By Marcopolo | Indonesia 

Setting Sail for Compassion 

On November 1, 2024, a mission of hope and relief set sail for Wundi Island in Indonesia's Biak Numfor Regency, specifically in Aimando Padaido District. Organized by the Tzu Chi Biak Office in collaboration with Yayasan Buddha Dharma Biak, Permabudhi Biak, and supported by the Biak Marine Resources and Fisheries Surveillance Station, the effort aimed to bring much-needed assistance to islanders affected by challenging weather conditions. 

Aboard the patrol boat, KM. Hiu Macan 04, the team braved rough seas to deliver essential supplies: 10 kilograms of rice for 209 households and backpacks with stationery for 81 schoolchildren. This mission brought not only material aid but also the warmth of compassion to this remote community. 

Schoolchildren waiting for their parents to receive rice happily received backpacks and stationery from the volunteers. | Photo by Jonathan Mauri | Indonesia 

The choice of Wundi Island for the relief effort was strategic. Its large, reinforced concrete jetty provided a rare docking point for the patrol boat, allowing the team to overcome logistical hurdles. Navigating shallow coral reefs, the volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure that supplies reached those in need. 

Volunteers work together in a relay to unload rice and backpacks from the patrol boat. | Photo by Jonathan Mauri | Indonesia 

Most islanders rely on fishing for their livelihoods. However, rough seas had disrupted their ability to fish or trade, leaving families without basic necessities. While larger vessels sometimes fetched supplies from neighboring islands, even this option was limited by the adverse weather. 

Timely Relief Amid Adversity 

For residents like Milka, 45, the visit was a lifeline. “Thank you to the Tzu Chi volunteers for coming all this way to care for us and for distributing rice,” she shared gratefully. “These supplies are a lifeline, especially during these tough times when we can’t fish or access markets.” 

As parents lined up to receive rice, their children eagerly gathered around volunteers to collect new backpacks and stationery. Among them was Yulia Morin, a fourth grader, who beamed with joy: “I’m so happy with this new backpack. Thank you to the volunteers for bringing them to us!” 

Milka, 45, expressed gratitude for Tzu Chi Biak volunteers’ timely aid during challenging weather conditions. | Photo by Jonathan Mauri | Indonesia 

Building Bridges of Kindness 

The dock bustled with activity as volunteers formed a human relay to unload rice and backpacks from the boat. Prior to the visit, the team had carefully surveyed the area and coordinated with local government officials to ensure accurate data on the island’s residents. 

On November 1, 2024, Tzu Chi Biak volunteers visited Wundi Island to care for residents, distributing 10 kg of rice to 209 families. | Photo by Jonathan Mauri | Indonesia 

District head Adrian Mirino, who has partnered with Tzu Chi in previous initiatives like vaccine drives, reflected on the collaboration: “I represent the government in thanking Tzu Chi Biak, Yayasan Buddha Dharma Biak, and Permabudhi Biak for their continued care for the people and students of Wundi Island.” 

Representative Irwan Rante from the Biak Marine Resources and Fisheries Surveillance Station added, “This activity showcases strong cooperation between the government and foundations. Protecting these islands is our duty, and we’re grateful to be part of this charitable initiative.” 

Spreading Love Without Borders 

At the heart of the mission was Tzu Chi’s spirit of unconditional love. Volunteer Jin-Hua Huang read a blessing letter from Master Cheng Yen, offering encouragement to the islanders. “Tzu Chi’s support is purely charitable,” Huang emphasized, “transcending religious, racial, and cultural boundaries to help those in need.” 

This message resonated deeply with the residents, who expressed their gratitude not only for the material aid but for the care and respect shown to their community. 

Volunteer Kencana Tjoa (holding a microphone) reads Master Cheng Yen's blessing letter to Wundi Island residents. | Photo by Jonathan Mauri | Indonesia 

A Ripple Effect of Kindness 

As the relief effort concluded, the smiles and gratitude exchanged reflected the enduring power of compassion. For the volunteers, this mission was a testament to humanity’s ability to come together and support one another in times of need. 

Volunteer Kencana Tjoa reflected, “Seeing the joy in the children’s faces and the gratitude of the families reminds us why we do this work. Love and kindness can truly bridge any distance.” 

Even amidst rough seas, Tzu Chi’s unwavering compassion illuminated lives on Wundi Island. The bonds formed during this visit will continue to inspire acts of kindness, ensuring that the ripple effects of love and hope reach every corner of the island—and beyond.