BANDUNG, WEST JAVA — Last Thursday (September 22, 2022), the Corps Dai Dompet Dhuafa (CORDOFA) launched a groundbreaking program called “Dai Pemberdaya,” where a dai (Islamic preacher) is not only limited to delivering sermons from a pulpit but can also engage in economic empowerment activities involving the community they serve by optimizing the local potential of their area.
The collaborative program of preaching and empowerment carried out by one of CORDOFA’s dais stationed in West Java conducted a large-scale red onion harvest in Kampung Cikawari, Mekarmanik Village, Bandung Regency. A total of one ton of red onions was successfully harvested during this event. Previously, the farmers had already harvested onion leaves and green onions.
Generally, red onion harvesting is done three times a year. The harvest yield heavily depends on the local weather conditions. To achieve a large harvest, besides weather, the number of onion seeds planted also plays a significant role. In a single planting, approximately 200 to 500 red onion seeds are planted, which are then harvested later.
Sopwan Ismail, often called Uswan, is a representative of Dai Pemberdaya Dompet Dhuafa who is assigned to preach and empower the people of Cikawari village. Providing religious education to children and the community from door to door, mosque to mosque, or prayer room to prayer room is his duty. However, managing and encouraging the economic potential and human resources of the local community is an added value to his service to the community.
“Red onion cultivation in Cikawari is a traditional agricultural activity that has been passed down through generations. We aim to preserve this red onion cultivation. Currently, there are approximately five beneficiaries who have joined and been empowered. The hope is that with more red onion seeds planted, exceeding 500 kg, we can increase the number of beneficiaries. We hope this program can achieve sustainable economic independence for families,” concluded Sopwan Ismail, the Community Empowerment Imam of Cikawari Village, Mekarmanik Village, Bandung Regency.
The enthusiasm of the Cikawari community for this assistance is very high. This is due to the vast and fertile agricultural land in their area. However, the main obstacle they have faced is the lack of capital to purchase onion seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, farmland rental, and marketing of their harvest.
The intercropping method is implemented as a form of anticipation if the selling price of onions drops in the market. Other horticultural crops that the local community has adopted as alternatives in case of crop failure due to price drops or unpredictable weather include onion leaves, cabbage leaves, and chili peppers.
“We are very happy with this program. We have felt its impact on our family’s economy,” said Babeh Enjang, a beneficiary of the red onion farmer program in Cikawari Village.
“The village of Cikawari has fertile soil for horticulture. The land is available, the seeds are ready, and the human resources are in place. May this effort lead to a better future, not only for achieving economic self-reliance but also for the community to receive blessings that can serve as charitable savings for the afterlife,” added Andriansyah, the Head of Dompet Dhuafa West Java.
The red onion harvest festival was particularly memorable as it was attended by Panji Juperta, General Manager of Social Services at Dompet Dhuafa. During a sharing session with the red onion farmers under their mentorship, he shared his message: “A preacher does not always have to deliver sermons from a pulpit; engaging in economic empowerment activities can also be a gateway to spreading the message.
Red onion cultivation in Cikawari is part of preserving local potential so that future generations will remain proud that their region is the best producer of red onions in West Java.“ ”Agricultural activities contain many values of preaching. Farming teaches us to live with gratitude, not to be arrogant or conceited.
For if one becomes arrogant and conceited because they feel they control agricultural production, if Allah SWT wills it, the harvest may fail due to pests and other factors. There must be harmony between working and worshiping, as our ultimate goal is to be saved in both this world and the hereafter,” added Panji. (Dompet Dhuafa / Arlen)