CIREBON, WEST JAVA — The road dust and beads of sweat bear silent witness to the struggle of a traveler named Sandi Setiawan. In the midst of the tide of modernization and ease of transportation, he chose a different path: pedaling a bicycle from Cikarang, West Java to his hometown in Gunung Kidul, Yogyakarta. Not without reason, his hobby and longing for an authentic homecoming experience and gathering with his beloved family fuel his enthusiasm.
“I cycled home for the first time in 2016, and it always feels different every year. I think it’s cheaper to use a bicycle than a bus, which is more expensive. It’s also common to ride a bike, because I ride a bike every day at work, not in traffic,” said Sandi, recalling the beginning of his unique homecoming adventure.
While others choose the comfort of a car or the speed of a motorbike, Sandi is looking for a challenge. For him, going home is not just about arriving at his destination, but about the process and every inch of the road traveled.
A journey of 630 kilometers is not an easy matter. Sandi has to fight against the scorching sun, the cold of the night, and the severity of the terrain. The Ungaran region in Central Java is one of the unforgettable routes.
“The slope never ends, it feels like it takes forever,” he recalls with a laugh.
Read also: Dompet Dhuafa Ignites the Spirit of Sharing at the Semesta Festival Welcoming Ramadan 1446 H
However, his spirit never faded. Every stroke of the oar was a prayer, every drop of sweat was a sacrifice for his beloved family.
The Eid tradition of spending time with his family in Gunung Kidul is a source of encouragement for Sandi. Specialties such as sticky rice tape and fried grasshoppers are symbols of togetherness and local cultural richness.
“In my village, we eat fried grasshoppers. They’re delicious, with chili sauce and rice. They’re better than Gokana or Hokben,” he said with a laugh.
The journey home Sandi is not just about distance and time, but about struggle, spirit, and humanitarian values. He teaches us that going home for the holidays is not just an annual tradition, but also an opportunity to strengthen relationships with family, appreciate local culture, and find meaning in every journey. Like Sandi, who accidentally took a break at the Dompet Dhuafa Cirebon Power Homecoming Post early that Thursday morning (27/03/2025).
“Entering the Dompet Dhuafa Homecoming Post, someone was guarding the bicycle, it was safe. As soon as I entered, the LKC Dompet Dhuafa team offered me a health check, and also offered me to rest in a tent first, but I immediately tried the massage service instead. It was good, and it was all free. Cycling is tiring, so getting service like this is satisfying, it’s very professional,” admitted Sandi.
“The Pos Mudik Dompet Dhuafa has many pluses, I’m very grateful. This service is very helpful for long-distance travelers, especially cyclists like me,” he added.
Yes, all the passwords were told during his break at the Pos Mudik with Dompet Dhuafa in the Podcast program Bertamasya Edisi Ngetem at Pos Mudik Dompet Dhuafa Cirebon Poweri. A casual and fun conversation with the host, Ilham Pradipta, with the slogan ‘Stuck on the road? Here sit, tell me first’ can be watched on the YouTube channel Dompet Dhuafa TV (DDTV) Homecoming by Bicycle, 5-Day Journey Traveling 630 Kilometers | Ngetem Podcast Homecoming Edition.
Behind the physical struggle are noble family values. Sandi not only fought for himself, but also to strengthen the bond with his family and community. He brought souvenirs not only in the form of goods, but also stories and experiences that enriched the soul. Striving for longing, towards a friendship that seems to stop time. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Dhika & Aryo
Editor: Dedi Fadli