Mas Alil Arof was an ambulance driver at Medokan Ayu Health Center in Surabaya, East Java. He was the center’s primary driver from the start of the pandemic. 

Passing away at the age of 43 on Oct. 6, 2020, Mas Alil’s name was added to the list of fallen health workers who died from COVID-19.

Putting aside his own pre-existing health concerns - which included asthma and hypertension - he focused on doing the best job he could, even with the threat COVID-19 posed to his own mortality.

Ambulance drivers have been among the most essential workers during this pandemic. Not only are they tasked with ensuring patients are safely and correctly transported they also have a responsibility to bring COVID-19 patients to the hospital on time.

LaporCOVID-19, a community-run initiative helping Indonesians report COVID-19 issues, has reported that Indonesia has lost more than 1,000 health workers. The sheer number of deaths in the sector shows the vulnerability of the workers as they go about their job. Undermining health protocols is among the reasons for this high tally. 

The head of his family 

Mas Alil (the “Mas” is part of his name and not the Javanese term usually assigned to older men) is survived by his wife Supini, 39, and two sons.

Supini expressed how hard it was to lose someone without saying goodbye. “I was devastated when Mas Alil was sick because I couldn't take care of him, accompany him, or visit him. Sadly, acceptance is easier said than done," she told the Post on July 27. 

Supini recalls falling for Mas Alil as soon as she met him. "He was so caring, I knew right away that he was going to be my imam, I always felt safe near him as he could be my protector.”

Though Mas Alil spent most of his waking hours driving an ambulance, he always made sure to spare the weekends for family time. Before the pandemic, the family would go on cycling trips or travel by car to Mount Bromo.

On the front line: Mas Alil while he was on duty as an ambulance driver (left) with a front liner from Medokan Ayu Health Center. (Courtesy of Supini) (Personal collection/Courtesy of Supimi)

Supini explained that her husband was a person who was willing to “sacrifice anything” for his family to be happy, 

Mas Alil also instilled the importance of religious values in his two sons. “He was such a responsible father. He never forgot to teach religious values. He taught the children how to recite the Quran too,” recalled Supini. "Unfortunately, reciting the Quran has become a less frequent routine for the children after their father’s passing."

His sacrifice for the benefit of society deprived Mas Alil of the chance to see his sons grow up. "I just want Mas Alil to be remembered as a good person who gave his life for the good of the community. He was the husband of my dreams.” Not infrequently, Mas Alil left messages from work, to remind his two boys to diligently study and pray.

His colleagues also had good memories of Mas Alil, said Supini.

"I've heard a lot of stories from many of his friends that they are now willing to share. Mas Alil was known as a generous person by his friends, and he also reminded his friends to share with others.”

Dedicated

“He hardly complained about his job,” Supini said about her husband’s attitude toward work.

Being an ambulance driver is not easy. During the first wave of COVID-19 in Indonesia, the area Mas Alil served was severely affected. As the primary ambulance driver at the healthcare center where he worked, he had major responsibilities.

Verry Andri Widiyanto, 40, a friend of his who also works as an ambulance driver, remembered how hard it was for Mas Alil to fight the pandemic.

"He had asked me for help because there weren't many ambulance drivers in the area. Though the healthcare center that I work in did not receive as many calls as Mas Alil’s place, I knew that it took a lot of perseverance for the job. Before his passing, we chatted briefly and that was the last time I talked to him.”

Verry adds, "Mas Alil was a good person who liked to help his friends. There are many good things that I can say about him."

Mas Alil carried out his duties as an ambulance driver for 11 years.

"I hope that many people understand that this disease exists and adhere to the health protocols because I have lost a family member," urged Supini.