LEBAK, BANTEN — Reaping blessings in the month of Ramadan 1446 Hijri, the Haji Financial Management Agency (BPKH) through its beneficial partner Dompet Dhuafa has once again distributed aid in the form of a series of programs that touch on various aspects of people’s lives, from meeting basic needs to improving skills. One of the beneficial programs that provide this benefit is the air conditioner technician training program through the Dompet Dhuafa Institute of Independence (IK) which has produced “Hajj-Preneurs” – as the training participants are called – from the Lebak Regency, Banten.
The ceremonial launching of the air conditioner technician training program and iftar together was held in the Baduy Luar area of Al-Imron Mosque, Ciboleger Hamlet, Bojong Menteng Village, Leuwidamar District, Lebak, on Monday (03/24/2025). In addition to training AC technicians, this program also includes the distribution of 3,000 iftar packages, cleaning up 100 mosques, and distributing 500 copies of the Al-Qur’an.
This air conditioner technician training program has become an oasis of hope for the youth of Lebak. Out of 70 applicants, 11 participants were selected, 10 of whom were young people from Lebak. They have been undergoing intensive training since March 3, 2025, at IK Karawaci and Panasonic Gobel in East Jakarta, equipped with air conditioner maintenance, repair, and installation skills, as well as internship experience.
Ahmad Satibi (37), one of the 8th batch of AC technician trainees from IK Dompet Dhuafa & BPKH, is a portrait of the spirit of change. He admitted that he participated in this training because he wanted to increase his knowledge, skills, and new experiences. With a strong determination to change his fate, he hopes that someday he can become an entrepreneur with the skills he gained from the training.
“I’m from Kampung Gunung, Lebak. I sell fried foods and do odd jobs on a daily basis. I want to learn new skills so that I can have skills and a source of income in the future,” said the father of four.
For Memed, as he is affectionately called, this training is a bridge to a better future. He realizes that change does not come by itself, but must be pursued with hard work and skill.
The presence of these “Hajj-Preneurs” was warmly welcomed by the Regent of Lebak, Hasbi Jayabaya. He appreciated the participants of the Lebak youth training program, as well as the National Board of Hajj and Umrah and Dompet Dhuafa for the initiative of this training program, which is expected to improve the quality of human resources and the welfare of the Lebak community.
“This training should not be taken lightly. Nowadays, many people want to get easy, instant wealth. But if we have skills, we can get easy and also lawful income. We pursue what is right and stay away from what is wrong. Continue to be grateful to Allah, especially now that it is the 24th day of Ramadan, there is still a week so it is a momentum to increase piety,” said Hasbi Jayabaya.
Ahmad Faqih, General Manager of ZIS (Zakat, Infak, Sedekah) Collection at Dompet Dhuafa, also expressed his gratitude for the partnership with BPKH. He hopes that Dompet Dhuafa’s programs can continue to provide extensive benefits to the community.
“Alhamdulillah, Dompet Dhuafa is once again entrusted with collaborating with BPKH from 2020 to 2025. And today, a ceremonial handover of certificates has also been carried out to the training participants as well as the distribution of 150 iftar packages. Hopefully, Dompet Dhuafa’s programs can continue to accompany and be of great benefit to the beneficiaries,” said Faqih.
Likewise, Indriayu Afriana, Head of the BPKH Monitoring & Evaluation Implementation Division, said that this is the first program to be carried out in 2025. The hope is that with the knowledge that the training participants gain, they can become entrepreneurs, develop and earn a livelihood.
“Hajj-Preneur is a program that we have just launched in 2025 because we want to see and encourage these young people to grow into entrepreneurs. Now, with the value of the benefits of the endowment funds through charitable activities, we are encouraging training. Hopefully, the benefits of the endowment funds can be widely distributed to those in need,” said Indriayu.
The collaboration between Dompet Dhuafa and the Indonesian Religious Endowment Board (BPKH) in Ramadan 1446 Hijri is not just about material assistance, but also about empowerment and hope. The “Hajj-Preneurs” are clear proof that with skill and determination, change can be realized, even from Baduy land. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Dhika
Editor: Dedi Fadlil