Truck of Life: A Grueling Expedition to Reach the Remote Regions of East Indonesia, Delivering Hope Through the Fair Future Foundation’s #PrimaryMedicalCare and #ZeroMalaria Programs.
A Four-Day Journey From Denpasar to Tanjung Perak Port: Overcoming Traffic Jams, Exhaustion, and Official Scrutiny to Board the Egon Ferry, Uniting Communities in the Heart of Ultra-Rural East Indonesia.
In four intense days, from November 16th to 20th, we embarked on an arduous journey to reach the Fair Future Foundation base camp “Rumah Kambera“ with the #TruckOfLife. Far from idyllic tales of sunrises and picturesque landscapes, this expedition was a relentless ordeal that brought into sharp focus the vital importance of our mission in the ultra-rural regions of East Indonesia, where the #PrimaryMedicalCare and #ZeroMalaria programs are lifelines.
The journey commenced in Denpasar on November 16th with a singular objective: to reach the Tanjung Perak port in Surabaya. Our cargo, transported by the #TruckOfLife, carried almost a ton of medical equipment and medicines, indispensable for the Foundation’s medical care programs in these remote regions. This was no ordinary trip; it was a life-saving mission.
Navigating the roads of Java was anything but easy. Gridlocked traffic held us captive for over four gruelling hours, including a challenging stretch from 2 to 4 in the morning, nestled in a sea of trucks amid carbon monoxide fumes. It was an exhausting experience that fueled anxieties about missing the crucial ferry set to depart at noon. Our imperative was to reach the port before 9 in the morning.
Around 8 in the morning, we finally arrived at the Tanjung Perak port, weary but ahead of schedule. A brief respite in a modest $12 hotel room granted us a quick shower and 30 minutes of rest. Alex had been steering non-stop for over 15 hours in demanding conditions. Boarding time was drawing near.
However, a significant obstacle materialized when an official was excessively meticulous, demanding a complete truck unloading to weigh all the boxes. Notably, we were carrying nearly a ton of medical equipment and medicines. Maintaining composure in such situations is paramount. After tense discussions and negotiations, we eventually gained passage onto the Egon ferry, a behemoth equivalent to more than two football fields.
We stocked up on personal supplies to endure the three-day journey: toiletries, water, extra food, spare clothes, sleeping bags, pillows, and more.
In reality, this ferry serves as the sole conduit for delivering essential goods to this remote region of Indonesia, one of the farthest from civilization. The ferry ride unfolded under extreme conditions, spanning nearly 70 hours. The oppressive heat and challenging living conditions tested our mettle. The food was rudimentary, and the sanitary facilities were meagre and shared among many. Over time, these minor inconveniences morphed into amusing anecdotes, and we adapted to the circumstances.
A massive dormitory housed hundreds of passengers sleeping on mattresses side by side. We made acquaintances, shared fragments of our lives, and extended assistance. This ferry journey resembled life in a small village, where, in the end, almost everyone became familiar with one another.
On November 20th, around 4:30 pm, we finally reached the Waingapu port. However, unloading the truck had to wait until around 11 pm because we had to wait for the rising tide. Ports in this region lack suitable docks for ferries of this magnitude. We had to be patient until the vehicles could disembark from this colossal sea vessel.
This journey served as a stark reminder of the harsh realities faced by ultra-rural communities in East Indonesia. Yet, it also reinforced the critical importance of our work and the need to persist in delivering vital medical care, preventing diseases, and supporting these vulnerable communities. We share this experience to foster understanding and interest among our readers because it is through such journeys that we continue to impact the lives of those who need it most.
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 – November 20th, 2023.
