JAKARTA —– Amidst the hustle and bustle of the Penjaringan area in North Jakarta, 100 tofu and tempeh artisans in the Pejagalan sub-district of Penjaringan received a helping hand through the distribution of food packages as part of the Hunger Relief Program. This assistance is the result of a sustainable strategic partnership between the philanthropic organization Dompet Dhuafa and the global agribusiness company, PT ADM Indonesia Trading & Logistics.
This act of kindness centered in Pejagalan is just one of a series of larger distributions. In total, Dompet Dhuafa and PT ADM distributed 2,510 food packages across 22 other districts/cities in Indonesia at different times.
That morning, the faces of the tofu and tempeh artisans, usually covered in smoke and sweat from production, looked radiant. Behind the intense production process, they harbor stories of struggle that are not easy.
Mr. Sudarno, a tempeh maker who has been working with hot steam since the 1980s, recounts the ups and downs of his profession with a smile.
“I’m just a laborer, so I can’t avoid the rain because I live in a wooden house. It’s very difficult,” he says humorously.
He added, “The good thing is that Sunday is payday, hehe.”
Another story comes from Mrs. Muriyah, a tempeh maker and seller from Pemalang. Tempeh is ingrained in her life, passed down from generation to generation. She has migrated and lives in Pejagalan, blending in with the hustle and bustle of the production site. Living with her family—husband, children, in-laws, and two grandchildren—in two rooms separated by an open kitchen in the middle, Mrs. Muriyah recalls her experience facing eviction when she lived above the river and the losses she suffered when the raw materials for tempeh were damaged due to bad weather. However, the arrival of this morning’s aid has lifted her spirits.
“Alhamdulillah, (the assistance) is very useful. And for tempe lovers, keep eating tempe because it is nutritious and full of our struggles,” said Mrs. Muriyah with a bright smile.
In his speech, Mardianto Napitupulu, Trader at PT ADM Indonesia Trading & Logistics, said that this program is part of ADM’s concern for its partners. He also introduced ADM’s “Panah” trademark, which is known as a supplier of soybean seeds, the main ingredient in tempeh.
“In addition to running its business processes, ADM also cares about its partners, distributors, and even its craftsmen,” said Mardianto.
He hopes that this assistance will continue in the coming years, strengthening the bond between the company and small businesses.
Meanwhile, Erlita, Partnership Dompet Dhuafa, gave a brief introduction about Dompet Dhuafa’s work as a philanthropic institution that bridges kindness. She explained that the partnership between Dompet Dhuafa and PT ADM is not the first of its kind. The two parties have made their mark in various occasions.
“Previously, in 2022, Dompet Dhuafa and ADM collaborated in the Emergency Response Program for victims of the Cianjur Earthquake in West Java by distributing basic food supplies and urgent needs to the refugees. This commitment continued in 2025, where PT ADM participated in helping to absorb chicken from local farmers around Parung Regency, Bogor, showing a focus on strengthening the community’s economy,” said Erlita.
Read also: Spreading Joy Amid Busy Days: ADM Indonesia’s Chicken Day Shares Fresh Chicken with Employees
High appreciation was also expressed by local community leaders. Vivi Kasie, representative of Pejagalan Village, Penjaringan Subdistrict, expressed her gratitude for the time and resources that were distributed.
“Hopefully, this will be beneficial for the residents and artisans and increase cooperation in solidarity,” she hoped.
Also present were Margono, Head of RW 008 Pejagalan, and Budi Sugianto, Founder of Bahtera Distributor.
The distribution of the Hunger Relief Program in Pejagalan marks a new chapter that emphasizes attention to the food sector, especially tofu and tempeh artisans. More than just assistance, this collaboration is a tangible manifestation of integrated Corporate Social Responsibility, which not only touches on business profits, but also on humanity and sustainability. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Dhika
Editor: Dedi Fadlil