KUPANG, EAST NUSA TENGGARA -— A soft orange glow appeared on the eastern horizon. The call to prayer echoed, slowly spreading from the mosque’s loudspeakers to every corner of the village, blending with the emotional and joyful atmosphere of Eid al-Adha 1446 AH.
Every Eid al-Adha, Dompet Dhuafa continues to spread kindness through its Tebar Hewan Kurban (THK) program. Located in Tatelek Village, Manusak Village, Kupang District, NTT, Dompet Dhuafa not only distributes sacrificial animals to 3T areas (remote, frontier, and outer regions) but also reaches minority communities.
Manusak Village serves as one of the distribution points because it is where the fighters for survival, converts living among minorities, and former transmigrants from East Timor—now known as Timor-Leste—continue to strive to build hope in their new land.
The presence of kurban among them is not merely assistance, but a source of strength. To this day, many of them have settled and built new lives, one of which is in Kupang, NTT.
On Friday (6/6/2025), Dompet Dhuafa slaughtered eight cows to be distributed to the community in Manusak Village and its surroundings. Upon arrival at the location, the Dompet Dhuafa team was warmly welcomed by the local residents. The welcome felt particularly special when the community placed cloth around their necks as a sign of acceptance and gratitude, a form of local wisdom that strengthens the bonds of friendship.
Shortly after the team arrived, the community quickly prepared themselves, bringing their own tools to assist in the slaughtering process of the qurbani animals. Residents worked together without hesitation, welcoming each stage of the sacrifice with joyful faces.
Read also: From Online Fundraising to Emotional Hugs in Remote Flores Timur
Behind the sweat dripping down their faces, a deep sense of gratitude shines through. For them, the presence of sacrificial meat is not merely a fulfillment of needs, but a blessing that brings joy and strengthens hope in the village of Manusak.
Dompet Dhuafa also distributes sacrificial animals to various other regions, including East Timor (TTU), Kupang City and Regency, Rote, East Flores, Belu, Bajawa, Ende, Sikka, and Manggarai. Through its branch in East Nusa Tenggara, a total of 128 cows and 50 goats were slaughtered and distributed to those in need.
For Mr. Tamsir, one of the recipients of the qurbani meat, this moment was very joyful. His sincere smile conveyed his deep gratitude.
“We are receiving qurbani meat, so we must be happy,” said Tamsir. It was a simple happiness that proved that kindness, no matter how far it travels, can still touch the heart and strengthen the soul.
Muhammad Tohir, a community leader in Manusak Village, explained that the majority of residents in his village are former East Timorese transmigrants who have settled there since 1999. He expressed his gratitude for the distribution of sacrificial meat by Dompet Dhuafa, as the blessings were truly felt directly by the community. For them, this sacrifice is also a form of care and attention that is very meaningful in the midst of their struggles in life.
“Alhamdulillah, we are grateful and happy for the visit of Dompet Dhuafa as a form of care for us Muslims in Kampung Tatelek Pedalaman, Manusak Village, Kupang Regency. This means a lot to us,” said Tohir.
Eid al-Adha 1446 H in Manusak Village and various regions in East Nusa Tenggara became a true witness to how the spirit of sacrifice transcends geographical boundaries, beliefs, and identities. Through the THK Dompet Dhuafa program, which is present amid limitations and diversity, the community strengthens and helps one another, regardless of differences. The stories from Manusak, where former East Timorese transmigrants have settled, serve as a reminder that sacrifice is truly about sharing and fostering hope for one another. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and Photos: Anndini Dwi Putri
Editor: Dhika