ROTE NDAO, EAST NUSA TENGGARA -– No job in this world is without risk; the only difference is the magnitude of that risk. As reported by SINDO-NTT.ID, a fisherman named Ismail (47) from Papela was reported missing on August 6, 2022, and found dead on August 12, 2022. The incident occurred while Ismail was out at sea fishing.
Additionally, as reported by tvrinews.com, a fishing boat named “Kuda Laut” owned by fishermen from Hundihu Village, Rote Ndao District, was swept away by currents and sank in Australian waters on March 20, 2022. The vessel departed from Hundihuk Port on Thursday, March 17, 2022, with 11 crew members on board. Three crew members were reported safe, while nine others remain missing, presumed swept away by the ocean currents.
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The same thing happened to Mrs. Letia, whose only daughter nearly drowned while fishing for a living. Thankfully, a fisherman happened to be passing by and rescued Mrs. Letia’s daughter. However, this incident did not stop Mrs. Letia and her daughter from continuing to fish in the sea.
Mrs. Letia and her daughter live in Oenggae Village, Rote Ndao, a coastal area where there is one mosque, where one of Dompet Dhuafa’s donations was distributed. The people there mostly go fishing, harvesting seaweed, or gathering other natural resources.
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“Sometimes we go fishing, sometimes we farm in the neighboring village. If we catch fish, we can trade them for rice, and our income is enough to eat. We usually eat rice with fried fish as a side dish. We are not afraid to go fishing, even though my child once nearly drowned,” said Mrs. Letia.
Living with her child in a simple home where the kitchen has no roof and is made of wood doesn’t make Mrs. Letia forget to be grateful to God.
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On Rote Island, the Tebar Hewan Kurban (THK) Dompet Dhuafa program was present and conducted the slaughtering of sacrificial animals since Eid al-Adha 1446 Hijri, Friday (June 6, 2025). During their daily activities distributing the sacrificial meat, the Dompet Dhuafa team was deeply moved by the story of Mrs. Letia and her child. Upon receiving the sacrificial meat, which was beef, Mrs. Letia was happy and smiled shyly.
“I’m happy to receive the sacrificial meat. We’ll either roast or fry it. We only eat beef when someone gives it to us. Thank you, Dompet Dhuafa, for providing sacrificial meat in our village,” said Mrs. Letia happily.
It turns out that giving sacrifices to our brothers and sisters who are entitled to receive them has such a profound impact on bringing them joy. Thank you to all the sacrificers and partners in kindness. Are you ready for next year’s sacrifice? Let’s bring joy to even more of our brothers and sisters across the nation. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text: Elfi Handayani
Photo: Elfi, Rizky
Editor: Dhika, Dedi Fadlil