Indonesia has been declared polio-free since 2014. However, the re-emergence of a polio case in Klaten at the end of 2023 serves as a reminder that the threat of the disease has not been completely eradicated. To restore public awareness, the Center for Tropical Medicine (PKT) of the UGM Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FK-KMK UGM) initiated a documentary film project in 2023. The documentary, titled “Langkah Akhir: Sisa Bayang Polio di Indonesia” (The Final Step: The Remaining Shadow of Polio in Indonesia), premiered on Friday, Oct. 31, at the Institut Français d’Indonésie (IFI) Yogyakarta.
The 27-minute film was produced by the Synthesis and Translation of Research and Innovation in Polio Eradication (STRIPE) project, which received funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation through the University of Alabama at Birmingham, in collaboration with PKT FK-KMK UGM.
The documentary not only delivers a scientific message but also evokes empathy for the struggles faced by polio survivors in Indonesia.
Langkah Akhir tells the story of Najwa, a six-year-old girl from Klaten who was diagnosed with polio at the age of three. Viewers follow Najwa’s family as they navigate their journey from home to hospital, from hope to fear, amid social stigma that labels them as disease carriers.
In one touching scene, Najwa’s father, Mat Zahran, confides, “I felt ashamed. People were afraid to visit our house. I even thought about returning to Madura.” Their story illustrates that the fight against polio is not only a medical challenge but also a struggle against societal prejudice toward survivors.
In addition to Najwa’s story, the film highlights the inspiring journey of Sutiayah, affectionately known as Mbak Ayah, a polio survivor from Gunungkidul who has become an accomplished para-athlete.
“When I was young, my friends’ parents were afraid to let their children play with me,” she recalls in one scene. Yet this experience nurtured her resilience.
“I want my child to be proud of having a parent with a disability,” she says. Her story affirms that physical limitations do not hinder one’s ability to achieve or inspire others.
Professor Yodi Mahendradhata, Dean of FK-KMK UGM and principal investigator of STRIPE Indonesia, emphasized the seriousness of even a single polio case for global health. He stated that Indonesia’s success in maintaining its polio-free status must be accompanied by vigilance and cross-sector collaboration. His statement underscores that the fight against polio is a shared responsibility among all stakeholders.
The discussion session was moderated by Dr. I Made Andi Arsana and featured Dr. Riris Andono Ahmad, co-principal investigator of STRIPE Indonesia; Lutfi Retno Wahyudyanti, director of Banyu Mili Production House; Dr. Prima Yosephine, Director of Immunization at the Ministry of Health; and Professor Elisabeth Siti Herini from Dr. Sardjito General Hospital.
The event was also attended by representatives from the Ministry of Health, the WHO Indonesia, the Rotary Club, academics, and health activists, who shared insights on the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration in addressing polio cases.
Toward the end of the event, the atmosphere at IFI Yogyakarta’s Studio was filled with admiration and emotion. In that moment, a spirit of solidarity emerged as audience members participated in a fundraising activity to support polio survivors present at the venue.
The closing gesture symbolized that compassion and collective action can be meaningful steps toward a world free from polio.
Author: Ika Agustine
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya
Photographer: Firsto Adi