“Hey, *Kakak!”
“Oh, Mama! We played volleyball together yesterday, right?”
“Yes.”
“Can I join again later, *Mama?”
“Sure, at 3pm, right?”
I gave a big thumbs-up to show that I agreed. Deal.
That brief conversation might sound ordinary. But to me, there was something heartwarming about it: an invitation to meet again, play, and spend time together. No big plans, no serious talk. Just a simple promise to play volleyball at three in the afternoon.
In Tenda Poa Hamlet, Tango Molas Village, East Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, this sense of togetherness left a lasting impression on me. This was especially true when I considered that the people of Flores were still dealing with the aftermath of the earthquake that struck the region on 15 August 2026. In several affected areas, humanitarian needs remain a priority in the response and recovery efforts.
Amid the distribution of relief assistance to affected families carried out by YEU in collaboration with the ACT Alliance, I came across a simple yet meaningful scene: mothers taking the time to play volleyball together.
Bukan Soal Menang atau Kalah
Honestly, my volleyball skills are far from impressive. I love sports, but volleyball has never really clicked for me. I’m not the type of person who can confidently receive the ball, let alone make sure it goes over the net in the right direction.
Throughout the game, they laughed at my clumsy movements and my panicked screams that echoed every time the ball came my way. Their laughter made the atmosphere even livelier. Strangely enough, I didn’t feel like I was being judged.
Over the course of two sets, my team lost every time. Even so, their spirits didn’t waver. They kept cheering me on, even putting me in the front row. Of course, I always politely tried to decline. They knew I wasn’t a reliable player, yet they still gave me a place in the game. In that moment, I felt accepted.
Finally, I began to realize that there are things that don’t need to be proven through ability, achievements, or victories. Sometimes, simply by being there, giving it a try, and being willing to laugh together, we’ve already become part of something bigger.
For about two hours, that volleyball game became a space for us to greet one another, joke around, move, and enjoy each other’s company. For a moment, my attention wasn’t focused on the score or how many times I failed to receive the ball. I was simply enjoying the time we had together.
Ketangguhan yang Hadir dalam Keseharian
When we talk about the resilience of communities in the aftermath of a disaster, we often imagine large-scale efforts: rebuilding homes, restoring health services, ensuring basic needs are met, or improving access to affected areas.
All of that is important. Nevertheless, from playing volleyball with the mothers of Tenda Poa Hamlet, I learned that resilience can also take simpler forms.
Ketangguhan hadir ketika orang-orang masih bersedia berkumpul. Ketika tawa tetap terdengar di tengah ketidakpastian. Ketika seseorang memberikan semangat kepada orang lain yang berkali-kali gagal. Dan ketika setiap orang tetap diberi ruang untuk ikut serta, tanpa harus menjadi yang paling mahir.
Things like these deserve our attention because recovery isn’t just about what gets rebuilt, but also about the spaces of togetherness that are preserved; about the human connections that are continually nurtured; and about the opportunity for everyone to once again enjoy their daily lives.
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*Kakak is an Indonesian term for an older sibling and is also used as a respectful or friendly way to address someone. Mama means “mother” and is also used as a familiar form of address for women in some local communities. Both terms reflect warmth and familiarity in everyday interactions.