MALANG, EAST JAVA – In collaboration with Ponpes Fathussalam, Dompet Dhuafa East Java hosted the second batch of the Elderly Pesantren (Islamic boarding school for the elderly) from Friday to Sunday (22—24/9/2023). The event, titled ‘Healthy Elderly, Great Elderly,’ was organized at Bumi Maringi Peni in Pujon, Malang.
Attended by 15 participants from Jabodetabek, Surabaya, and Malang, the event was a success in bringing joy and happiness to the elderly. The engaging activities of the Elderly Pesantren program, which included gardening, walking, food preparation, and discussions on aging, contributed to this success.
Iswadji, one of the participants, remarked, “The event was fun, enjoyable, and I wish it could have lasted longer.”
Baca juga: Pesantren Gemilang, Rangkul Donatur Usia Lanjut Menuju Kebermanfaatan Hidup
AS Mayangsari, the Trainer and Motivator at the event, observed that the participants were exceptionally enthusiastic, actively engaged, taking notes, with some even being moved to tears.
The first batch of the Elderly Pesantren was also held in the Self-reliant and Empowered Area of Bumi Maringi Peni, Pujon, Malang District. This 3.3-hectare area, known for its cool climate, surrounded by mountains and beautiful scenery, provided a comfortable and contented environment for the participants. Here, they not only enjoyed the coolness and beauty of nature but were also encouraged to reflect on and contemplate the creations of Allah SWT.
The event was inaugurated by Etika Setiawanti, Director of Resource Mobilization at Dompet Dhuafa, and Kholid Abdillah, Leader of Dompet Dhuafa East Java. Kholid stated that through the Elderly Pesantren, Dompet Dhuafa aims to serve the elderly and fulfill the vision of the late Maringi Peni, wife of Dompet Dhuafa’s founder Parni Hadi, by providing care and attention to the elderly.
“Being mindful of the elderly is similar to caring for our parents. The efforts of our parents to attend this event are extraordinary. This is not an easy endeavor. The Elderly Pesantren represents our way of honoring the elderly. God willing, the event is relaxing. It’s held because as people age, their organ functions tend to diminish each year, and they often face loneliness. When the elderly come together, they tend to connect more easily,” Kholid expressed. (Dompet Dhuafa/East Java)