In a small village called Tamburi, in Rindi Sub-district, East Nusa Tenggara, lives a young mother who speaks little, yet whose actions are full of courage. Her name is Utu Landhi. She lives a simple life with her baby, Jhitro Adu Manudjawa. The little one is only eight months old, yet his tiny body already appears so fragile—weak, thin, and missing the joyful spark typical of a baby his age.

On January 9, 2025, when weighed at the Kalihi Posyandu, Jhitro weighed only 5.9 kilograms. “Severe malnutrition,” said the health worker. The causes: prolonged diarrhea, poor nutritional intake, and perhaps a lack of knowledge.

Yet, this story is not merely about suffering. It is a story of a mother’s love that transcends faith and tradition—of courage in the face of fear, and of hope that grows from a single small leaf: the moringa leaf.

Turning Point at Kalihi Posyandu

In February 2025, a community session on Parenting and Balanced Nutrition was held at the Kalihi Posyandu, organized by CD Bethesda YAKKUM in collaboration with the Tanaraing Health Center (Puskesmas).
Ibu Utu was there. She listened carefully, took notes, and began to realize that children of Jhitro’s age needed balanced nutrition—and that a mother’s role is vital in shaping a child’s growth and development.

Her eyes were opened. She began planting vegetables in her yard—spinach, pumpkin, and various local greens. She raised chickens as a source of protein. Everything she did with her own hands, without complaint, driven by a single purpose: to save Jhitro.
But her fight did not stop there.

The Taboos That Became Walls

In her family, there was a strong taboo: eating moringa leaves was forbidden. It was believed that moringa could cause hair loss—even baldness.
Ibu Utu knew it well; she had experienced it herself. Her hair would fall out every time she prepared moringa as food.

But now, she stood at a crossroads. Because from the health session, she had also learned that moringa leaves are rich in iron, protein, and essential vitamins—nutrients that could save her child. With anxious hands, she raised her arm and asked softly, “If I give moringa to my child, but it’s forbidden in my family, what should I do? What if he gets sick?”

The health workers answered calmly: Moringa is safe for children, as long as it’s prepared properly. And that was where the story began to change—because a mother’s love stands taller than any fear.

Love That Defies Fear

“Even though my hair falls out every time I pick moringa leaves for Jhitro, I keep picking them, cooking them with chicken, and feeding them to him,” she said, her eyes glistening with tears.
“I am willing to go against my family’s taboo—even if I lose all my hair—as long as my son is no longer malnourished and can live a healthy life.”

Every time she cooks moringa chicken porridge for Jhitro, she whispers a prayer:
“Mboku Appu, let me bear the consequence of this taboo. Not my son. I believe he will be healthy.” And God heard her.

Foto Jhitro bersama Ibu Utu Landhi

The Fruit of Determination

At the next weigh-in on February 12, 2025, Jhitro’s weight increased to 6.4 kilograms. A month later, in March, he reached 7 kilograms. The child, who had previously lain weak and listless, was now laughing, crawling, and welcoming the world with shining eyes.

Jhitro’s story spread throughout the village. His meals—from moringa chicken and vegetable porridge to steamed fish rice—became an inspiration to other mothers. Children who had once refused vegetables began to try them. Families who had previously relied on instant food began to return to their own gardens.

A New Hope

Today, Jhitro is no longer just Utu Landhi’s son — he has become a symbol of hope at the Kalihi Posyandu. He is living proof that change can begin from one’s own yard — from the hands of a mother who never gives up.

Because a mother’s love is the greatest strength in the world. Even the taboos of her ancestors cannot stand against it.

Let us continue to support mothers like Utu Landhi — women who may have little, yet give everything for their children. Because every child, no matter where they are born, has the right to grow up healthy, strong, and happy. (Anggreni)