Muhammad Valerian: Empowering Dreams in Meulaboh

Meulaboh, Monday, April 14, 2025
The weather in Meulaboh that day was scorching hot. I sat back and relaxed, enjoying the cool air from the air conditioner—waiting for someone I was going to interview. He is a former sponsored child of Gugah Nurani Indonesia (GNI) from the Community Development Project (CDP) Meulaboh. I glanced at the watch proudly wrapped around my wrist. It showed 1:57 PM, which meant I still had three minutes before our scheduled meeting time.
 

Meeting Rian

Right at 2:00 PM, the person I was waiting for arrived in a white sedan. He got out of the car and walked into the hotel lobby where I was waiting. I immediately greeted him and reached out for a handshake, “Hi, nice to meet you. I’m Ryan Hutagalung from GNI Jakarta.”

He shook my hand and replied warmly, “Nice to meet you too. Sorry to keep you waiting. I’m Valerian Nugraha, but people usually call me Rian.”
“Oh wow, we have the same name,” I joked to lighten the mood. Rian chuckled and nodded.

It was my first time visiting Meulaboh, and knowing this, Rian offered to take me around town while we chatted. We got into his car, and he started driving through the streets of Meulaboh.

As we drove, Rian suggested we visit some of the areas affected by the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck on December 26, 2004. I agreed, as I was curious to see the sites of such a major tragedy.
 

A Painful Memory

While on the way, I asked Rian how he became one of GNI’s sponsored children. He told me it all started when he was in 4th grade. Staff members from CDP Meulaboh came to his school to collect data on students who might be eligible for sponsorship. His name happened to be on the list, and a few days later, the staff visited his home for a follow-up survey.

At that time, Rian lived only with his mother, who welcomed the staff warmly. Suddenly, Rian stopped talking. When I looked at him, I noticed a deep sadness on his face, and his eyes were watery.

Gently, I asked, “Are you okay?” He replied in a quiet, trembling voice, “I’m fine, sir... I just remembered my sister who went missing during the tsunami.”
His words hit me hard.

Silence filled the car for a moment. I stayed quiet, giving him space to reflect on the painful memory. After about two minutes, Rian continued his story. He said he had an older sister who was two years older than him.

When the tsunami struck, Rian, his sister, and their mother were swept away by the strong waves. They were tossed around between sinking and surfacing. In the chaos, their mother held tightly to both of them.

A raft drifted toward them, and their mother tried to lift Rian onto it with one hand while still holding his sister with the other. Just as she was about to pull her daughter up, a second massive wave hit. Her already weak body couldn’t take it anymore, and her grip on her daughter slipped.

Rian and his mother then passed out on the raft. When they woke up, they found themselves stuck in a mangrove tree, exhausted.
Realizing her daughter was gone, Rian’s mother screamed her name in grief. Rian stopped talking again, pulled the car over on a quiet road surrounded by tall wild plants, and explained, “This is where we got separated from my sister forever.”

How GNI’s Support Began

Not wanting to dwell too long in sadness, Rian continued driving toward the beach, a silent witness to the tsunami. He then continued his story. After the GNI staff finished the home survey, his mom told him he had been accepted as a sponsored child. Rian, who didn’t fully understand what that meant at the time, just nodded.

He said being a GNI sponsored child was a true blessing from God. Until he turned 18, he received many benefits—free dental and eye check-ups, milk, school supplies like bags, uniforms, notebooks, and other items.

As a fatherless child whose dad passed away when he was only two, and who was raised by a hardworking mother who sewed for a living, the help from GNI greatly eased their financial burden.
 

Positive Impact that Inspires

Rian said that school supplies and medical check-ups were expensive in Meulaboh. So, with GNI’s support, his mom could use the money for other essentials.
He also had the chance to attend free tutoring classes from GNI, including English lessons. These classes normally cost a lot. Rian also enjoyed using the mobile library provided by CDP Meulaboh.

Learning English left a deep impression on him, even though it lasted only three months. He learned new vocabulary that helped him understand English in video games and improved his speaking skills.

Besides education, health, and economic support, Rian also gained self-confidence and character development. Writing letters to his sponsor parents helped him broaden his knowledge of the world and gave him hope for a better future. He never felt inferior to others because GNI’s support helped him feel equal to kids from wealthier families.
GNI’s support even helped when he applied to join the police force. The dental and eye check-ups he’d received helped him pass the medical exam. His teeth and eyes were in perfect condition. Now, he is a police officer.
 

Dreams Achieved, Spirit to Inspire

It’s been five years since Rian became a police officer in Meulaboh. He has worked in several areas—field duties, traffic, personal assistant to the police chief, and now works in the narcotics investigation unit.

In his first year on the job, CDP Meulaboh invited him to give a testimony about being a former sponsored child. Even though he was shy, he agreed. When I asked why he said yes, he answered firmly, “Because I want to inspire the children of Meulaboh, especially those from poor families. No matter your situation, don’t be afraid to dream—and never stop reaching for those dreams.”

With eyes full of gratitude, he added, “And I’m truly thankful to GNI. Without their support, I might not be where I am today.” Our interview ended there. We continued our journey visiting the tsunami memorial and mass grave sites.

The day ended with a cup of Meulaboh’s unique upside-down coffee, known as kopi khop. It was an unforgettable and inspiring trip. May more children be brave enough to chase their dreams. And may there always be kind people willing to support them along the way.

Also See:

The Spirit of a Young Kartini for the Future of Enrekang's Children

Jumani Dream to Help Others

Written by: Sumedi P. Hutagalung (Om/Tulang/Opung Ryan)
Edited by: FD Team