Island Whispers
Nestled in the azure waters off the coast of Batam, Indonesia, lies the hidden gem of Pulau Jemara (also known as Pulau Cemara). This tiny island, home to just over 40 families, offered me an unexpected glimpse into a world where simplicity and joy intertwine seamlessly.
My journey began at Blue Mountain Kelong, a rustic overwater accommodation that served as my base for this adventure. The kelong, a traditional fishing platform converted into a charming guesthouse, provided a unique vantage point to observe the ebb and flow of island life. Its weathered wooden planks and the rhythmic lapping of waves against its stilts set the tone for the authentic experience that awaited me on Pulau Jemara.
I arrived on the island as part of a family photo-taking project organized by my friend Zeyro. This is my third time here and it still leave an indelible mark on my heart and mind.
As I stepped onto the sandy shores, I was immediately struck by the warmth of the islanders' smiles and their genuine hospitality. Despite the brevity of my stay, the community's zest for life and their strong familial bonds were palpable, offering a stark contrast to the often-hurried pace of urban living.
Each family I photographed had a unique story to tell, their faces etched with the lines of hardship and laughter that come from island life. The project allowed me to capture not just images, but moments of pure happiness that seemed to permeate every corner of Pulau Jemara.
Among the many faces I encountered, one in particular stood out – a small girl named Laila. At first, I was drawn to her vibrant energy and expressive face. However, I soon realized that Laila's exuberant shouts and unique facial expressions were her way of communicating in a world of silence. Laila, I learned, was deaf and mute.
The news of Laila's condition stirred a mix of emotions within me. While I marveled at her resilience and the community's acceptance of her, I couldn't help but wonder about her future. Many cases of deaf-muteness in children stem from hearing loss alone, with the inability to speak being a consequence rather than a separate condition. I found myself hoping that Laila might one day have access to proper medical diagnosis and potential interventions that could open up new worlds of communication for her.
As I prepared to leave Pulau Jemara, I realized that this small island had given me far more than I had given it. The islanders' ability to find joy in the simplest things, their strong sense of community, and their acceptance of individuals like Laila had taught me profound lessons about what truly matters in life.
The ferry ride back to Batam was filled with reflection. The images I had captured would serve as a tangible reminder of the intangible gifts I had received – lessons in joy, resilience, and the power of community. Pulau Jemara may be small in size, but the impact it bring is big, reminding me that sometimes, the most transformative journeys happen in the most unexpected places.
If you are an ENT specialist in Singapore or Indonesia and would like to provide free diagnosis for Laila, please contact Blue Mountain Kelong at bookings@bluemountainkelong.com