CENTRAL JAVA -– “Is this real? So many sheep? Oh my…” responded Nur Ikhsan, Head of Bercak Village, Wonosamudro District, Boyolali Regency, Central Java, upon learning that 115 sheep would be slaughtered for sacrifice in his area. As part of the Tebar Hewan Kurban (THK) program, Dompet Dhuafa Central Java selected Bercak Village as one of the slaughtering sites for sacrificial animals, among dozens of other sites across Central Java Province.
Access to Bercak Village is quite difficult, as it is located in a mountainous area, which is why the THK program targeted this area. Additionally, the average economic condition of the community is still below the poverty line, making Bercak Village have very few sacrificial animals. Nur Ikhsan, as the Village Head of Bercak, also confirmed that the average number of animals sacrificed in Bercak Village is still counted on one hand each year.
“Here, it’s like this, sir. If there is only one sacrifice, it may not be enough for all the residents. Alhamdulillah, Dompet Dhuafa has provided enough sacrifices so that everyone (the residents) can get meat,” replied Nur Ikhsan.
The residents of Bercak Village primarily work as farmers, so modified trail-style motorcycles are a common sight for transporting crops. These motorcycles navigate the challenges of the rugged terrain, climbing and descending the hills. They seem to dance as they carry the harvest, and now they are also used to transport sacrificial animals.
“Thank you, Dompet Dhuafa, please continue this program. It is very beneficial and reaches us who live in the forest,” said Ramadan (36), who was carrying a slaughtered sheep on his trail motorcycle.
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Enjoying meat means fulfilling the need for animal protein. The availability of sacrificial meat during Eid al-Adha is described by Nur Ikhsan as a moment for improving nutrition. “Residents can improve their nutrition even if it’s only once a year,” concluded the village head, who dresses in the style of a religious student.
The Tebar Hewan Kurban program is part of efforts to strengthen the promotion of goodness, supporting other programs previously implemented in Bercak Village. These include the Da’i Pemberdaya program featuring Ustadz Nur Cholis and the renovation of the community’s place of worship, Masjid Ar-Ridho, through a waqf scheme by Dompet Dhuafa Central Java.
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After the meat was chopped, it was placed in bamboo containers by the residents, students from Sebelas Maret University, and Dompet Dhuafa Volunteer (DDV) chapter Solo. This action was carried out as part of the ‘Kurban Asik Tanpa Sampah Plastik’ (Fun Sacrifice Without Plastic Waste) campaign initiated by DDV to reduce the potential use of plastic waste during Eid al-Adha. The containers were delivered by DDV to each resident’s home, with each container weighing between 1.3 kg and 1.8 kg.
“Thank you so much. May you all be healthy, blessed, and prosperous, and may all your affairs run smoothly!” said Mbah Satijah (70) when she received a container of sacrificial meat delivered by DDV volunteers.
From the remote areas of Central Java, the smiles of beneficiaries are etched thanks to the sacrifices you have made through Dompet Dhuafa. Your sacrifices have been delivered, and all the residents of Bercak Village have enjoyed them. Never stop doing good, friends! (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text & Photo: Aryo Prasojo
Editor: Dhika