May 15, 2025
By Dadi Darmadi
At Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII) in Depok, three cats—Kamila, Micin, and Buntung—weave a quiet tale of care and resilience amid the campus’s green embrace. Through the IG: macanwangweng Instagram page, their story resonates, proving that even the softest paws leave lasting prints.
Kamila, a calico with vibrant fur, is the group’s gentle heart. Her soft purrs and careful grooming calm students in the prayer gardens or guide nervous kittens. “Kamila’s our peace,” says Icha, a graphic designer and cat caretaker.
Micin, the youngest, is pure energy. Named after Indonesian cat food slang, she races across campus, chasing butterflies or tumbling into flowerbeds. “Micin keeps us laughing,” says Yoyon. Her playfulness sparks joy, turning quiet moments into shared delight.
Buntung, a shy male with a stumpy tail, tugs at the heart differently. “He’s always hiding,” says Atia. Often seen in the wild bushes or university plaza’s tall grass, he flees from noise or stray dogs competing for scraps.
“We leave food out,” Atia adds, “but earning his trust is hard.” His wariness, perhaps from a rough past, makes his rare sightings special.
UIII’s cat-friendly campus, with water bowls by lecture halls and cozy shelters, treats these felines like family. “They make this place home,” says Pak Kus, a campus golf car driver, who often tosses leaves for Micin or checks bushes for Buntung.
The macanwangweng Instagram page, managed by UIII cat lovers community, captures their world—Kamila’s gentle nudge, Micin’s wild leaps, and Buntung’s fleeting glances. Yet, their story carries pain: Ameng, the eldest, vanished in a rainy season, and Aming died giving birth. Kamila seems to honor their memory, watching over the others with care. Icha, Atia, Yoyon, and Dedot share these moments, connecting with followers who worry most about Buntung. “They’re family,” Atia says, scrolling through comments. The page feels like a shared diary, linking UIII to a global community.
In Indonesian lore, cats are mystical, sensing the unseen. Kamila’s quiet stares and Buntung’s hidden watch feel like guardianship. For Icha and the others, caring for them—feeding, brushing, or leaving food in the plaza—is a grounding ritual. “They teach us to care,” Yoyon says, “especially for those who stay out of sight.”
As evening falls, Kamila rests by a garden bench, Micin chases moths, and Buntung watches from the plaza’s edge, his presence felt more than seen. Holding the losses of Aming and Ameng close, Icha and the others find hope in the cats still here. Kamila, Micin, and Buntung show that small lives, loved deeply, leave enduring marks—one purr at a time.
Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia
