring for the earth, not only for the sake of sustainability, but because this earth is our sacred spiritual home.
Silent Language, Enlightening Ideas
Robbi Herfandi’s writing style in this work is very unique: calm, reflective, sometimes poetic. He does not fill his writing with heavy theories or academic jargon. Precisely because of that, his writing feels deep. He writes not to show off his knowledge, but to invite readers to collaborate in thought and contemplation.
We can feel that these writings emerge from an honesty and silence. There is a nuance of “night” that envelops the pages of this book, an atmosphere that invites us to stop for a moment, take a deep breath, and ask: are we still aware of the direction of our steps?
An Invitation to Become Human Again
Reading the World of Utopia and the Fragility of Humanity is not just an intellectual activity. It’s an inner journey. Robbi Herfandi does not provide a recipe for creating a perfect world, but he shows that a more humane world can be realized as long as we start from ourselves: from an awareness of wounds, from the courage to be honest, from the humility to not feeling like we understand the most.
This book invites us to become human again. Not a human who continues to pursue victory, but a human who understands how to love. Not a human who is ambitious for power, but a human who is willing to care. Not a human who is busy building a tower of ambition, but a human who is not ashamed to admit: that in fragility we can find each other. And perhaps, in a world that is increasingly losing its way, voices like Robbi Herfandi are what we need to hear more often, not to answer all questions, but to remind us that we still have a heart, and that the world can still be fixed, as long as we do not lose empathy.
