SITUBONDO, EAST JAVA — Integrated healthcare provider Helix Laboratory & Clinic participated in distributing sacrificial animals through the Dompet Dhuafa Tebar Hewan Kurban (THK) program. On the first day of Eid al-Adha celebrations, Sunday (July 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 THK Dompet Dhuafa team had to travel by sea using a small boat with a maximum capacity of 20 people, with a travel time 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 experienced by the underprivileged community members who rarely get to enjoy meat.
There, Merak Hamlet is inhabited by 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 Dompet Dhuafa East Java team in Merak Hamlet, she can finally enjoy meat.
“We don’t have a monthly income, sir. When we run out of money, we sell our sheep. If the sheep give birth, we are grateful. If they don’t, we are still grateful,” he said softly.
Kholid Abdillah, Head of the East Java Branch of Dompet Dhuafa, 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.
“We hope that the sacrifice from Helix (Laboratory & Clinic) can help distribute meat evenly and encourage the community to make sacrifices. Thank you for your trust. We hope that this good cooperation will continue,” he concluded. (Dompet Dhuafa / Taufan YN)