Desa Paralando – Reo
Desa Paralando – Reo is better off than Desa Bere, but the only way to reach the village is by boat through the sea. From one village to another, the path runs along the beach. When the tide is low, they can use the beach as a road, but when the tide is high, or during rain and wind, it becomes difficult to reach neighboring villages and to fish. Sometimes, they face hunger because their livelihood depends on fishing, and this period is known as the lean season.
In terms of healthcare, there is a small health post (pustu) with one midwife and Posyandu services. Regarding water, there is a small well for all residents, but the water is yellowish and slightly salty according to the locals.
One thing that saddened me was a resident named Michael who has tuberculosis (TB). He has been isolated by the villagers to prevent the disease from spreading. He lives alone in a small open hut with only a mat to sleep on, without any family. Occasionally, kind-hearted people bring him food. He is very ill and can no longer walk. On my way to the village head’s house, I met some government officials and mentioned Michael’s condition. One of the midwives responded indifferently, saying, “Let him be, if he doesn’t want to come to the health post, let him die,” in the local Manggarai dialect. I was shocked by her lack of compassion.
Due to limited time, as our boat was waiting, I quickly explained, “Ladies, I am from Bali, here to survey and help underdeveloped villages. I kindly ask one of you with a social spirit to report this man’s condition to the health post so he can receive treatment. Thank you.” One of the women thanked me for the information.
Coincidentally, there was a government meeting during our visit, so we joined officials including the Deputy Sub-district Head, Education Department, Dentist, Family Planning Department, and the Village Head of Paralando.
There were no hotels, so we stayed with a kind and hospitable family. They had no bathroom and no electricity, only a diesel generator that ran until 10 PM. We were exhausted, dirty, and sweaty, wanting to bathe but there was no bathroom. We had to wait until the generator turned off at 10 PM and then bathe quickly in the dark yard, feeling embarrassed if anyone saw us. This was my and Michael’s experience surveying in Flores.
The most enjoyable part of my journey was in Lombok, where I visited the Peduli Anak Foundation. We were warmly welcomed by the director, whom we had met while crossing at Padangbai port. We also met Yantin, a Dutch woman and consultant for the Peduli Anak Foundation. She was incredible, like an angel to me, guiding us on who to meet and where to go in Flores.
Following Yantin’s advice, we visited Rafael Hospital in Cancar, a foundation for disabled children. It was an impressive and valuable experience for me, meeting the nuns who were like angels, listening to their stories and experiences of caring for, supporting, and loving disabled children.
by Putu Etiartini
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