WEST JAVA — In Langensari District, Banjar City, stands a row of simple greenhouses that have become a symbol of change for a group of farmers. Behind them is Elan Maulana, Chairman of the Langensari Melon Group, who started out with the belief that something small can grow big if it is cared for with sincerity.
Elan was not a farmer who was familiar with melons from the start. He was known as someone who never stopped learning. His passion for continuous development gave him the courage to experiment with building greenhouses independently. He taught himself from various sources, from reading, the internet, to asking people who were more experienced.
“Alhamdulillah, several harvests were successful. That was my turning point,” he recalled.
Elan chose melons not just to try something new. He chose melons because, for him, they are a commodity with high market value, as well as an opportunity to change his fate. That is what gave him the confidence to pursue this business, even though he had to struggle on his own at first.
“With melons, it is the farmers who determine the price. If we maintain quality, we can sell at a good price,” he said optimistically.
After experiencing his first harvest, Elan realized that success would be more meaningful if it could be shared. He then invited 11 people in his neighborhood to join him. They agreed to commit to building a melon greenhouse group. This is where a new journey began. A journey that is not only about the harvest, but also about togetherness and shared dreams.
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Elan and his group’s steps became stronger when they met Dompet Dhuafa. This institution is present through an empowerment program from zakat funds, aimed at communities who truly want to be empowered. The support takes the form of business capital intervention. As a result, three greenhouses were built, which are now jointly managed by 12 group members.
This program has been running for two years. During that time, not only have melons grown, but also the confidence, enthusiasm, and welfare of the beneficiaries. Whereas before they relied on odd jobs with uncertain incomes, they now have a more stable source of additional income. In fact, it is not uncommon for the harvest to exceed profit targets.
“I feel proud to be of benefit to others. When I have knowledge, I want to share it with the people around me. I am nothing without my fellow members,” said Elan.
Behind this endeavor, Elan harbors a greater concern. He sees fewer and fewer young people interested in farming. In his opinion, agricultural technology has advanced significantly and should attract a new generation to join the industry.
“My biggest motivation for working in this field is because I see a lack of interest in farming among young people. If we only rely on our parents, it will be difficult to develop. We, the younger generation, should take on this role,” he said.
For him, melons are just a gateway. More important than that is instilling the awareness that agriculture is a noble way to feed many people while also creating opportunities for prosperity.
Elan and his group also understand that this endeavor is not solely about personal gain. There is a great responsibility that comes with it. The melon program they run is a zakat program. This means that every capital and facility they manage carries the high hopes of the donors.
“So we always remind ourselves to uphold this responsibility. In every fund that we use for this melon greenhouse, there are prayers from donors for this program to grow, be sustainable, and provide broad benefits,” said Elan earnestly.
Now, behind the rows of greenhouses that stand tall, there is something bigger than just melon plants. There is a story of the courage to start, the determination to maintain quality, and the spirit of sharing that has brought about real change. There is also the hope that the younger generation will once again believe in the potential of farming, not only as a job, but as a way to build independence and togetherness. And of course, there are the benefits of zakat, which contain the high hopes of the Dompet Dhuafa muzakki.
For Elan, success is not only measured by the amount of profit earned. More than that, he feels proud because he can be useful to others, grow together with his friends, and maintain the trust of donors who entrust their zakat to him.
In Banjar, Elan and the Melon Langensari group have proven that zakat, when managed well, can grow not only crops but also hope and a brighter future. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Riza Muthohar
Editor: Dhika