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Woman islander the backbone of families, empowerment on Jakarta’s farthest island
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Residents enjoy a peaceful Saturday on Nov. 9 on Sabira Island, north of Jakarta. Living far from the capital's mainland is a challenge but locals have managed to overcome the many issues they have faced on the quiet island. (JP/Budi Sutrisno)
E
very morning, a gentle welcoming sun brings up the sea colors around the pier of Sabira Island in the Thousand Islands regency, a stone’s throw from the home of a 79-year-old elder who is known for her notable devotion as a community unit head.
Throughout her life, Hartuti, affectionately known by locals as Bu Haji Tuti – a nickname referring to someone who has gone on a pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia – has been a strong backbone for families living on the island, as she has made sure that they stand tall on their own feet and live decently.
“There are 500 people currently living on the island whom I have proudly regarded as my own children,” she told The Jakarta Post recently. “Because we are far from the city’s mainland and the government, I always encourage them to be independent and to take care of each other.”
Sabira is the farthest island in the regency. Located north of the Jakarta Sea, it is geographically closer to Lampung province than mainland Jakarta – it is a four-hour boat trip from Angke Port in North Jakarta.
Together with her late husband, Djoharmansah, who was also the island’s former community chief, Tuti has set benchmarks for the island’s fishing families toward positive ways of living in every aspect of life.
“It all started in 1975 when many fishermen left Genteng Island, as it was reserved for tourism development, and set foot on Sabira. My husband and I came four years later and he was then appointed as the community chief,” she recalled.
Arriving on the desolate island after breaking through a storm on a sailboat, the husband and wife and dozens of other incomers slept on tarps and were surrounded by wild nature. They experienced tall reeds, 1-meter-long monitor lizards in plain sight and lightless nights.
