The Quiet Foundations of Resilience

When it comes to a sports governing body that is not only the most well-known, but also the busiest and most frequently attacked by groups outside the world of sport, that body is FIFA. It’s no surprise. Who wouldn’t be tempted by the massive flow of money in global football, from membership fees and training costs to friendly match fees and beyond?

Yet high ticket prices, overflowing stadiums, and sponsorship deals worth millions of dollars do not automatically translate into huge profits for FIFA.

Since the 2010s, there has been only one World Cup in which FIFA truly recorded extraordinary profits: the 2018 tournament, when Russia won the hosting bid. Thanks to the 2018 World Cup, FIFA secured net revenues of $5.357 billion, accounting for around 83 percent of its total revenue for the 2015–2018 period. For Russia, the tournament contributed an estimated $15 billion to GDP between 2013 and 2018, or roughly 1 percent of annual GDP.

The 2018 World Cup also broke records for global viewership outside the stadium. Around 1.12 billion people worldwide, nearly half of the world’s population at the time, watched the final between France and Croatia live. This alone generated approximately $3 billion in broadcasting rights revenue.

The business model offered by FIFA suited Russia well, where national-scale expenditures are centrally managed. The Russian government covered the full cost of preparing the 2018 World Cup, from renovating existing stadiums and building new ones to upgrading transport systems and providing accommodation for the entire World Cup workforce, including players and coaches.

Chinese sponsors stepped in to fill the gap left by European sponsors that withdrew due to FIFA’s corruption scandal and political tensions involving Russia. However, they arrived almost at the last minute, just days before the opening kickoff.

Of the total $11.2 billion cost of the 2018 World Cup, around 57 percent was funded by the federal government. Another 14 percent came from regional government budgets, while 29 percent consisted of private investments from wealthy Russian businessmen.

One of them was Leonid Fedun, owner of the oil company Lukoil, who financed the construction of one of the tournament venues, Spartak Arena in Moscow. Roman Abramovich, former owner of Chelsea, invested in stadium seating and player training facilities. The late Wagner Group owner Yevgeny Prigozhin handled catering for FIFA officials, invited guests, and security personnel across the 11 host cities. He was also rumored to have overseen several online “buzzer” companies tasked with shaping a positive image of Russia.

In official communications, Russia implemented a single-gate policy: only designated officials were allowed to comment on World Cup preparations. This approach stemmed from Russia’s recent controversies, which had led international media to focus less on football and more on issues outside the pitch, such as Crimea, the Skripal poisoning, Syria, and the 2016 US election meddling. 

This defensive posture toward the media created long-term consequences, including what many viewed as a form of media retaliation. Even today, Russia’s success as host of the 2018 World Cup is rarely highlighted. This is further overshadowed by Russia’s ongoing military operation in Ukraine, now entering its fourth year at the time of writing. 

Illustration: Sumber Nyolo, Karangploso.

Resilience Begins with Gratitude

In 2026, I mark my eighth year working with Russians, a journey that began in mid-2017. Throughout that time, I have been working from my desk at home in a small town in East Java. I have met them in person only once, or about a month after the 2018 World Cup concluded. 

Year after year, we have experienced highs and lows, as in any relationship. It would be dishonest to deny that the lowest point has come in the past one or two years, as a ripple effect of the military conflict in Ukraine.

People often say that a person’s true character emerges in difficult times. I have found this to be true. My Russian colleagues are going through a phase that forces them to repeatedly adapt in order to survive the shocks created by the military operation. It has not been easy. They have had to let go of the comfort they enjoyed for years, partly the result of the success of the 2018 World Cup.

Russians live in one of the coldest regions on earth, where winter temperatures can drop to minus 70 degrees Celsius. Such conditions help shape a character that may appear cold and direct, without small talk, often masking warmth and sincerity that are sometimes misunderstood or exploited by critics and long-standing adversaries.

This character has been passed down through generations, rooted in ancestral traditions associated with Slavic spiritual beliefs known as Rodnovery. 

Rodnovery is a modern revival of pre-Christian Slavic spirituality. It does not have a single holy book or centralized authority. However, many Rodnover communities emphasize living in harmony with nature, honoring ancestors, and maintaining balance within the community. This worldview is closely tied to the idea of sufficiency.

In Rodnovery, sufficiency is not about strict asceticism, but about balance. Nature is seen as sacred and alive, not merely a resource for human exploitation. Seasonal festivals, agricultural symbolism, and reverence for natural spirits reinforce the idea that humans should take only what is necessary and avoid waste. Excessive consumption is often viewed as a disruption of the natural order. Scholars frequently describe this orientation as part of Rodnovery’s “eco-ethics,” a framework emphasizing responsibility toward the world and its environment.

Community values also shape the concept of sufficiency. Traditional Slavic principles such as kinship, mutual aid, and collective strength are central. Personal wealth is not forbidden, but hoarding or exploiting others for personal gain contradicts ideals of honor and social harmony. In this context, sufficiency supports resilience: everyone contributes, and resources are used collectively.

On a personal level, Rodnovery encourages spiritual self-reliance. Rather than seeking salvation from external authority, adherents cultivate inner strength, discipline, and alignment with the cosmic order, sometimes referred to as Prav. A good life means building character, fulfilling responsibilities, and respecting the laws of nature and the ancestors.

Awaiting a New Russia After the War

Although Russia is widely known as the main aggressor in Ukraine, the consequences within Russia itself have also been deeply disruptive across many aspects of life, including football.

Russia’s absence from international football tournaments will inevitably affect the quality of its national teams, from senior men’s and women’s squads to youth and children’s levels. Political interference in sport damages not only sportsmanship and ethics, but also pride and performance. This is happening in an era when human rights are said to be defended seriously in the name of justice.

Experience becomes a kind of bonus in life’s journey. It shapes new perspectives and directions that give deeper meaning to living. Eight years of working with Russians have corrected years of drifting without direction in my own life. The choices I make today are, in many ways, shaped by those eight years. And for that, I am happy. 

Ancestral values of humility before nature and strength of character play a role in the direction a nation takes, as long as they are not dismissed or pushed aside as outdated.

Perhaps these are the values Russia will remember when its “business” in Ukraine finally comes to an end. (dswas).

Poland's Native Faith Revival: Searching for the Way “Home”

Home, in nearly every culture and identity, is the embodiment of something that makes us feel calm, comfortable, and happy. In other words, “home” is not just a physical place. It can also be an idea, an object, even a person, especially in a romantic sense. Sadly, although most people on Earth already have a house to live in, many of them still feel alienated, lonely, and unhappy.

For a small number of Polish citizens, the search for happiness is the same as the search for identity. Between 5,000 and 10,000 Poles believe that their true identity is not what was assigned to them at birth, particularly in spiritual terms. They are followers of the Slavic Native Faith (Rodzimowiercy, or Rodnovery, in Polish), who see a return to their ancestral beliefs as a way of “going home,” of realigning spirituality with everyday life that has been thrown into disorder by the pursuit of fleeting desires.

Although they are a minority, the Polish government has formally recognized their existence and granted them legal protection. The position of the Rodzimowiercy has grown stronger in recent years, especially with the election of Marcin Józefaciuk in the 2023 legislative elections. He is the only member of parliament with a Slavic Native Faith background. Known as a marathon runner, television presenter, and educator, Józefaciuk openly identifies himself as a Rodzimowiercy follower. 

Częstochowa spring in Poland. Source: wyborcza.pl

Not David vs. Goliath

Like many parts of the world where indigenous belief systems once flourished, Poland is rich in sacred springs and wells, numbering in the thousands. The Rodzimowiercy were among the first to “discover” these water sources. Similar to their Celtic neighbors, they honored the springs by offering ritual gifts.

Drawing on ancient knowledge shared across generations, both groups used these springs for healing in ways tailored to different needs. Bathing in pools fed by natural springs creates a deep sense of calm. A positive state of mind can stimulate the body’s cells and organs to function better, leading to improved health. This is my personal view, shaped by my own routine of swimming in a natural spring once a week since 2013. Incidentally, we once had a guest from Poland who experienced the freshness of the spring water around 2010.

The transition from indigenous belief systems to official religions brought many social dynamics, which is only natural in any society, including Poland. For example, the Czatachowa spring, located not far from Warsaw, is believed by locals to have strong ties to the Rodzimowiercy. Over time, however, it has been managed by the Polish Catholic Church. To access other springs also administered by the Church, some Rodzimowiercy have chosen to formally become Catholics. As a result, a small segment of Polish society sees them as holding two religions at once and practicing both simultaneously.

The Outcome Speaks for Itself

Beyond the various tensions surrounding the Rodzimowiercy in Poland today, what ultimately matters is the outcome. Relations between neighbors are not always harmonious, and the relationship between the Rodzimowiercy and their “neighbors” is no exception. Even so, it is important to note that the preservation and sustainability of Poland’s thousands of springs have remained largely unaffected by these minor frictions.

The protection of forests and green open spaces continues to be a shared concern between the two communities, both of which need a “home” to sustain their way of life.

As a result, nearly all the springs in Poland continue to flow, and people still visit them in search of healing for the illnesses they suffer. (dswas)

Story of The Celts: Lost, Then Found

We tend to see springs as objects to be exploited for human needs, and in doing so often ignore the signs they “send” us. For example, spring water is generally blue because of the scattering of white light in water that contains carbonate nanoparticles. These particles are extremely small and invisible to the naked eye, but they can break apart or dissolve. When that happens, the water no longer appears blue or turquoise. Blue or turquoise water is an indicator that a spring is still “virgin”, rarely or never touched by human hands.

Changes in temperature and the absorption of carbon dioxide produced by human activity around a spring can cause the loss of its bluish-green color, especially when people bathe or swim directly in the source. Changes in water discharge, and especially the drying up or disappearance of a spring, signal alterations in the surrounding land that serves as a recharge area. Common causes include deforestation or the conversion of water catchment areas into settlements or agricultural land. 

Tobar na Croise Naofa Holy Well, Ireland. Source: Garrafrauns

The Celts were an ancient Indo-European people who regarded water and springs as sacred, alongside similar reverence for the sky and the earth. This Iron Age group (1200–500 BCE) was known for their exceptional skill in crafting weapons and works of art, as well as for their resilience in warfare. Water was inseparable from their daily activities. When forging a sword, for instance, a blacksmith would plunge the blade into water to cool it and inspect the result before handing it over to the warrior who commissioned it.

Wounded Celtic warriors used water from specific springs to aid healing, a tradition that modern Celtic communities continue to uphold to this day. It is therefore unsurprising that sacred springs and holy wells are among the most important remnants of Celtic heritage. The Fosse Dionne in Tonnerre, France, is one such spring, first discovered and used by the Celts before becoming the main household water source for the surrounding town.

Fosse Dione, France. Source: Daily Mail

Meanwhile, Steinsbörnchen in North Rhine–Westphalia, Germany, can be considered one of the oldest springs associated with Celtic civilization. There is also well preserved Tobar na Croise Naofa (the Well of the Holy Cross) in Dunmore, Ireland, which continues to serve its ancient function as a place associated with healing. 

Steinsbörnchen, Germany. Source: The Megalithic Portal

Extinct Because They Were “Too Kind”?

Many people, including Europeans themselves, mistakenly believe that the Celts originated in the British Isles. Historical records show that Central Europe was in fact the homeland of this warrior people. They once inhabited regions that are now Austria, Germany, Poland, Serbia, the Czech Republic, and Turkey. In addition to warfare, they were skilled in agriculture and animal husbandry. Before becoming a warrior society, the ancestors of the Celts were nomadic pastoralists.

Aside from the Gauls in southern France, the Celts were among the peoples who refused to acknowledge the Roman Empire as the ruler of continental Europe. They continued to resist, despite being outnumbered and lacking a unifying political bond. As a result of prolonged warfare, the Celtic population began to decline. Their villages were left inhabited only by those who did not go to war: the elderly and children. Celtic women were also said to have joined men in battle, leaving their children in the care of guardians.

Amid these circumstances, Germanic tribes from Northern Europe migrated into Central Europe in search of warmer lands. They arrived in waves, bringing not only their belongings but also their own language and culture. Why did the Celts not feel threatened by the presence of these northern migrants? It is possible that they were already exhausted by war, or that they were seeking allies against the Roman Empire.

The outcome was already set in motion. This decision would later become the starting point of the end of the Celtic era in Central Europe. Differences in language and culture can make people uncomfortable, even today. As a result, some Celts chose to seek quieter lands away from the newcomers. They moved westward into what is now France, while others sailed to the islands now known as Great Britain and Ireland.

However, some Celts chose not to migrate west and instead remained in their homeland. They attempted to survive by adapting to the new situation, assimilating with the Germanic tribes. This included learning the newcomers’ language and customs and forming family ties through marriage. Over time, the Germanic character proved more dominant, while the Celts were fewer in number. Gradually, the Celtic language and culture that once dominated Central Europe were abandoned, until they eventually disappeared altogether.

After The Fall

The good news is that the Celts who migrated to the British Isles (and to France) appear to have succeeded in building new lives, preserving the ancient language and culture that their kin in Germany had left behind.

How was this possible? Did not the Celts of the British Isles, like those in Central Europe, eventually meet their “end”, swept away by modern civilization?

The ancient tribal structure of Celtic society, which lacked a single supreme leader such as a king, has indeed been abandoned. Once again, adaptation is the key to survival. This does not mean completely discarding ways of life or values that once played a vital role in sustaining a community and maintaining balance with the natural world.

Celtic vocabulary and dialects live on in several local languages used in everyday conversation among the Six Nations that inherit Celtic culture: Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Brittany (France), Cornwall (England), and the Isle of Man. Native Celtic beliefs have been reconstructed and are still practiced today, particularly by descendants of the druids, the priests or spiritual leaders of the ancient Celtic faith.

Ireland, as one of the islands where the Celts once landed, still has around 3,000 springs and holy wells. To this day, they continue to flow and remain in good condition. (dswas)

Weather Modification: Survival Strategy or Human Overreach?

Extreme weather—heavy rainstorms or snow blizzards—disrupts daily life. Matters become far worse when such conditions escalate into severe phenomena, such as flash floods that claim lives and destroy property. Our country, Indonesia, is no stranger to disasters, particularly floods, which have become increasingly frequent and severe each year. One of the most devastating in recent memory was the Sumatra flood on November 26, during which thousands lost their lives and many more were left homeless.

The Sumatra disaster could be described as a grim “year-end gift,” stirring deep emotional turmoil in the hearts of Indonesians. Through social media and various news outlets, the entire nation—and even the international community—witnessed the grief of the victims and the despair of local officials who openly admitted their inability to cope with the impact of one of the largest disasters in our country’s history.

When the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) issued forecasts warning of the potential for similar disasters in other regions, particularly Java Island, panic quickly spread. Jakarta was named one of the areas most at risk, prompting Governor Pramono Anung to decide on the implementation of weather modification as a preventive measure against massive flooding that could submerge the capital.

The decision drew criticism from various quarters, as the method is not considered entirely safe. Several studies have highlighted the negative impacts of weather modification, especially those arising from the long-term use of chemical substances. Silver iodide particles, commonly used in cloud seeding, may ultimately become a double-edged sword, potentially contaminating soil and water. Meanwhile, their effects on the human body—particularly the skin—remain a subject of debate.

Illustration: view from a cafe built next to a historical site in Bromo

About “Directing” the Weather, from a Spiritual Perspective

Weather modification is not a new concept in our culture, especially among followers of Indigenous Belief. The skill of “directing the weather” has long been known and passed down through generations, although it traditionally involves controlling only one type of weather: rain. Practitioners of this skill are known as pawang hujan (rain shamans), whose services are often sought to prevent rainfall during large outdoor events.

Unlike modern weather modification, a pawang hujan does not aim to cancel or stop rain altogether, but merely to delay it. This concept is rooted in the belief that nature is alive and possesses its own course of movement. Humans cannot prevent, reject, or forcibly stop it—just as they cannot reject fate. Attempts to resist nature by halting rain, even if successful, are believed to generate new consequences that ultimately demand further human intervention to resolve.

For this reason, the ability to “direct” rain is not meant to be exercised arbitrarily by those who possess it. Redirecting rain away from a wedding celebration, for instance, is intended to ensure that guests are not inconvenienced by wet clothing. The goal is to allow them to remain comfortable, enjoy the atmosphere, interact with one another, and share in the joy of the newlyweds—precisely the purpose of holding a wedding reception.

At the Mercy of the “Driver”

Possessing the power—or expertise—to alter rainfall should be accompanied by a strong sense of responsibility. One example is the phenomenon of Rara, a pawang hujan whose actions in halting rain during a MotoGP race session at the Mandalika Circuit in 2022 went viral on X. While her performance drew praise from around the world, we can never truly know the ripple effects of such a public display of power—an act that some may interpret as “challenging the Divine.”

The same applies to the ability to modify weather. Natural disasters should be understood as the end result of a complex chain of interrelated causes, rather than the consequence of a single factor—heavy rainfall alone, in this case. The use of weather modification may still be considered reasonable when humanity is genuinely trapped in a state of emergency with no viable alternatives.

Yet how dire must a situation be for weather modification to be deemed justified? Clear and transparent parameters must be established—guidelines that serve to regulate the regulators of the weather themselves. (dswas)