How the Library in Aduwei Came to Life and the Lesson of Gotong Royong

By Widya Hapsari

“Tenang, Kaka. Kami sudah umumkan di gereja, dan dapat dukungan dari ketua adat, ketua gereja, dan pemerintah kampung. Orang-orang di Kampung Aduwei pasti dukung perbaikan perpustakaan ini.”

“Worry not, sister. We have announced the library project at the church during Sunday service. We have got support from village leaders, the church committee, and the village council.”

Olivia and Oscar, the teachers in Aduwei, said this to calm my nerves during one of the most meaningful projects Seatrek has undertaken, the library development initiative. This project has been envisioned since 2023 and finally moved forward in June 2025. Today, we are confident that the library will officially open in December 2025, a beautiful Christmas gift for the Aduwei community.

The Delivery Day

Ombak Putih finally anchored off Aduwei, northern Misool, in South Raja Ampat, on October 20, 2025, to deliver the library materials. As we stepped ashore, the villagers performed Tambur, the traditional rhythmic drum and bamboo flute music, usually reserved for important occasions. That morning was indeed very special. Instead of wandering through the village as usual, we walked directly to the only school here, an elementary school, SD YPK Aduwei.

Tambur, normally played to honor guests and the Ombak Putih crew and to mark meaningful moments, carried us forward with its deep, echoing beat. Our visit was to deliver new library materials, and along with our guests and crew, we handed over books, bookshelves, carpets, and other supplies to the teachers, students, and villagers.

The excitement of Tambur elevated the moment of our walk to school. When we arrived, the Matbat tribe’s traditional dance was performed proudly by the students. Their dance carried blessings, asking God for protection, gratitude, and goodwill as Ombak Putih arrived with something useful for their community.

Some guest representatives, along with Captain Rizal and Chef Atin, handed over the materials with a big hope that this small legacy will become a lasting one for the children of Aduwei.

How The Library Project Came to Be

The library project was sponsored by one of Seatrek’s guests, inspired by some initiatives during their voyage. Seatrek believes in collaborative action and sustainable implementation, so we partnered with Yayasan Literasi Anak Indonesia (YLAI). YLAI is an organization specializing in early literacy programs and child-friendly library development. Over several months, YLAI worked closely with Seatrek on resource planning, coordinating teacher training, and on-the-ground mentoring. With their professionalism and deep experience, the process ran smoothly, respectfully and honoring the school rhythm. They identified the teachers’ needs and respected the village’s existing values.

Aduwei became the first location, followed by Inosota, North Sulawesi, in February 2026. For Seatrek, this project reinforces our belief in collective progress that with the right partners, Sailing for Good can create real, community-based impact.

Why Aduwei Matters

Aduwei was chosen after careful consideration. It is one of our destinations where the authenticity of local culture is still deeply felt. From the first time Seatrek’s pinisi arrived in Aduwei in the early 2000s, the welcome was heartfelt and festive. The community is known for Sasi Perempuan, a traditional fishing management system where women hold authority in regulating fishing seasons and marine resource protection. Through customary law, they preserve their ocean, which remains healthy, vibrant, and rich with seagrass meadows where dugongs still come to play.

The school itself already carries strong local initiatives. Students maintain a garden where they grow cassava, reflecting Papuan staple foods, as well as bananas, lemongrass, turmeric, basil and recently even sugarcane. Mango trees ring the school grounds like a green embrace. These gardens teach children not only to study, but to live in harmony with the realities of their environment and food culture.

A Lesson in Gotong Royong

Olivia didn’t just calm my nerves about succeeding in the project that day. She’s also reminded me of something deeper, the concept of gotong royong. Gotong royong is an Indonesian philosophy that has a deeper meaning of collective effort for the common good. Gotong royong, a long-gone philosophy that embedded a cultural value that has lost its meaning in this modern day. However, in Aduwei, the gotong royong remains strong and alive. The library development is a good example. Everyone in the village, from parents and teachers to local leaders and the church committee, was involved. It shows how the bonds of a remote village can socially unite and strengthen the community.

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

Perhaps the real result of this project is not just new books or a new space for children to dream, but a reminder that progress is strongest when built together.

Thanks for always sailing for good.