Ramadan Without Sua
Immediate Assignment

April 2020

People never know tomorrow. Day and night passed, the sunlight still greeted, but there were circumstances that could not be assessed by humans. Arrangements under the sovereignty of the Universe are entirely taking place.

That afternoon in Malang, East Java in one of the Hospitals, panic occurred when the earth was hit with the coronavirus or known as COVID-19. Health workers who are the vanguard for efforts to save the community must be faced with an unprecedented outbreak. All panicked, full of jams here and there, and also with undiscovered drugs or vaccines.

In that precarious situation, a young nurse Ardhita Maesti gets an assignment letter to Natuna, Riau Islands. The 25-year-old nurse was assigned to help the Emergency Hospital opened by the government on Natuna Island.

"Dhita, will be assigned to the Emergency Hospital on Natuna Island. There will be Indonesian Citizens returning from Wuhan, China. Ensure that residents who return do not contract this virus," Affandi told Dhita.

For a young nurse who does not understand much about emergencies like this, of course Dhita is also confused. Especially his whole life, only in Malang alone the city he occupied. Never lived in another city.

Ardhita lowered her head and moved her fingers. Restless when he had to be assigned to Natuna Island, one of the outermost and foremost islands of Indonesia. The girl let out a long sigh and said, "Can't the others, Doctor?"

"Can't, all health workers must be ready to be placed anywhere. Especially an emergency like this. So, must immediately leave for Natuna," replied Dr. Affandi.

If you have received a letter of mutation and assignment like this, health workers also cannot refuse. Moreover, the current condition is also in a precarious condition, so it can no longer refuse.

"From Malang there will be some nurses who leave. Get ready, you're leaving tomorrow. Take good care of yourself. Hopefully later you can return to Malang safely and in a much better condition" said Dr. Affandi.

Ardhita finally came home faster and packed up. He came home with a letter of assignment from the Hospital, will show it to his Father and Mother. Certainly his parents would also be surprised by this impromptu assignment. However, Ardhita could not resist either. It has become a risk of his work to be ready to be placed throughout Indonesia. Especially in an emergency, surely health workers like him are more needed.

Once she got home, Ardhita took her hanpdhonen first, she attempted to contact her boyfriend, Dhito who is now in Makassar. At least Ardhita should also give news to Dhito.

Mr. Dhito

Rang ....

"Hello, assalamualaikum Mas Dhito," Dhita said to her lover.

"Yes, hello, Dik .. waalaikumsalam. What's up?" tanyakanya.

"Look, Mas. So, I'm leaving for Ranai, Natuna, tomorrow. I'll be assigned to the Emergency Hospital in Natuna. I'm calling to inform Mas Dhito" he said.

"Can't you refuse?" ask Dhito to Ardhita.

The girl now shook her head as if she was facing Dhito. He said he couldn't refuse. "Can't, Mom. Ii'm sorry. I will go and Ramadan I will live it in Natuna" Dhita replied.

In Makassar there the young man let out a long sigh. The distance with Ardhita is even further away. Malang to Makassar alone is so far away. Now it's getting further because Natuna to Makassar.

"Mas Dhito is also in Makassar, hopefully when the time gets better later, we will meet again, Mas," said Dhita.

"Well, if that's your decision. They will wait. Our Ramadan this year ... without sua."

Saying all that, Dhito felt his heart so grievous. If in the previous Ramadan, the two can meet, worship fasting together. This year is very different. Because the two will not meet.

Indeed, in a moment it is time to observe the fast of Ramadan. However, it is unfortunate that Ardhita has to drive it away from home for the first time. In addition, Ardhita can only resigned and steadfast in undergoing. In all circumstances, there is always the guidance that God shows His servant.

***

Now ...

Ardhita has arrived at Natuna Island, in Ranai. The arrival of the medical personnel at that time was welcomed by the Indonesian National Army of the Navy. It is reasonable because the Navy base, located on the island of Natuna, to guard the country and territorial boundaries of neighboring countries, including those around the South China Sea.

"Welcome to Ranai, Natuna. The day after tomorrow, all Indonesian citizens from Wuhan will arrive. They'll do isolation first at this Hospital. Hopefully we can all be on duty and establish a health protocol," a welcome from a TNI AU there.

"Ready!"

All health workers retaliate and will be prepared with every task done. Establish health protocols and serve the community to be isolated for approximately 40 days in Natuna. Including Ardhita who is ready not to be ready to be ready for duty.

When entering a halfway house in Ranai, Natuna. The girl opened an album, and shed her tears as she stared at the photo she had saved on the album.

"I've set foot on Natuna land, Mas. Most likely, in this month of Ramadan we will not meet. However, we will feel closer in every prayer we say. God willing, the next Ramadan we will meet in much better circumstances."

Ardhita muttered softly. Supposedly, Ramadhan this time he will meet with his lover Ditho Pratama. Unfortunately, with his sudden assignment to Natuna and also the condition of the earth which is being hit by a plague. It is certain that in Ramadhan this time, the two will not meet.