MALUKU -— After a long wait of 26 years, the people of Bitorik Village finally experienced the joy of Eid al-Adha once again. On Friday (June 6, 2025) and the following days of Tasyrik, Dompet Dhuafa implemented the Animal Sacrifice Distribution Program (THK) by distributing nine cows and one goat to the local community.
The presence of these sacrificial animals was made possible through the collaborative efforts of Dompet Dhuafa and social activists, including Sejauh Angin, a couple of traveling enthusiasts, and Is Pusakata, a musician who actively encourages his followers to share. Through social media and a spirit of togetherness, they encouraged their followers to contribute and provide sacrificial animals for their brothers and sisters in the easternmost part of Indonesia.
The implementation of the sacrifice in Bitorik has its own story. The reason is that there are no local cows available in this village. Therefore, Dompet Dhuafa had to go through a challenging logistics process: finding animals from farmers in Kobisonta Village, transporting them by truck, and then crossing the sea to arrive in Bitorik. Each animal selected meets Dompet Dhuafa’s sacrifice criteria: male, healthy, at least two years old, and weighing according to the donor’s agreement.
The reception from the Bitorik community was extraordinary. Upon hearing that the sacrificial animals were arriving, residents began preparing tents, distribution containers, and traditional welcome ceremonies. On the night of Eid al-Adha, villagers gathered in large numbers to perform the takbir procession while carrying torches, involving people from all walks of life.
Read also: Breaking Through Bitorik, a Land That Has Longed for the Qurbani Celebration
In the morning, the traditional procession began. The sacrificial animals were bathed and wrapped in white cloth, then paraded around the village while people chanted elawat and takbir. The atmosphere was religious and emotional.
Upon arrival at the slaughtering site after the parade around the village, local religious leader Muhammad Yasin was ready to lead the sacred procession. Uniquely, each animal was slaughtered with a different machete, with a total of 10 machetes prepared to maintain the solemnity and reverence of the tradition.
“The community is very happy when they hear that someone is sending sacrificial animals here. Especially since there are so many. We don’t want to be the only ones to enjoy this. We also distribute the sacrificial meat to the surrounding villages,” said Muhammad Yasin.
Some of the qurbani meat was then sent to four nearby villages by boat, demonstrating a sense of community that transcended village boundaries.
After the slaughter, the entire community took part in processing the meat. The men worked together to cut and package the meat, while the women cooked together on the beach. Some residents even made raun, traditional containers made from sago leaves, to distribute the qurbani meat.
Read also: Breaking Through Bitorik, a Land That Has Longed for the Qurbani Celebration
One resident, Habibah (45), said she was deeply moved to be able to participate in this year’s Eid al-Adha celebrations. While cooking the sacrificial meat, she said she never expected to cook so much meat. This is the first time she has cooked this much beef.
“I didn’t expect there would be this much meat. This is the first time I’ve cooked this much beef, and I’m able to eat it with all the neighbors,” she said with a smile.
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The sense of togetherness grows stronger as the entire community of Bitorik gathers to share the sacrificial meal. This moment serves as a powerful reminder of the values of brotherhood, sincerity, and sharing during the kurban celebration.
Beyond sharing sacrificial meat through the Tebar Hewan Kurban initiative in Bitorik, this is about reviving hope and tradition within a community that has longed for this moment for decades. You can still join in bringing joy to those who yearn for the sacrifice through this page! (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Riza Muthohar
Editor: Dhika