In the mid-1990s, a sense of adventure led a British traveller and her boyfriend to a remote Indonesian island, only to find themselves stranded and out of their depth. What followed was an unforgettable act of kindness that redefined their faith in humanity.
A Remote Island With No Escape
In 1996, while exploring Surabaya, the couple heard about Madura, an island reachable by ferry. Lured by its absence from tourist guides, they embarked on the journey expecting a quiet exploration. The reality was starkly different. Upon arrival, they found just a simple pier and a tiny village. Within 100 metres of disembarking, the houses ran out, leaving only vast rice paddies and farmland under a relentless sun. There were no streets to wander, no cafes for tea, and not a single tree for shade.
An Unexpected Guardian Angel
Feeling defeated, they sat on a roadside bench. Soon, a young woman dressed in a traditional kebaya and sarong approached. Noticing their obvious plight, she asked in English if she could help. She informed them the next ferry back to Surabaya was several hours away. Declaring it far too hot for them to wait outside, she extended a remarkable invitation: to wait in her family home.
She welcomed them inside, seated them, and presented a tray of cold, refreshing drinks. The travellers then noticed she did not take a drink for herself. She explained it was Ramadan, and she was fasting until sunset. Though they felt awkward, she insisted they refresh themselves.
A Lasting Lesson in Faith and Generosity
To ensure their comfort, she then called her two brothers, both engineering students, to join them. For hours, the group sat around the table, sharing a wide-ranging conversation about the world and their aspirations. Their host continued to replenish their drinks and entertain them until it was finally time to escort them back to the pier for their return ferry.
This spontaneous act of generosity left an indelible mark. The traveller credits this young woman's selfless hospitality as her enduring model of the Muslim faith. It was a profound gift that fostered a lasting optimism about people, a core memory of human nature at its best that has stayed with her for life.
