Indri and the Hope That Rose After the Flood

Indri, a sixth-grade student, lives with her guardian in Bekasi while her parents work far away in Medan. Every morning, she heads to school with enthusiasm, and after class, she spends her time playing and studying, living a simple yet spirited life with her guardian. Though she occasionally misses her parents, Indri remains cheerful. She’s known as a diligent student and a friendly classmate.

But her peaceful life changed drastically on March 4, when a massive flood struck the city of Bekasi.

That day, the rain fell relentlessly from morning onward. The river quickly overflowed, submerging streets and neighborhoods. The house where Indri lived was not spared. Within hours, the first floor of the two-story home was underwater. Indri and her guardian hurriedly climbed to the second floor, managing to save only a few belongings.

The flood did not just drown their home, it washed away Indri’s little hopes. Her schoolbooks, which she had always taken care of, were swept away by the current. Her school uniform, backpack, learning materials, and even her favorite toys were lost. From the upstairs window, Indri could only watch with tear-filled eyes as the floodwaters carried away pieces of her life.

As evacuation efforts began, another challenge arose: their house was too narrow to be reached by rescue boats. Indri and her guardian were forced to stay on the second floor overnight, cold, dark, and filled with fear. Yet they comforted each other, determined to endure until the waters receded.

The next day, they went downstairs to assess the damage. The first floor was covered in mud and debris. Nothing could be salvaged. But amidst the destruction, a glimmer of hope emerged.

With the support of neighbors and volunteers, Indri slowly began to rebuild her routine. She wanted to return to school, even without supplies. It was during this time that help arrived from Plan Indonesia. Indri received a much-needed kit containing school and hygiene supplies. Gratefully, she hugged her new backpack and books, things that would help her continue her learning journey.

In the midst of disaster, Indri learned about resilience, empathy, and the importance of being prepared. Together with her classmates, she joined school activities focused on disaster mitigation and safety awareness. She came to understand that while disasters may be inevitable, hope can always be found, in support, solidarity, and the will to move forward.

The flood may have taken much from Indri, but it also left her with an invaluable lesson: that dreams can still grow, even from the remnants left behind.