Yati (Farida Meily), 42, is an Indonesian new resident who settled in Tianzhong Township, Changhua County, with her husband, working as a bone collector. Twenty-two years ago, Yati first came to Taiwan as a caregiver. After returning to Indonesia to start her own business, she came back to Taiwan and got married. Her mother initially opposed the marriage due to the 22-year age difference between Yati and her husband, and because Yati had no relatives in Taiwan.
Despite her Islamic beliefs being at odds with the practice of bone collecting, Yati worked hard to adapt to the job for the sake of her livelihood. She kept her occupation a secret from her parents until her father visited Taiwan and discovered the truth. Initially, he struggled to accept it, as he believed Yati wasn't capable of enduring hardships since childhood.
Yati faced ridicule for being seen as only capable of bone collecting, which fueled her determination to prove otherwise. She learned to read, write, and drive and took new resident courses. Through a New Resident Achievement Exhibition, she founded the Sri Gandi Dance Troupe, encouraging new resident members to pursue their own goals while caring for their families. Yati hopes to promote Indonesian culture through her dance troupe.
This summer, Yati was invited to be an instructor at the Little Diplomat Summer Camp at Wanlai Elementary School in Beidou Township, Changhua County, teaching Indonesian language and leading students in creating Indonesian batik fans.
Farida Meily served as an instructor for the Little Diplomat Summer Camp at Wanlai Elementary School in Beidou Township, Changhua County, during the summer, teaching Indonesian to elementary school students. (Photo / Courtesy of Central News Agency)
Yati's parents passed away in recent years, and her husband was diagnosed with cancer two years ago, causing her significant stress. However, she chooses not to cry in front of her husband and often feels unsure of who to confide in. This experience made her understand why her mother had initially opposed her marriage so far from home.
Despite these challenges, Yati reminds herself that "crying won't solve anything" and is determined to continue growing, integrating Indonesian culture with life in Taiwan.
