Last night I had the pleasure of attending the “Evening with Chevening” event at the British Embassy in Jakarta. This gathering was extra special as it marked the 40th anniversary of the Chevening Scholarship program, a UK government initiative that has been empowering future leaders worldwide since 1983. Over the past four decades, Chevening has built a global network of more than 57,000 alumni, including 20 current or former heads of state.
In Indonesia, the impact of Chevening is significant, with numerous scholars benefiting from the opportunity to pursue fully funded master’s degrees in the UK. The program covers university tuition fees, a monthly stipend, travel costs, and more, allowing scholars to focus entirely on their studies and personal development. Attending the event was a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow alumni and celebrate the program’s ongoing commitment to nurturing leadership and fostering positive change in Indonesia and beyond.
The University of Cambridge has a rich history that spans more than 800 years. Its origins can be traced back to 1209, when a group of scholars migrated to establish ofa new centre of learning in Cambridge. By 1231, the institution received a charter from King Henry III, which granted it significant privileges. This charter marked the beginning of the university’s official recognition and its rise as a prominent academic institution.
The university is organised into a series of colleges, with the first college, Peterhouse, founded by Hugh de Balsham in 1284. Each college is an independent institution with its own property and income, but all are part of the university, contributing to its rich academic and cultural environment.
The university played a significant role in the Renaissance and the Scientific Revolution. Notable alumni include Sir Isaac Newton, who developed the principles of modern physics in the 17th century while at Cambridge. In the 20th and 21st centuries, Cambridge continued to expand and evolve, becoming a globally recognised and respected institution for higher learning and research. It has maintained a strong emphasis on scientific research and innovation, contributing to technological advancements and the development of new fields of study. Today, this university consists of over 30 colleges and numerous academic departments, faculties, and schools. It continues to be a leading centre for education and research, attracting students and scholars from around the world. The university’s commitment to excellence in education, research, and contribution to society remains steadfast, ensuring its place among the top universities globally for years to come.
I have an Onoto fountain pen designed for the University of Cambridge. It is a Magna Black & Gold model with the logo of this university on its crown, and a Trinity College crest; with Au750 F-sized nib. It is my second Onoto after the one designed for Oxford University.
Onoto, a prestigious brand of fountain pens from the United Kingdom, has a rich history and a strong reputation for quality, innovation, and cultural significance. The brand’s journey began in the early 20th century, making it an integral part of the fountain pen industry’s history and development. Its history dates back to 1905 when the brand was established by Thomas De La Rue & Co. The first Onoto pen, the Onoto Patent Self-filling Pen, was launched in 1905 and quickly gained fame for its innovative plunger-filling system, which was a novelty at the time. This filling mechanism allowed for a more straightforward and cleaner way to refill the pen, setting Onoto pens apart from their competitors.
Onoto pens are renowned for their high quality, craftsmanship, and durability. The brand has consistently emphasized the production of pens that are not only functional but also beautiful, often using precious metals, high-quality resins, and intricate designs. Collectors and users of Onoto pens value them for their smooth writing experience, balance, and the tactile pleasure they provide. In the 21st century, Onoto has experienced a revival, appealing to both collectors of vintage pens and enthusiasts of luxury writing instruments. The brand continues to produce limited editions and bespoke pens, often commemorating significant historical and cultural events, further enhancing its cultural significance and appeal to connoisseurs of fine pens.
For my birthday, I will display one of my favourite pen: Oxford Blue Magna Classic by Onoto. This pen is dedicated for the University of Oxford, and it was designed with the official Oxford blue coloured resin and complemented by sterling silver fittings including a broad engraved cap band, the University of Oxford crest on the cap button and Onoto Chevron clip.
The Oxford Magna is based on the style and shape of one of the most famous Onoto fountain pens — the Onoto Magna of 1937 which is still acclaimed as one of the best fountain pen ever made.
Surely I bought it because of its dedication for The University of Oxford. But I do not buy pens just for collecting them. I remember the first day with the pen, I filled it with a GFC Midnight Blue ink, since I thought it perfectly matched the colour of the pen. Then I wrote a few line with it, and instantly fell in love. It surprisingly writes very smoothly, finely, comfortably, and I could write my best with this pen. I never change the colour of the ink for this pen since then. I guess this is the only pen I have, in which I never changed the ink since the beginning.
This Onoto pen accompanied me to many events, including international conferences, congress, classrooms, meetings. Nobody recognised the Onoto brand, though. Onoto is not a famous brand here in Indonesia. I guess people just think this is a souvenir from a visit to Oxford University.
I was in The University of Oxford in 2012 just for a short visit. It is one of the oldest and most renowned universities in the world, established in the 12th century. It is made up of 38 colleges and has a diverse student body from all over the world. The University of Oxford offers a wide range of courses in various fields, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering. The small city expressed the elegance of the academic tradition of the University’s colleges throughout the city.
