RIAU ISLANDS —-— In an effort to provide sustainable food assistance services, Dompet Dhuafa continues to strengthen its Rice ATM program through a collaboration with Tokopedia. This program aims to provide regular access to rice for underprivileged families, especially those who are struggling to meet their basic needs amid economic challenges.
Through the donation feature available on the Tokopedia app, users can donate with a few simple steps. This convenience opens the door for the wider community to take part in the movement of sharing with others. The donations collected are gathered by Dompet Dhuafa and then distributed in the form of rice through the Rice ATM machine in the Riau Islands.
The distribution of donations from Tokopedia users is currently centered at the Rice ATM located at the Dompet Dhuafa Riau Islands branch office. A total of 100 beneficiary families are registered in this program. The majority are residents from low-income groups, especially single mothers who have to struggle to support their children on their own.
In addition to providing food assistance, this program is also expected to ease the psychological burden of single mothers who have been playing dual roles as both father and mother in raising their children.
Read also: Donations from DANA Users Reach Underprivileged Families through Rice ATM
On Sunday (11/16/2025), Dompet Dhuafa Kepri invited all beneficiaries to gather at the Rice ATM location. An atmosphere of emotion and gratitude radiated from the faces of the beneficiaries who were present.
During the event, they received Rice ATM cards, a special card that can be used to automatically withdraw rice. The Dompet Dhuafa Kepri team also provided education on how to use the card and the technicalities of withdrawing rice through the Rice ATM machine.
Didik Supriyanto, Head of the Dompet Dhuafa Kepri Branch, explained that each card can only be used once a month.
Each withdrawal, the machine will dispense 5 kilograms of rice. All beneficiary families will receive this entitlement for four months, from November 2025 to February 2026.
“We are running this program thanks to the support of donors through Tokopedia. We want to ensure that this food aid reaches its target and can be utilized by those who really need it,” said Didik.
Read also: Direct Assistance via Rice ATM Grows Smiles of Karadenan Residents
One of the beneficiaries, Rahma Yuni (45), was present with gratitude. Since her husband passed away in 2022, she has been the sole breadwinner of the family. Every day, she carries out her routine as a housewife, while also trying to provide for her three sons, who are all still in school.
Losing her partner not only meant losing a father figure for her children, but also losing the family’s main source of income. Now, Rahma must ensure that their food, education, and daily living expenses are met, even though she has to struggle alone.
In a month, Rahma’s family can consume 20 to 25 kilograms of rice. Assistance from the ATM Beras program certainly provides significant relief for their kitchen needs.
“Alhamdulillah, with this rice every month, it really helps with our daily meals,” said Rahma, holding back her emotions.
Read also: Donations from DANA Users Reach Underprivileged Families through Rice ATM
For her, this assistance not only reduces her expenses but also provides moral support, making her feel that she is not alone in facing the hardships of life as a single parent.
Dompet Dhuafa hopes that more parties will be moved to join this movement of kindness, so that more underprivileged families can be helped and live a more dignified life. Friends can help them by filling the Rice ATMs located at the Dompet Dhuafa Kepri branch office or other locations. In addition, assistance can also be provided in the form of donations through digital.dompetdhuafa.org/donasi/sedekahberas. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Riza Muthohar
Editor: Dhika