MAKASSAR, INDONESIA – BTN 27/12/2025 In the bustling halls of Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital, a routine medical procedure turned into an extraordinary story of cultural connection. Pina N. Tipuon Tomboniki, a patient from Banggai Kepulauan, has emerged as an unexpected ambassador for the humanitarian collaboration between Saudi Arabia’s King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSRelief) and Indonesian medical teams.
Selected from hundreds of patients, Pina’s journey caught the attention of the Saudi Arabian media team not just for her recovery, but for her initiative in breaking language barriers. During a pre-operation visit, Pina surprised the visiting Saudi surgeons by communicating directly in English, easing the burden on local translators and fostering an immediate bond with the international team.
“I wasn’t trying to show off; I just wanted to make things easier for the doctors and translators,” said Pina, an alumna of Tadulako University. “To my surprise, that small gesture changed everything. The nurses and staff began asking about my background, and soon, I was selected to be interviewed by the KSRelief official media outlet.”
The interview, which covered her recovery journey, her views on the Saudi-Indonesian partnership, and her messages for the visiting surgeons, was completed in just one take—a feat that impressed the film crew and hospital staff alike. Despite battling symptoms of gastritis during the shoot, Pina’s enthusiasm remained unshaken.
The connection grew even stronger post-operation. In a heartwarming moment, a Saudi surgeon visited Pina’s bedside without a translator, confident in their established rapport. “We spoke directly. I was nervous, but we understood each other perfectly. They said that out of all the patients, I seemed the most at home with the international team,” she added.
Pina, who is currently recovering and expected to be discharged this coming Monday, plans to use her experience to inspire her community back in Banggai Kepulauan. She aims to share the high quality of care provided by the Wahidin Hospital and the KSRelief mission, encouraging others to seek the medical help they need.
This mission by KSRelief underscores the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to global health and humanitarian aid, proving that medicine is a universal language that transcends borders.
The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSRelief) is a Saudi Arabian agency dedicated to providing humanitarian aid and relief to those in need outside the Kingdom’s borders. The center has operated in over 40 countries, focusing on health, food security, and education.
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