The Pretty Student Who Faces Floods Every Year Far from Home

OCITA/AUSSIETA R

Semarang, the capital city of Central Java, is known as one of Indonesia’s leading education hubs. Home to several reputable universities, it attracts thousands of students from across the country each year. Yet behind its image as a city of knowledge lies another reality: Semarang is extremely hot during the day and often turns into a vast “sea” when heavy rain pours.

This time, the story comes from Zalfa Ryftia Naurah (21), a determined young woman from Pemalang who currently studies Indonesian Language, Literature, and Culture at Sultan Agung Islamic University (UNISSULA). Like many students living far from home, Zalfa has had to adapt to the city’s recurring floods.

Her first major flood experience happened not long after she moved to Semarang. The rain that day fell endlessly, turning the streets of Genuk Kaligawe and surrounding areas into rivers. What began as small puddles outside her boarding house quickly became a serious threat as the water continued to rise.

“Pertama kali aku tau kosan aku kebanjiran, aku segera melihat situasi di daerah kos. Karena airnya sudah hampir masuk, aku memutuskan untuk mengungsi ke rumah teman yang tinggal di lantai dua. Waktu itu aku tanya ke beberapa orang termasuk penjaga kos apakah jalan di perempatan Padi Raya bisa dilewati motor, ternyata tidak. Jadi aku memutuskan untuk jalan kaki keluar kos sekitar pukul 00.02. Malam banget, tapi kalau nunggu sampai pagi takutnya malah nggak bisa keluar.” — Zalfa

She walked through the water in the middle of the night with only a small backpack and her phone. Luckily, she had moved her important items to higher places before leaving, preventing any major losses. Although exhausted, she remained grateful that her quick response protected her belongings.

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As a child living far from home, facing a flood alone was not easy. Her family in Pemalang could only worry and pray from afar.

“Rasanya menghadapi banjir sendiri tanpa keluarga tentu sedih, tapi banjir tahun ini adalah banjir kedua yang aku alami, jadi aku lebih siap dibanding tahun kemarin yang masih clueless. Banjir ini mengajarkan aku untuk sabar, ikhtiar, dan lebih mandiri. Alhamdulillah aku terus keep in touch sama keluarga lewat telepon untuk memberi kabar.” — Zalfa

Floods may come at any time, but Zalfa refuses to let them drown her spirit. Despite sleepless nights and unpredictable weather, she continues to study diligently and stay active in campus activities. Her resilience reflects the strength of many students who face challenges far from home with courage and faith.

For Zalfa, every flood brings not only water but also life lessons about patience, independence, and gratitude.