Yes, it’s “bad luck’s fault” for us. Fair Future has been forced to invest in unbudgeted computer equipment for its field teams, and it’s painful!
Within two weeks, two of our MacBook Pro-type laptops failed us. Having them repaired is extremely expensive, according to the Apple Service Center.
As I said above, there are days when nothing goes well. You will tell me that “that’s life”. To which I answer you, “yes, indeed, I agree with you…”. But hey, I will try not to say bad words, but this is really “a financial obstacle” for the rest of our work and actions in the field.
I will tell you what happened and, for transparency, what we had to do to continue working. But above all, it’s incredible how much we depend on our computers, our IT tools. Having spent a few days without my laptop, I can say that in the 21st century, working without a computer tool, without a computer that you take everywhere with you, is just impossible. Is it not?
The history of the MacBook pro 13” of 2019
A little over six months ago, we had to change the battery. It cost us CHF.450.-. Previously, we had to change its motherboard. It cost us CHF.830.-.
Three weeks ago, the 2019 MacBook Pro 13” purchased in Switzerland, which Kawan Ayu uses for his excellent communication and reporting work and field actions, broke down. Suddenly the screen went blank. We have all tried to restore the situation, but it seems to be a hardware problem. So we brought this computer to the nearest Apple service, and the diagnosis is as follows: The screen must be completely changed.
Repair costs: IDR.12,000,000.-, or nearly CHF. 800.-
The chosen solution: It’s starting to do a lot, and we’re a little tired of these breakages. Therefore, we have acquired a new 13” MacBook Pro from the latest generation. This cost us IDR.25’999’000.- or CHF.1’667.-.
The history of the MacBook pro 16” of 2021
This computer is the work tool of Kawan Alex (me), the foundation that acquired it in 2021. I cannot do without it. He is the one who essentially manages the foundation and tells you what we are doing in the field. As part of my work, this computer follows me everywhere. I use it for activity reports, control of actions, feasibility studies of a project, and establishment of accounts of my visits to villages and families. But here’s what happened while I was in East Sumba, working in the field:
I took it out of my backpack, I wanted to turn it on, and a small dull explosion, accompanied by small flames, came out of the vents and various ventilation present… Then, absolutely nothing, total nothingness. As soon as we returned to Denpasar base camp, I also brought it to Apple service, and the diagnosis was just amazing: You have to change the motherboard and the screen.
This is the report from the iBox Service Center, received by mail and WhatsApp, about the MacBook Pro 16” 2021.
From Apple Service: -We opened the device and run a micro inspection: Found debris, found a burn mark on both fans, no LCI triggered, and no unauthorised modification was found. We run a deep cleaning. Run minimum start-up configuration: The issues persist! As per diagnostic results, the unit needs to replace Logic Board, Touch ID Board, and Fans part. Since the storage is built into the logic board and the central unit needs to replace the logic board part, all data will be lost.
Total repair: Motherboard Rp.13,600,000 + Touch ID Rp.1,600,000 + Left and right fan Rp.1,300,000 + Labor costs Rp.280,000.
If we add the 16” display and the speakers, which were also affected, that makes a total of nearly Rp. 40,000,000, or $2,600.-
The Apple service Center also said, quote “- From the results of an internal check, the possibility of this happening is because the dust in the internal part inhibits the fan’s rotation so that the unit becomes overheated and a short circuit occurs…”
And also: “The monitor must also be changed, and the two speakers which have been affected must be replaced. The cost of repairing the unit has exceeded the price of a new unit (Beyond Economical Repair). Therefore, it is not logical or economical to repair this 16” MacBook Pro that is less than two years old!”
UPDATE: On October 28, we received an email from Apple Service informing us that this computer could not be repaired. See the picture bellow.
The chosen solution: The urgency is to provide Alex with a work tool because without a computer, roughly speaking, he cannot work. Alex is most often in the field. Therefore, buying a new MacBook Pro is not the solution, as the risk is too significant. Indeed, the conditions on site are such (heat, dust, humidity, shocks, etc.) that the foundation does not wish to buy a new MacBook Pro. From then on, we acquired a simple iMac for his office at the foundation’s headquarters in Rumah Baik. This cost us IDR.29’999’000.- or CHF.1,923.-.
So much for what we call “lack of luck”! We owe you these few lines of explanation. We are sad, and I believe also a little shocked by the unreliability of Apple computers in recent years. They are not strong, not resistant and in any case, not made for work in difficult conditions, such as those we encounter every day here in East Sumba.
But like all of you, working without a computer is impossible. We depend on these tools. And when they break down, it’s an absolute disaster for us because we’re not rich.
It is with pleasure that you would like to help us repair these two units. Finding a good soul who would agree to do so will allow us to use them in the field within the framework of our Rumah Kambera Medico-Social Base Camp.
Alexandre Wettstein, Rumah Kambera, October 24, 2022
Help us overcome this huge problem
Date of Photos: 2022 | The work of Fair Future in a few images
2,224 SolarBuddy lamps have been installed from Surabaya to Sumba to ensure power safety and education in 24 villages.
A humanitarian mission from Australia to Rumah Kambera transforms logistics into a sustainable health impact.
After months of preparation and coordination, 2,224 SolarBuddy lamps have reached their destination in East Sumba. From the port of Surabaya to the new storage space at Rumah Kambera, this operation marks a turning point in Fair Future’s logistics and outreach capabilities. These are not merely boxes of lights but instruments of prevention, education, and community resilience.
Cleared tax-free under a historic humanitarian exemption, the lamps arrived in Indonesia thanks to the unwavering support of SolarBuddy Australia and Rotary International. Once in Denpasar, our team meticulously documented, repacked, and staged each lamp for safe transfer across land and sea. Volunteers carefully loaded every box into the Truck n’Load and partner vehicles for the journey eastward.
In Rumah Kambera, a dedicated storage facility was prepared to receive the shipment. The bright yellow boxes, neatly stacked, now fill the foundation’s new warehouse, ready for deployment to 26 ultra-rural villages and dozens of off-grid schools. The SolarBuddy Tracker app, developed in-house, will ensure every lamp is registered, traceable, and linked to its recipient.
These lamps are more than solar-powered devices. They reduce the risks of burns and respiratory issues from kerosene, allow children to study safely at night, and allow families to cook and walk without fear in the dark. Light becomes a tool for injury prevention and educational equity in areas with minimal access to healthcare.
Each step—from customs clearance to local coordination—required precision, documentation, and tireless dedication. Behind every lamp are names, hands, and kilometres travelled. This distribution is part of a long-term commitment to improving living conditions through sustainable, community-driven solutions.
The lamps are here. The mission moves forward. What arrives today is light, dignity, protection, and future opportunity.
We cordially invite all captivated by this story to explore our photo gallery, witness this extraordinary effort, and further engage with our mission through our Instagram account.
Alex Wettstein – Fair Future Foundation medico-social camp in East Sumba – Rumah Kambera, Lambanapu – June 13th, 2025
Related Links
