JAKARTA —-— Two days before Eid al-Adha 1447 AH, Dompet Dhuafa highlighted the spirit of sacrifice through stories ranging from the struggle to break through the Gaza blockade to the delivery of a giant cow. At a press conference titled “From One Sacrifice to Abundant Benefits” at the Sasana Budaya Rumah Kita Philanthropy Building in Jakarta on Monday (May 25, 2026), Dompet Dhuafa invited the general public to reflect on the true meaning of sacrifice, drawing lessons from humanitarian efforts in Palestine to food security initiatives in remote corners of the archipelago.
Hosted by Dini as Master of Ceremonies, the press conference featured Dompet Dhuafa’s leadership, global mission volunteers, and legendary Indonesian public figures. Opening the event, Dompet Dhuafa Board Chairman Ahmad Juwaini outlined the organization’s long track record in global humanitarian issues. He explained that Dompet Dhuafa has consistently delivered aid to Palestine for 30 years. However, the strict blockade and genocide occurring since 2023 have made the delivery of physical aid increasingly difficult.
This is what prompted Dompet Dhuafa to actively participate in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) humanitarian movement. While in GSF 1.0 in September 2025, Dompet Dhuafa sent teams from Barcelona and Tunisia, for GSF 2.0—which has been in the works since January 2026—Dompet Dhuafa officially dispatched its three best volunteers. Two of them traveled by sea: Herman Budianto and Ronggo Wirasanu.
“This is what we need to strengthen during this Eid al-Adha season. Just as the GSF activists ‘sacrificed’ themselves to the point of being tortured, we can all actually make sacrifices in many ways. Sacrificing an animal is also a tangible form of that sacrifice. Following the example of the story of the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim and Prophet Ismail. May we all have the opportunity to make sacrifices with sincerity and piety,” said Ahmad Juwaini.
Reflecting on his journey, Ronggo Wirasanu, one of Dompet Dhuafa’s volunteers on the GSF 2.0 mission, recalled how this movement united more than 80 countries regardless of race or religion in defense of Palestine. Even Jewish Americans joined the effort.
“I’m nobody on this journey, but I was able to participate because of my expertise in multimedia video. Through this expertise, I was able to play a role and fight for Palestinian independence,” said Ronggo.
In line with Ronggo, Herman Budianto emphasized that sacrifice in all aspects of life—both in this world and the hereafter—is an inevitability exemplified by the prophets of old, from Prophet Adam, Prophet Abraham, to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
“The essence of this sacrifice is to seek the pleasure of Allah SWT. Sometimes we have worked hard, but that does not necessarily bring about His pleasure because total sincerity has not yet emerged. Compared to the struggle of the Palestinian people, which has been going on for a long time, we should be ashamed. In fact, this should motivate us to continue fighting,” stated Ustaz Herman.
Ali Bastoni, Head of Dompet Dhuafa’s 1447 H Qurbani Program, outlined the readiness of this year’s Qurbani Animal Distribution Program (THK). Dompet Dhuafa has divided the distribution into two main categories: remote areas of Indonesia and crisis-stricken regions overseas, including Palestine.
Ali reported that public enthusiasm has been extraordinary. In regions affected by disasters late last year, such as Aceh and North Sumatra, the stock of sacrificial animals has already sold out, while West Sumatra is nearing sold out. The same applies to camel sacrifices for the Somalia region. Overall, Dompet Dhuafa’s THK distribution this year covers 24 provinces domestically, more than 800 remote villages, and involves collaboration with over 48 domestic and international partners.
Senior Indonesian actor and comedian Indro Warkop also attended to share his views on the unrest that often occurs in urban areas during Eid al-Adha. He highlighted the phenomenon where the distribution of sacrificial meat often misses its intended recipients and instead becomes a local feast, rather than reaching those who truly need it.
That is what solidified the decision of the man affectionately known as Pakde Indro to donate his qurbani through Dompet Dhuafa.
“Dompet Dhuafa operates within a religious framework, which is then interpreted in a universal way. When something is done through religion, I am confident that this organization is accountable directly to God, to Allah, not just to people. Accountability to God is far more weighty,” said Indro.
As a supervisor at the Pita Kuning Foundation (a foundation for children with cancer from underprivileged families), Indro admitted that he always applies similar principles to his volunteers. Based on his personal experience as a sacrificer, Indro felt very satisfied with Dompet Dhuafa’s transparency and professionalism.
“I am very satisfied. Dompet Dhuafa ensures that what we sacrifice truly reaches the hands of those who are entitled to receive it,” he concluded.
With just two days left before Eid, Dompet Dhuafa invites people from all walks of life to channel their best intentions to bring abundant benefits to others. Let’s make a sacrifice at digital.dompetdhuafa.org/kurban. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Roseta
Editor: Dhika