Illustrations by Melan, Mount Lewotobi, and Climate Change

Meilany Wungubelen’s days in November and December 2024 were notably busy. She moved from one post to another, volunteering and assisting survivors of the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki. Along with her friends from the Coalition of Young People’s Groups for Climate Change (KOPI), she became a storyteller for both children and the elderly.

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki suddenly erupted on Monday, November 4, 2024. The eruption occurred multiple times, resulting in a death toll of ten people and the evacuation of around 10,777 residents.

The impact of the volcanic eruption was not only physical but also psychological, deeply affecting the victims. This is where the role of a storyteller became crucial in helping with psychological recovery and mental resilience. Their primary role was to listen to the victims’ stories—not to provide solutions but to offer subtle guidance that could help survivors rediscover their paths.

In September 2024, Meilany participated in peer coaching training, representing the KOPI Coalition for the East Flores region. What she learned during the training significantly helped her serve as a storyteller for the survivors of Mount Lewotobi.

Accompanied by local snacks such as cakes or sorghum porridge, she visited each post one by one. “So far, our task has gone quite smoothly. The survivors have welcomed our presence, especially the elderly, who had no activities and appreciated having friends to share their experiences with,” said the artist, who excels in drawing.

Affectionately known as Melan, Meilany has had a passion for drawing since childhood, which she has nurtured over the years. One of her illustrations was featured on the cover of a children’s storybook titled “A Journey of the Whales: Perjalanan Paus – Pana Lara Paus Nae.”

Currently, she is working on an illustrated book in collaboration with the KOPI Coalition. This book will document the experiences of local champions who have participated in various KOPI Coalition programs, such as the Mutual Cooperation Jamboree for Flobamoratas, the Flobamoratas Climate Leaders Camp, the Flobamoratas Grand Party, and others. Additionally, it will include photo stories produced through the KOPI Coalition Study Circle.

Meilany’s first encounter with the KOPI Coalition took place in April 2023. She discovered the coalition’s Instagram post, which invited young people in NTT to attend the Mutual Cooperation Jamboree for Flobamoratas (GRUF) or climate camp event held in Larantuka from April 12 to April 15, 2023.

Through the KOPI Coalition, she gained extensive knowledge about climate change. Once an introvert, Melan has grown into a vocal advocate for the importance of climate action in NTT. The connections she made and the knowledge she acquired fueled new ideas for her illustration work.

“My activities with the KOPI Coalition have provided me with valuable knowledge that inspires my creations,” she stated.

According to her, illustrations serve as an excellent medium to raise awareness about climate change, promote various climate actions, and explore sustainable solutions within the community. She believes that for children, illustrations can effectively offer early education on the importance of protecting the earth and its resources.

“For example, we can educate children with images of whales eating garbage due to the excessive plastic waste in the sea. Through pictures, we can also narrate stories. This way, children can grasp concepts more easily,” she continued.

Her drawing skills have attracted many collaboration opportunities. Most recently, she was invited to work with an organization from Africa to create a book for children about climate change. “Drawing can educate and also generate income,” she said with a laugh.

For Melan, illustrations are not just a means of educating the community; they also hold personal significance. During difficult times, drawing has become a healing outlet for her—a way to express her emotions. One individual who introduced her to digital art is someone who once held a special place in her heart, but Melan has since achieved greater success than him.

Perhaps her story aligns well with the words of the renowned American street artist Keith Haring: “Art should be something that frees your soul, provokes imagination, and encourages people to go further.”