Literacy Event in Inosota Becomes a Feast Celebration

By Widya Hapsari

In Indonesia, pesta means a party. Contextually, it is a communal event that requires a banquet with eating and drinking while having fun. On the serene shores of Inosota, the fun feast begins.

Arrival: A Serene Shore

Our boat arrived in Inosota, North Sulawesi, in the afternoon, following an encounter with the gentle giants, whale sharks in Botuborani. During three hours of sailing, the coastline emerged on the horizon like a living painting. I then realized this scene must have inspired many painters.

Nestled along the picturesque shore stood SDN 01 Inosota, an elementary school that soon became the heart of our visit.

The first time SeaTrek arrived in Inosota was in 2023, the post-COVID-19 pandemic, when communities were cautiously reopening. Among the villages we visited, Inosota openly welcomed us with warmth and enthusiasm. The school has well-maintained gardens, and a clean area reflects a deep sense of dedication and pride. Since then, each visit becomes a moment of anticipation for both the local people and the SeaTrek team.

Shared Commitment to Literacy

The library initiatives were managed through months of collaboration. Nurafni, or called Afni, the headmaster of SDN 01 Inosota, has maintained close contact with me since the second semester of 2025. Together, we planned library materials for our Ternate-Bitung trip in February 2026. There are about 300 books delivered, and eight sets of bookshelves, including additional materials such as carpet, couch, and stationery.

In partnership with Yayasan Literasi Anak Indonesia (YLAI), the teachers participated in teacher training. The YLAI team trained the teachers of Inosota on how to manage books, maintain facilities, and design engaging literacy activities. To foster a sense of ownership, Inosota chose the library’s colours, carpets, and supporting materials themselves. Even though the training was given online, I could feel the enthusiasm for their participation. It was fun, engaging, and the teachers of Inosota appreciated this library event, which reflected how they dedicated themselves during two days training.

Unexpected Welcoming Celebration

The communication between me and Afni, the headmaster, was getting intense a week before our arrival. We, the SeaTrek team, didn’t expect anything but a humble welcome from them when delivering the library materials. All this preparation culminated in a reception that exceeded every expectation.

As we ashore, the villagers have lined up to voluntarily assist us in unloading the library materials into the pickup truck that has been prepared. This has embodied the Indonesian spirit of gotong-royong, the collective effort for the common good.

What awaited us at the school was extraordinary: a pesta in our honour.

Students welcomed the SeaTrek guest and crew with the Dana-Dana dance. Dating back to the 16th century, the Dana-Dana dance was performed as a medium of Islamic Da’wah (to convey the message of Islam). Nowadays, the dance has represented the Gorontalo close-knit community that shared love and fraternity to create bonding among each other in the community. The movement dynamics and the dancers’ energy, followed by the Mongondow traditional rhythm, lifted our groups.

Well-Prepared Classroom Activity

The classroom was transformed into a welcoming hall, complete with a curated program and formal presentation welcoming our guests and crew. A rare event we experienced during school visits. Inspired by the teacher training before, I read Wayan and the Turtle King, one of SeaTrek’s educational books, to the students of Inosota.

We also introduce George, SeaTrek Wallace expert, whose work not only fascinated the guests but also the kids. When I asked the kids about his profession, the answer passionately, “A veterinarian!”, a fun and logical guess, considering his passion for wildlife. George, however, is a zoologist, not a vet. The moment drew laughter from everyone and served as a gentle reminder of children’s curiosity and the importance of broadening their exposure to scientific careers.

The Feast: A Taste of North Sulawesi

The celebration was concluded with a supper buffet prepared by the community and the teachers. Guests were exposed to authentic North Sulawesi cuisine such as Tinutuan (savoury porridge with vegetables), Milu Siram (boiled sweet corn soup), Ikan Bakar Dabu-Dabu (grilled fish with chili sauce), and various types of Sambal (Indonesian typical chili sauce). All the cuisine is rich in spices and tailored to the guest’s palate, which the restaurant normally serves. Here in Inosota school, they are proudly serving the authenticity. Surprisingly, the guest keeps returning for the food and extra sambal!

Lasting Impact

As we departed, we felt inspired by the community whose dedication to education and cultural pride transformed a simple initiative into a shared celebration. In Inosota, library materials delivery is not merely delivered but also becomes a pesta! The joyfully embraced, like the feast we enjoy together.

This project also wouldn’t have succeeded without the support of the boat crew, tour leaders, local partners, the Inosota community, and Seatrek guests.

Thank you for always Sailing for Good.