NORTH MALUKU — Disaster Management Center (DMC) Dompet Dhuafa has once again demonstrated its tangible impact on the community. This time, recognition came directly from the City Government of Ternate, North Maluku. During an event held at the Ternate Sultanate Building on Saturday (May 10, 2025), DMC Dompet Dhuafa received a special award as a token of honor for its contributions in supporting the progress and development of Ternate City toward becoming a more self-reliant and equitable region.
The award was presented by Sarif Hi. Sabatun, the Economic and Development Advisor to the Mayor of Ternate, who attended on behalf of the Mayor, who was unwell at the time. Witnessed by over a hundred invited guests, this award ceremony served as motivation for Dompet Dhuafa to continue making even greater contributions to the community.
Deputy Director 1 of the Social, Humanitarian, and Da’wah Programs at Dompet Dhuafa, Juperta Panji Utama, received the award directly. In his remarks, Panji expressed gratitude and pride for the recognition received.
“We feel deeply honored by this award. This is not only recognition for DMC Dompet Dhuafa but also for the spirit of collaboration and shared concern in building a resilient community and a sustainable environment,” he said.
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Panji also added that DMC Dompet Dhuafa will continue to be committed to being present in the community, especially for the poor who want to rise independently and actively protect their surroundings.
The presence of DMC Dompet Dhuafa in Ternate is not without reason. This beautiful city with its stunning natural backdrop is currently facing serious challenges in waste management. This issue has been a long-standing concern for the city government, leading it to be included in the 14 Priority Programs of Ternate City since 2021 and remains a focus until 2024.
DMC Dompet Dhuafa serves as a strategic partner in developing a new approach: participatory waste management and industrialization. Through this model, the community is not merely an object but an active subject in the process of change. Waste is no longer seen as a burden but as a resource that can be processed and utilized to enhance the economic well-being of residents.
In addition to DMC Dompet Dhuafa, 11 other institutions also received similar awards from the Ternate City Government. Among them are the Head of the Bank Indonesia Representative Office for North Maluku Province, the Rector of Muhammadiyah University of North Maluku, the Head of the Ombudsman Representative Office for North Maluku, and the Rector of Khairun University.
This award serves as a strong symbol that regional development is not solely the responsibility of the government. Collaboration across sectors, including financial institutions, higher education institutions, and social organizations, is a key strength in creating a more inclusive and sustainable region.
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At the same time, Prof. Dr. Kim Soo-Il, Chairman of the Busan Indonesia Center, who was present as a keynote speaker in the “Expo Segi Tiga Emas-3 2025” event series, also praised the role of Dompet Dhuafa. He expressed his admiration for the social innovations carried out by this institution, especially in addressing various community issues in a concrete manner.
“I hope that community organizations like Dompet Dhuafa can continue to contribute to Indonesia’s development. Their role is crucial for the nation’s future,” he stated.
This award ceremony was not merely a formal event. The program also included a webinar on cooperatives and affordable housing, featuring experienced speakers. Additionally, participants were invited to visit several priority program sites managed by the Ternate Municipal Government. There, they were able to see firsthand how these programs are implemented and who is involved in them.
This step also serves as an open invitation for all parties to actively participate in development, not only through ideas and discourse, but also through concrete actions in the field. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Riza Muthohar, DMC
Editor: Dhika