CIREBON, WEST JAVA —-— In a village in Cirebon Regency, people go about their daily activities. Some peel shells, clean and dry fish, while others prepare to start their boat engines. Within five meters, fishing boats are moored and tied to a wooden board on the riverbank. Along the road in Mertasinga Village, Gunung Jati District, the distinctive scent of river water fills the air.
That afternoon, Sunday (01/18/2025), dozens of people, most of whom were fishermen, flocked to the Bondet Fish Landing Place. They are souls who struggle amid economic limitations. They gathered to receive fidyah packages in the form of basic necessities wrapped in cardboard boxes labeled Shopee and Dompet Dhuafa.
Yes, they are the beneficiaries of the fidyah program initiated by Dompet Dhuafa through a digital partnership with Shopee. Dompet Dhuafa provides a fidyah feature or service on the Shopee app that makes it easy for users to pay fidyah.
In collaboration with Dompet Dhuafa Volunteer (DDV) Chapter Cirebon, dozens of fidyah packages were successfully distributed. Happy smiles appeared on their faces. Several times they said, “Alhamdulillah, thank you!”
“Thank you, Teh, this is very much appreciated, pisan ku Ibu (this is very much appreciated, Mother),” said another.
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Mertasinga Village in Gunungjati Subdistrict, Cirebon Regency, is a coastal village where the majority of residents work as fishermen. Located near the mouth of the Bondet River, this village has a strong fishing village atmosphere.
The majority of residents depend on fishing for their livelihood due to its strategic location on the north coast of Cirebon, which flows directly into the Java Sea, facilitating access for fishing boats.
Matsira (67), one of the beneficiaries met by the Dompet Dhuafa Team, works as a fisherman who goes out to sea every day using his wooden boat to catch fish with a net or cast a net. He also repairs the boat’s engine and nets himself if they are damaged.
“My father leaves at 6 or 7 a.m. to go fishing and returns in the afternoon. I sell the fish at the Fish Auction Site, so my father catches the fish in the northeast using nets,” said Matsira.
Going out every day to fish doesn’t always go as planned. Sometimes reality forces Matsira to return home empty-handed.
“Oh dear, ma’am. It depends on the weather. When it’s cold, it can be difficult because the waves and strong winds are more dangerous. It’s unpredictable—sometimes we catch a lot of fish, sometimes we don’t,” Matsira continued.
Matsira admits that he has been living alone since 2020, after his children grew up and found jobs in their respective fields. To meet his daily needs, he adapts to the circumstances. He chooses the path that seems most feasible at the time. Sometimes he borrows money, sometimes he hopes for help from his family so that he can continue to survive day by day.
“With the weather like this, sometimes the wind is strong and the waves are big, so I have to stop because it’s not worth it. I lose supplies when I leave, and I lose fuel too,” explained Matsira.
Matsira explained that the value of his catch varies depending on the quality of the fish. When the catch is in good condition, he can sell it for around Rp12,000 per kilogram, but if the quality is poor, the price drops drastically to only around Rp4,000–Rp5,000 per kilogram.
When the fidyah packages were distributed, Matsira couldn’t stop expressing her gratitude. With a broad smile, Matsira walked home carrying new hope, that even the smallest act of kindness can be a source of strength for those who are struggling.
“Alhamdulillah, I’m so happy to receive this assistance. Actually, we didn’t have anything to eat, so now we have something to eat. Thank you for the assistance. May you all receive even more blessings. Thank you also to Shopee and Dompet Dhuafa,” she concluded.
In Cirebon Regency, fidyah packages were distributed to orphans and the underprivileged, and on Sunday (18/01/2026), these packages became their lunch, alleviating their hunger. Each distributed package not only meets their needs but also brings new hope to those in need. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Anndini Dwi Putri
Editor: Dhika