My Journey from Tumolbil to Jakarta: A Story of Hope and Determination

 My Journey from Village to the Big City: A Story of Hope and Determination

"This image captures a moment of teamwork in Jakarta, bringing together students from Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia. Also present are a coursemate/intern, a dedicated lecturer, and a guiding mentor from NNC, highlighting a shared learning experience."

In 2012, I made a life-changing decision to leave my family and friends in my small village of Maskabil, located in Tumolbil, a border area between Papua New Guinea and the Pegunungan Bintang region of West Papua, Indonesia. My heart was heavy, but I was driven by the desire for education and a better future. Accompanied by my brothers, I crossed the border to Kiwirok, where we took a plane to Sentani, Jayapura, in 2013.

Upon my arrival at Sentani Airport, I was overwhelmed with joy. The city was a stark contrast to my rural village, surrounded by the picturesque Lake Sentani. I was amazed by the bustling crowds and the variety of vehicles; it was a sight I had never encountered in my village.

The following day, I accompanied my brother to enroll at Bethany School in June 2013. I took an entry test to assess my academic abilities for grades 10, 11, and 12. After passing the exam, I was selected to join Class 10A at Bethany School in Expo Wamena.

On June 20, 2017, I completed my final national examination. Afterward, I decided to return to my village to visit my family and friends, whom I had not seen for three years. The joy on their faces when they saw me was priceless, and I spent three wonderful weeks with them, cherishing every moment before preparing to return to Jayapura.

Back in Jayapura, I quickly bought credit for my phone to activate it and update my WhatsApp group about my results. Since I had been in my village, I had no access to the internet or telecommunications. To my delight, I discovered that I had passed my national exam. I felt a wave of gratitude wash over me, and I prayed to God, thanking Him for the opportunity and support that had helped me succeed.

From July to August 2017, I enrolled at the University of Cendrawasih. The admission office informed me that I needed to return the next morning to take an academic exam. The night before, I was filled with anxiety, but I prayed for strength and clarity. The next day, I took the test and later learned through my WhatsApp group that I had passed and was accepted into the university.

On my first day at college, I was greeted by a sea of students, many of whom were my friends. I felt a surge of pride as I joined my classmates in the English Education program. After my first semester, I was thrilled to see my grades improve, but financial difficulties soon became a significant obstacle. I withdrew from college, returning home to seek financial support, but my family struggled to assist me.

I spent nearly a month in Tabubil searching for ways to finance my education, but I received little help. Returning to Oksibil in 2018, I focused on helping my mother with her garden and maintaining our home. I often prayed for financial assistance, feeling overwhelmed by the weight of my situation.

One afternoon, at around 2:30 PM, I received a call from my uncle, Mr. Gerald Kahipdana, in Jayapura. He informed me that he had registered me for a scholarship program to study abroad. Overjoyed, I negotiated with my family for help with my travel expenses. My sister Serah Noah contributed 1 million rupiah, while Uncle Dilbert provided 600,000 rupiah. My mother helped me purchase a ticket, and the next day, I departed from Oksibil to Jayapura.

As I boarded the plane, I prayed, asking God for guidance and success in the upcoming test. After a 40-minute flight, I arrived at Sentani Airport, where a friend picked me up, and we headed to Hotel Allizion for the test. We arrived late, but the staff hurried us to prepare for the exam. Once seated, I prayed again, asking for help during the test. To my relief, I found the questions manageable.

After approximately 60 minutes, we submitted our tests and were instructed to return the next day for the interview process. The following day, we participated in a speaking test divided into groups. I was in the second group and faced five questions about education from a friendly interviewer. After completing the interview, I was informed that I would receive my results in two weeks.

Two weeks later, while enjoying coffee with friends, my phone rang. It was a committee member informing me that I had been selected for the scholarship program and needed to attend an online interview. The next morning, I had a Zoom meeting with a mentor from New Zealand, during which I introduced myself and answered questions for about 10-15 minutes. To my excitement, I was informed that I had passed the interview and was officially selected for the scholarship.

In the following days, we verified our biodata and registration requirements with the provincial education team. After completing the necessary paperwork, we began six months of English-based training in Jayapura before departing for Bali for medical checkups and visa processing.

Upon arriving at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali, I was amazed by the crowds of foreign travelers. We traveled by bus to our hotel, where we were assigned rooms. After settling in, we enjoyed a dinner at Sanur Beach, where we mingled with locals and other tourists, dancing and celebrating together.

The next day, we began our medical insurance process, divided into groups. Once completed, we had a day to relax before exploring Bali’s tourist destinations, including Pandawa Beach and Tanah Lot. Our final excursion took us to Nusa Penida Island, where we enjoyed breathtaking views and met many international travelers.

After returning to Jayapura, we waited for our visas to be processed. Unfortunately, our departure was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to international flight cancellations. As the situation worsened, we were required to quarantine for six months. The uncertainty weighed heavily on us, but we remained hopeful for a resolution.

By May 2022, some of us decided to pursue our studies domestically. I chose Atmajaya University in Jakarta and departed from Jayapura in June 2022. Upon arriving at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, I was thrilled to see the bustling activity of one of the busiest airports in the world.

Traveling from the airport to Jakarta city, I was captivated by the vibrant environment, tall buildings, and busy streets. It was a world far removed from my village, and I felt grateful for the opportunity to experience such a dynamic city.

As I continue my journey in Jakarta in 2025, I reflect on the challenges I have overcome and the incredible opportunities that education has provided me. My story is a testament to the power of perseverance, hope, and the belief that education can transform lives. I am proud of my journey and excited for the future that lies ahead.

Thank you; this is my end of the story.

Author: Mr. Jecky Kalakmabin.