Since my Mum passed away in mid-September, her helper had stayed behind to look after my step-dad, who has since moved into a care home. We returned Nani to the agent on 30 November and she was transported by car to Indonesia on 2 December where she quarantined for 6 nights at the border town of Aruk.
The agent had refused to buy her an air-ticket back to Java. I kinda get that because Malaysian domestic flights to Kuala Lumpur are priced sky-high due to limitations on flight frequency placed by the state government. Fares between Kuching and Kuala Lumpur were as high as MYR1500, some saying it was like an airfare between Kuala Lumpur and London.
The agent also refused to cover the cost of getting from Pontianak to Jakarta. I found the fare was quite reasonable and offered to pick up the tab for Nani. She believed that it was possible to travel between the two cities by bus, despite the separation by sea. Ferries wouldn’t run very often and I didn’t want her hanging around waiting for days. And I can’t imagine it being a cheap journey once we factor in accommodation while waiting, the ferry fare and road transport at either end.
Today, I bought her flight for her, with 30kg luggage. The base fare (before add-ons) had gone up in the last day, from around IDR500,000 to IDR700,000 but it was better than assuming that her release from quarantine would happen today. It was a small price for me to pay, to ensure someone who had given us such good service, care and food doesn’t get stuck in a strange city floundering. It was kindness I can afford.
She arrived into Jakarta late afternoon and then Bandung late in the night. Alhamdulillah, she is now safe at home.