SITUBONDO, EAST JAVA — A total of 50 sheep have been distributed in Merak Hamlet, Sumberwaru, Banyuputih Subdistrict, Situbondo Regency, East Java. The Tebar Hewan Kurban (THK) Dompet Dhuafa team traveled by sea accompanied by high waves due to the tide. The high waves did not prevent the distribution of sacrificial meat on Sunday (July 10, 2022).
Gus Fauzi, a community leader in Merak Hamlet, said that before the THK team arrived, there had been no sacrifices at all in previous years. The presence of the Dompet Dhuafa THK program in Merak Hamlet has certainly brought joy to the local community, especially those in need.
“The community is struggling (economically), so rather than buying meat, it is better to use the money for basic necessities,” explained the Head of the Raudhatul Fauziyah Islamic Boarding School.
Eid al-Adha 2022 marks the second year for the THK team to distribute sacrificial meat to Merak Hamlet. THK Dompet Dhuafa has had a positive impact on the Eid al-Adha celebrations in Merak Hamlet, one of which is that the community has begun to grow in awareness of the importance of sacrifice.
“Alhamdulillah, now the community itself has sacrificed two cows, even though it is not enough for hundreds of families. This sacrifice from the community is a manifestation of the spirit of Dompet Dhuafa,” said the man who always wears a blangkon.
Although access to Merak Hamlet can only be reached by sea, this did not dampen the enthusiasm of the Dompet Dhuafa team to distribute the sacrificial meat to Merak Hamlet. Using the Dompet Dhuafa Dakwah Boat, the team and the community braved the high waves to deliver the cleaned sacrificial meat.
The economic condition of the Merak Hamlet community is still considered to be below the poverty line. Although located by the sea, almost all of the people in this area are livestock farmers. However, the livestock does not belong to them but to other people. This is why they are unable to improve their economic status or make sacrifices during Eid al-Adha.
“The residents there (Merak Hamlet) do have cows, but they only raise them; the cows belong to other people,” said Much. Rizzqi Aladib, Program Manager of Dompet Dhuafa East Java. (Dompet Dhuafa / Makaryo / Arlen)