BOGOR — On the 77th anniversary of Indonesian Independence Day, the Community Service Institute (LPM) Dompet Dhuafa provided assistance in the form of food packages and compensation to Veterans from the Indonesian Legion of Veterans (LVRI) in Bogor City, Tuesday (16/8/2022).
The head of the Dompet Dhuafa Community Service Institute, M. Noor Awaluddin Asjhar, said that the direct handover of assistance and the visit were a form of gratitude and appreciation for the services of the fighters and defenders of Indonesian independence.
“This activity is a form of respect for the actors of history. It is important for all of us to continue to care about the lives of veterans. Hopefully this assistance will be useful and can raise new enthusiasm and hope for them,” said Awal.
The handover of this assistance was also appreciated by the Bogor City LVRI. “We are very grateful for the attention and assistance from LPM Dompet Dhuafa, with high enthusiasm they can still make time and care for the lives of Veterans. This is an extraordinary activity. Hopefully what has been given will be rewarded by Allah SWT,” said Suratman, Deputy Chairman of the Bogor City LVRI.[
Suratman added that the Bogor City LVRI, which is a forum and means of struggle for all veterans, will continue to actively improve the welfare of its members, care and continue to strive to collect and record the names of the warriors who have been buried in each place in the Bogor City area so that they can be properly organized.
Samsudin Usman (91), one of the LVRI members who received food packages, had a career in the military for 42 years (1946-1986). At the age of 15, he had already advanced in the battlefield, joining Battalion 313 Siliwangi. He had four veteran titles, namely, Veteran Pejuang 1945, Veteran Pembela Trikora 1962, Veteran Seroja 1975 and finally in 1976 he became a Veteran of the Overseas Border Guard, until he finally retired in 1986 with the final rank of Colonel of the Indonesian Army.
Samsudin expressed his gratitude to LPM Dompet Dhuafa for the assistance provided. In addition, he advised the government to pay more attention to the lives of veterans, such as by providing welfare and health guarantees and policies and regulations that are beneficial to veterans.
The activity ended with a pilgrimage and a joint wreath-laying ceremony at the Dreded Heroes Cemetery, South Bogor, Bogor City. Hopefully, with this activity, we will all be able to pay more attention to and appreciate the services of the Veterans in fighting for Indonesia’s independence. (Dompet Dhuafa / LPM / Arlen)