It was Sunday, December 26, 2004 in Aceh, Indonesia, when the eight year old Martunis (see the picture of Martunis with FIFA president, Sepp Blatter, on the left) felt that the ground under his feet was shaking badly. The furniture in his house started to fall down, followed by the pantiles. His father grabbed his hand and quickly asked him to go out. Together with his mother, brother and sister, they ran to the grandparents' house to see whether they were alright. There had been around 30 relatives gathering in the grandparents' house when they arrived. They hardly discussed anything yet, when shouts were heard from outside a few short minutes later, "Storm! Water…the water comes out!"
All of sudden each of them had to run for their own life, chased by the sea wave of tsunami. But human speed cannot race with the gush of water which soon flooded the whole area. Sarbini, Martunis' father, was the first to be carried out by the wave, followed by his brother. His mother felt the urge to try to save her oldest son, and trust her youngest daughter to Martunis, who then held her.
But what could a boy do against such a nature's wrath? A tree fell down and hit his body badly. He could not endure to keep his baby sister on his arms. Soon the three year old girl too got lost within the waves. "I could see mother and Annisa's hands between the water. But I could not help," he recalled sadly.
The next wave dragged him right onto a pile of wood floating on the water. He took a hold on the wood until it hit a pick-up truck which carried barrels of fish; then he moved onto it. His mother's face filled his memory that he tried to see through the water to search for her; but he could see nothing.
The strong waves kept carrying the pick-up until it harshly hit a tree that it was almost turned reversed. Quickly Martunis hugged the tree and stayed there; even when other floating things hit his back repeatedly, including a nail from a ruin which was stuck fast into his waist. "I only let the tree go when the third wave brought a bed close to it," he said. There were two other people who shared the bed with him, but none survived.
Article comments
1 - Aaman
Thank you for this report - how are things overall in Aceh? Is the money/aid getting through?
2 - Ayu
To be honest, at first people were a little bit worried that some parties might use the aid for their own needs, considering the track record of the country. But thank God so far there is no report on it. As the new government is trying to rebuild the country's image, I believe they are doing their best.
However, in general I think things are getting better. There are still problems to overcome: malnutrition, children become orphans, clean water, and a whole lots more, but at least the catastrophe has brought the world once more together. It's sad to lose most members of our family, but it's good to know that we still have friends who care for us out there. I have written about it here. I wanted to post it on Blogcritics but then I thought it wasn't good enough.
3 - maria
I read about this at the beginning of the month. It makes me proud to be Portuguese.
Link to article
4 - Ayu
Hi Maria, I'm also glad that the relation between the two countries are getting better now. Soccer is one of the things that can unite us, that's for sure. Cristiano Ronaldo was also very welcomed a few weeks ago when he visited Indonesia.
5 - balqiisa
it was realy sad but thanx to allah who saved you, and pray for him, to thank
6 - princess-Safiya
Allah is the most mercyfull who showes marcy . And don't forget always to thank All wherever you are. Thank you Allah he saved us.
7 - naz
believe in allah(SWT)and youwill live a happpylife whatever religion you are
8 - sophie
i think that is really nice that scolari bought a house for the little boy and his family, but ronaldo didnt really invite the little boy to his house right