Rohingya is in the spotlight this month around the world. Aceh too. Thousands of ethnic minority groups oppressed in Myanmar are stranded, or forced to dock in Aceh. In a state of pathetic, emaciated hungry, black jet burned, almost dying.
It is inconceivable to endure the unselfish sincerity shown by the Acehnese people, especially in rural fishermen, while handling the "guests" who suddenly come to their shores.
While many countries, including Indonesia, deny the existence of Rohingyas in the name of state sovereignty, territory, social resilience and other trivialities, the Acehnese do not think twice of drawing Rohingyas to the mainland, serving them privately. Perhaps this is a reflection of the encouragement of the guests who delivered the Muslim lover, Prophet Muhammad shallalahu alaihi wassalam.
Take for example in Simpang Lhee village, Julok, East Aceh. Not to mention hundreds of Rohingya refugees arriving at the beach, the soup kitchen has been standing. With a mother's love, Mirawati, cooks large amounts of food for the lonely refugees.
Until noon, Mirawati and other mothers scoop the rice onto the plate, share it equally, the side dishes are available, the vegetables do not forget. Some Rohingyas were even given two plates of rice, licking their fingers after the food was devoured. Why not, the last three months they ate only rice and salt, that too only once a day.
All the villagers spilled cooking, serving, nurturing and entertaining Rohingyas. Today they do not cook for families at home. Even he himself forgot to eat.
Some of the village women were seen shrinking used clothes to be applied to the refugees. A Rohingya is seen wearing a beautiful robe with beads on her head scarf, this is not like a used clothes, but a new outfit worn during Idul Fitri. Their smiles broke wide.
Rohingya's children can finally take a bath, plus shampoo. For months their skin is dry, do not know fresh water and soap. They laughed as the head washed with water. A view that will please anyone.
Fathers look busy distributing food that will never end. Reportedly, it's been sacked rice-rice sacks today. Incidentally, now is the harvest season.
While the youth, entertaining the juvenile Rohingya is still depressed. Every now and then they banish journalists who are itching to interview-including me-so that he can eat calmly.
These young men embrace, pat their backs, and fanned the spirited Rohingyas eating two plates of rice. The temperature outside is currently about 36 degrees centigrade indeed.
The news of the arrival of guests from Rohingya is spread through loudspeakers in meunasah (musholla) to various villages. Other aid givers arrive.
No less residents from ten villages provide assistance.
Persecuted in his country, killed, tortured, demolished, expelled from many countries, Rohingyas found humanity in Aceh. The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that at least 1,300 Rohingyas have been stranded on the edge of Indonesia. This amount is not yet included with the other 380 scans just arrived in Julok on Wednesday.
Asked about the motivation to do good, some Acehnese frowned. As if to say "why not?"
As if this is just a rhetorical question that is not worth asking because the answer is as bright as midday.
For people in large urban areas, the actions of the people of Aceh are rare, surprising. But for the people of Aceh, this is what should be done, at least as a religious man.
Moreover, as some residents have said, they have experienced a life of distress during the armed conflict or the tsunami that killed hundreds of thousands of people.
The coming of Rohingya is a blessing for the people of Aceh, an opportunity for them to provide help, seek reward. The Acehnese believe that their goodness will be rewarded by Allah.
"There is a secret of God why Rohingya people can reach Aceh, so our goodness will be rewarded with extraordinary prosperity," said Mulyadi, 40, a rental car driver, told CNN Indonesia.
In the trunk of his car, pile of used clothes to donate.