You may feel a bit strange when you arrive at the hill which surrounded by stones and seeing down to the water that bridges Koja Doi island, Sikka, Maumere, when children go daily to attend school activities.
You may imagine how difficult those children fight everytime to change their future, mostly their parents are fishermen and never been to school.
This bridge, as they explained, was built by indonesian army few years ago to help children crossing the sea. The common thing they had done was going through small boats. Thanks armies, this place is now one of the best spot to see (of course making selfies) for those who are visiting.
Feel free to explore the island because people will not charge you quite expensive. They even feel happy seeing people visit their island.
A friend of me told me that when he went there with foreign friends, people gave them fresh seafoods in the middle of fasting period where mostly muslims do not eat and drink during the day.
It is a small island surounded by small mosques building. Anytime you come, you will hear pop muslims song from the mosques. But on the mid day, you will find no many kids playing arround outside the streets because it is the time to be at the school for them.
Thousand dreams hopefuly come true.
The stone bridge may be one day will be a sweet memory. You need to be there to feel how important is that bridge. It helps to change your mind of being comfortable goitng to school by car, motorbike or even walking. Hundred of these children had learned how difficult life is. They are living in the middle less choices and hardly fighting to gain their future.
This is a new spot to see arround the island. Blue see, small boats, hills with green colour and kind local people. It is recomended to visit and to feel local atmosphere.
How to go there?
You need to be first crossing the ocean from maumere, capital of Sikka regency, which will take one hour. You will not find any restaurants or place to stay at night except you like to stay with local people.
The boat that brings you to the island will cost like IDR 700.000 (USD 52) for both ways. (aryantoseran/timorhitz.id)
