My journey with the leprosy awareness community began in Makassar, South Sulawesi, in 2024. At that time, I joined activities aimed at raising awareness about leprosy, and I came with the hope of learning and contributing in my own way. However, what stayed with me most deeply was not the campaign itself, but the opportunity to meet and interact with people who had experienced leprosy.

Meeting persons affected by leprosy and listening to their stories gave me a different perspective. Behind the word “leprosy,” which is often associated with fear and misunderstanding, there are people with dreams, families, experiences, and hopes just like everyone else. I realized that one of the biggest challenges faced by persons affected by leprosy is not only the disease itself, but also the stigma and discrimination that can follow them. That experience in Makassar became the beginning of a meaningful journey for me.

In 2025, I had the opportunity to continue this journey through the International Leprosy Congress in Bali. Being part of an international gathering allowed me to see how many people from different backgrounds and countries are working toward the same goal: creating a world where persons affected by leprosy can live with dignity and without discrimination.

It was inspiring to meet people who dedicate their lives to awareness, advocacy, research, and community support. More importantly, it reminded me that meaningful change begins when we are willing to listen and understand.

This year, I had the opportunity to continue being part of this journey once again in Jakarta for Indonesia’s first National Leprosy Congress. Every time I meet members of the community, I am reminded that awareness is not something we create through one event or one campaign. It is an ongoing effort. It requires consistency, empathy, and the courage to challenge misconceptions that have existed for generations.

Looking back at my journey starting from Makassar in 2024, to the International Leprosy Congress in 2025, and then to this year’s activities, I feel grateful for everything I have learned from the community. I have come to understand that supporting persons affected by leprosy is not about seeing them through the lens of their illness. It is about seeing them as individuals, listening to their voices, respecting their experiences, and standing beside them.

I hope that my involvement, even in a small way, can contribute to raising awareness among young people and encouraging more people to learn about leprosy. We can all play a role in creating a more inclusive society, one where no one is defined by a disease or left behind because of stigma.

For me, this journey is not yet over. I hope to continue learning, sharing, and using my voice to support persons affected by leprosy and to remind others that awareness begins with empathy. Sometimes, making a difference starts with something as simple as meeting someone, listening to their story, and choosing to stand beside them.