IT was almost noon. Anisati Putri Hulu, 13, and Ardi Manulung, 11, were hurriedly leaving the river. Both were carrying jerry cans and a bucket of water. “These are for our younger brothers and mother at home, also for the toilet,” said Anisati to Tempo last week.

Every morning and afternoon, Anisati, Ardi and the other children in Banua Si Bohou 1 village, Alasa district, North Nias, go to the river for various purposes, ranging from bath