The state provides certainty over Edward’s citizenship

“We are both very happy. Thank you, Indonesian Government; at last my husband can see a doctor.”

Manado (ANTARA) – At 52, Rosmin Longka understands the meaning of struggle.

As a single mother, life for her is not simply about getting by herself; it is about ensuring that her two children have a decent life. She has borne the responsibility alone for everything from clothing and food to housing and education.

To meet those needs, Rosmin works at a fish-processing factory in Bitung, North Sulawesi. She spends her days working hard to earn money, bit by bit. For her, exhaustion is a price worth paying, because the future of her two children is her greatest reason to keep going.

Her routine at the factory brought her into frequent contact with crew members from various places, including overseas. Amid the busy working day, an unexpected meeting took place.

Rosmin met Edward Fannis, 55, a Filipino national working as a ship’s crew member. What began in their workplace gradually developed into a new story for two people from very different backgrounds.

Rosmin, a single mother raising two children, and Edward, a Filipino man working aboard a ship, were brought together in a coastal city alive with fishing activity.

Amid the struggle to earn a living and the demands of an exhausting routine, Rosmin found a new source of support. That chance meeting at the fish factory marked the beginning of a story about hardship, cultural differences and the possibility of love along a difficult path.

For Rosmin Longka and Edward Fannis, nine years have meant waiting, uncertainty and a test of their resolve. At first, their relationship was an ordinary one between a factory worker and a ship’s crew member. Over time, however, frequent communication fostered affection.

Coming from two different countries and contrasting backgrounds, they understood that a cross-border relationship would not be easy. Administrative procedures, citizenship status and legal consequences all stood in the way. They could not officially formalise their relationship until Edward’s legal status was clarified.

Even so, love encouraged them to persevere. Unwilling to let their long-standing relationship remain in limbo, Rosmin took decisive action. She began pursuing Edward’s status and submitting important documents to Indonesian government agencies.

They went through various stages, preparing documents and submitting reports. But time passed without bringing the certainty they hoped for.

They waited for nine years. Throughout that period, Edward had to report to the authorities every three months, while hoping for a government decision on his citizenship status.

The long wait was not only exhausting; it also tested their patience and resolve.

Returning to the Philippines was once an option suggested by his wife. But Edward had made up his mind to remain in Indonesia. His decision to leave his homeland was not solely because of his love for Rosmin, but also because he hoped for a better life.

Edward has lost both his parents in the Philippines, and the home where he once lived is no longer there. Indonesia—especially Bitung—has gradually become the place where he can build a future and find a sense of family. To him, home no longer simply means returning to his birthplace: he has found one with Rosmin and his two stepchildren.