One sunny day, Udin went to school in Simeulue. Teacher Ani talked about the ocean and tsunami.
“Do you know about Smong?” asked Teacher Ani.
The class was quiet.
Udin raised his hand. “Yes, Teacher. My grandma told me!”
“Good, Udin! Can you share with us?”
Udin smiled. “Smong is a local wisdom. When there is a big 'linon' and the sea 'suruik', we must run to the 'singa tenggi'. Don’t wait. Don’t go to the beach.”
“Why?” asked Lina.
“My grandma said, a 'Smong' will come. A long time ago, many people died. But people who knew ‘Smong’ were safe.”
Budi asked, “What does ‘Smong’ mean?”
“It means tsunami in Simeulue language,” said Udin. “Our people teach it from one generation to another.”
“Smong is a gift,” said Teacher Ani. “It helps us stay safe. Thank you, Udin.”
That evening, Udin told his grandma, “Mak Uteh, I told my class about Smong!”
Mak Uteh smiled. “Good boy. Never forget Smong. Teach it to your friends.”
Udin nodded. “I will, Mak. Smong saves lives.”