DEPOK, WEST JAVA – In the spirit of empowerment, Dompet Dhuafa together with its collaborative partner, the Zakat Fund Management Unit of the Goodness Fund (UPZ DK) of Permata Bank Syariah, held the inauguration of the Bakso Bager (Meatball Cart) Program on Friday (28/2/2025). With the collection of zakat funds from the Permata Bank Syariah Zakat Management Unit, the meatball carts for 10 beneficiaries who are members of the Mitra Bager Group (KMB) are officially operating.
In the midst of the nation’s economic instability, this empowerment program was born as a solution for micro-economic actors, said Etika Setiawanti as Director of Resource Mobilization and Secretary of the Management of Dompet Dhuafa at the inauguration event at the Muhammadiyah Mission House in Duren Seribu, Depok.
“With all the dynamics that are happening today, we always hope that all beneficiaries and collaborative partners will continue to be enthusiastic about making innovations. The goal is to increase the income of micro entrepreneurs so that they can become economically independent later. To be empowered, from Mustahik to Muzakki. We must accompany them together,” said Etika.
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In line with Ethics, Ana Rahmawati, Director of Economic Empowerment at Dompet Dhuafa, said that the Bager traders’ group not only received business capital, but also assistance for a full year. Namely, including financial or capital management, cleanliness, service, and the recipes that determine the taste of the meatballs.
The selected beneficiaries were victims of the economic downturn during the Covid-19 pandemic and odd jobbers with unstable incomes.
“Apart from the economy, we also pay attention to other dimensions, such as health and social aspects, because this involves food. Then there is the social aspect, because this program will be managed collectively to make this business even stronger. Currently, the Meatball Bager Program is targeting 120 beneficiaries divided into 6 batches. This first batch is officially present thanks to the contribution of the Permata Bank Syariah Zakat Collection Unit,” said Ana.
The head of the Permata Bank Syariah Zakat Collection Unit, Habibullah, said that he fully supported this program in the hope that it would have a broad impact on the beneficiaries, their families, and the surrounding environment.
“Alhamdulillah, the inauguration went smoothly. From the employees’ zakat funds and benevolence funds, we were finally able to distribute 10 carts to beneficiaries in the Greater Jakarta area,” explained Habib.
One of the beneficiaries of the Meatball Baker Program, Neneng Amaliah (49), expressed her happiness after becoming a partner in this first batch of collaborators. In the beginning, she was a odd jobber who had to support three children and her husband was unable to work due to illness.
“I am very grateful to be a partner in the Bakso Bager Program. Because previously my income was not enough to live on. But with the capital and training I received, I will start a new life. It will be my capital to build a business later. Thank you, Dompet Dhuafa!” he exclaimed. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Hany Fatihah Ahmad
Editor: Dhika