When the Body Fights Itself
(World Lupus Day Reflection, May 10th)
By: Ali Aminulloh
Behind a seemingly smiling face, a body is silently waging a war against itself. Joint pain, persistent fatigue, facial rashes, and even organ damage often come silently. Many lupus sufferers appear “fine,” but they are actually struggling every day to maintain a normal life. World Lupus Day, observed every May 10th, serves as a reminder that not all wounds are visible, but all require human empathy.
Lupus, or Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system, which is supposed to protect the body, attacks its own organs. The skin, joints, kidneys, lungs, heart, and even the brain can be affected. This disease predominantly affects women of childbearing age, but is often diagnosed late because the symptoms mimic ordinary fatigue.
That’s why in 2004, the global lupus community, spearheaded by Lupus Canada, initiated World Lupus Day. This movement was later supported by the World Lupus Federation, along with hundreds of lupus organizations from various countries, including the Indonesian Lupus Foundation. The 2026 theme, “Make Lupus Visible,” served as a call for public attention and government policy to truly highlight this previously “invisible” disease.
From the perspective of the awareness trilogy initiated by Sheikh Al Zaytun, World Lupus Day contains profound humanitarian lessons.
Philosophical awareness teaches that humans should not judge life solely by its appearance. Many lupus sufferers appear healthy, but are actually enduring excruciating pain. This is where the lesson of empathy emerges: that humanity extends beyond mere physical appearance, but also through understanding the inner struggles of others. Lupus also reminds us that an overly aggressive body can actually destroy itself. This reflects the need for balance, not boundless hostility, that life requires balance.
Ecological awareness emerges through the understanding that the human body is an ecosystem whose harmony must be maintained. When the immune system loses balance, the body becomes a victim of itself. This serves as an important reflection that balance applies not only to the universe but also to the human body. A healthy lifestyle, stress management, a clean environment, and good access to healthcare are essential for maintaining a harmonious life.
Meanwhile, social awareness is evident in the struggle of Odapus, the term for people with lupus, who still face stigma and discrimination. Many are considered weak, make excuses, and even mistaken for carrying a contagious disease. Yet, they need moral support, access to treatment, and a humane social space. Solidarity is a remedy no less important than medical therapy. When society stops judging and begins to understand, that’s where humanity finds its meaning.
Various routine activities are held every May 10th in various countries. Purple ribbon campaigns, health seminars, early screenings, research webinars, and sharing stories from people with lupus are part of a global movement to raise awareness about lupus. In Indonesia, the Indonesian Lupus Foundation, along with healthcare workers and volunteers, continues to promote public education and better access to treatment.
In campuses and polytechnics, this momentum can become a powerful educational platform. These include the use of purple dress codes, public lectures on lupus, free health checks, and a social media campaign themed “Make Lupus Visible.” The younger generation is not only encouraged to understand the disease, but also to learn to build social empathy.
World Lupus Day is ultimately not just a health warning, but a humanitarian call. It acknowledges that millions of people are struggling silently and need one simple thing from the world: understanding.
Because not all illnesses are visible, but every suffering deserves attention.**
Indonesia, May 10, 2026
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