Night Guardian of Umousi: A Story of Nets, Dedication and the Spirit of Service

MALARIA PERDHAKI – SOUTH MANOKWARI. “If Not Us, Then Who? If Not Now, Then When?” This simple proverb perfectly reflects the story of dedication shown by Bapak Matias Iba, a Village Malaria Worker (JMD) from Umousi Village, Isim District, South Manokwari Regency.

At 60 years old, when many people begin to slow down, he continues moving from house to house, carrying mosquito nets, sharing education, and ensuring every family understands how to protect themselves from malaria.

Walking across scattered settlements, he greets his community members one by one, speaking in languages they understand and offering help with the sincerity of a father caring for his family. His role is not merely a duty, but a long-standing commitment to protecting the 317 residents of his village from the threat of malaria.

His role is not merely a duty, but a long-standing commitment to protecting the 317 residents of his village from the threat of malaria.

One of his important efforts is distributing mosquito nets procured in 2025 by the Dataran Isim Health Center.

He visits each home, delivering the nets personally while explaining their benefits and how to use them. These nets serve as the main shield against mosquito bites that spread malaria and filariasis. In the midst of limited health facilities, such simple yet consistent actions have a significant impact on community safety.

Bapak Matias’ dedication is rooted in the strong bond he has built with the community through a cultural approach. By using the local language of the Soubh Tribe and the three sub-groups of the Arfak Tribe, he makes health education easier for villagers to understand.

This approach fosters trust and gradually encourages healthier behavior. His long experience and wisdom give weight to every message he conveys.

The story of Bapak Matias shows that health service is not solely dependent on physical strength, but primarily on sincerity of heart.

The spirit to help others, share knowledge, and keep the environment healthy can be possessed by anyone, regardless of age. When every generation moves together, health efforts are no longer the responsibility of medical workers alone but become a movement of the entire community. In Umousi Village, that spirit lives on through the steps of a 60-year-old man who has never stopped serving.

Penulis/Kontributor: Program Manager SSR Perdu, Johnsen F Pattipawaej
Penyunting: Tim Komunikasi & Informasi Malaria Perdhaki

Artikel di atas disadur dari: https://ngungguen.blogspot.com/2025/11/usia-bukan-penghalang-untuk-melayani.html