Life in Sampit was lonely at first. I had no family, no friends I could rely on, and the projects I worked on barely paid enough to survive.
Then, I met Mas Budi.
He had one child and was married to a Dayak woman, though he himself was from Surabaya. Somehow, he saw something in me — my quiet determination, my willingness to work hard — and offered me a place to stay.
"I can give you a roof, food, and rest. Focus on your work," he said.
That simple offer changed everything.
For almost a year, I lived under Mas Budi's roof. He treated me like a younger brother. Every day, I worked, ate, and rested — and slowly, life felt less like a struggle and more like a path I could walk with some support.
Through Mas Budi, I met new friends. He introduced me to other contractors, gave me small projects, and slowly I started building a reputation. I became one of the youngest and most reliable workers in Sampit.
With better income, I even contributed to Mas Budi's family — helping with food, and sharing the little money I earned. It felt good to give back, to support someone who had supported me.
But life is never without drama.
Mas Budi's child had problems with his own marriage, cheating and conflicts. Somehow, I became the one who helped financially, paying for schooling back in Java while keeping my focus on surviving here.
In Sampit, I also met women — four of them. They were friendly, warm, and attentive, but I stayed distant. There was a side of Kalimantan culture, something mystical and strong in the women's presence, that made me cautious. I respected the boundaries and focused on work.
Even my colleagues, rough and unruly, treated me with respect. They were like "berandalan," but no one dared cross me. Somehow, my quiet, firm demeanor earned their attention without me needing to fight or compete.
Through this period, I realized something crucial: respect and loyalty are earned not only through words but through actions. Working honestly, staying humble, and being dependable brought me recognition, friends, and small victories.
Life under Mas Budi's roof was more than shelter — it was a foundation. From here, I could grow, build connections, and slowly start shaping my own future.