SITUBONDO, EAST JAVA — Integrated healthcare provider Helix Laboratory & Clinic participated in distributing sacrificial animals through Dompet Dhuafa’s Tebar Hewan Kurban (THK) program. On the first day of Eid al-Adha celebrations, Sunday (7/10/2022), five sheep were distributed in Merak Hamlet, Sumberwaru Village, Banyuputih Subdistrict, Situbondo Regency, East Java, and three cows in Mokoau Village, Kambu Subdistrict, Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi.
The distribution points for the sacrificial animals were not easily accessible. To reach Merak Hamlet alone, the Dompet Dhuafa THK team had to travel by sea using a small boat with a maximum capacity of 20 people, covering a distance of approximately 2 (two) hours. Despite this, it never dampened the team’s determination to reach the location. The joy of sacrificial meat was finally felt by the underprivileged community who rarely get to enjoy meat.
There, in Merak Hamlet, live approximately 400 families whose main livelihoods are as farmers and ranchers. Although they raise cattle and sheep, all of these livestock are shared with investors. Therefore, they are not for sacrifice but for survival. They are reluctant to even consume the meat themselves, let alone sacrifice it.
Mrs. Lasemi (60), one of the beneficiaries, said that her livelihood depends on sheep farming and wages from working as a laborer on other people’s farms. She is grateful because since the arrival of the East Java Dompet Dhuafa team in Merak Hamlet, she can finally enjoy meat.
“We have no monthly income, sir. When we run out of money, we sell our sheep. If the sheep give birth, alhamdulillah. If they don’t, well, we are just grateful,” she said softly.
The Head of the East Java Branch of DD, Kholid Abdillah, said that East Java is the largest province in Java. Although there are many cattle and sheep, some remote areas experience a shortage of sacrificial meat. This is especially true for people living below the poverty line. Not only do they lack the funds, but they also have little awareness of the importance of sacrifice.
“May the presence of sacrificial meat from Helix (Laboratory & Clinic) help distribute meat more evenly and encourage the community to perform the sacrifice. Thank you for your trust; may this good cooperation continue,” he concluded. (Dompet Dhuafa / Muthohar)