WEST JAVA – Every morning, Untung wakes up before dawn. Deftly, he prepares his banana merchandise. His modified motorcycle, which is like a loyal friend, is ready to take him around the village. Often, he has to pass through damaged and bumpy roads. However, with a high fighting spirit, he keeps going. For him, every obstacle is a challenge that must be overcome.
Behind a big smile and fighting spirit, a man named Mas Untung Gandasari (42) proves that physical limitations are not a barrier to achieving dreams. The world welcomed Untung in a different way. Since birth, he has had to adapt to life without a pair of legs. However, this physical limitation has never limited his dreams. In the midst of society’s skewed views, Kang Untung, as people often address him, grew into a resilient and passionate figure.
Fortunately, Untung, despite his limitations, grew up in a loving and supportive family environment. He is the fourth of eight children. For him, his family became his first stronghold, encouraging him to keep trying. Although he also often feels different treatment from the surrounding environment. He doesn’t really care about that. Her parents always gave her unconditional support, instilled in her an unyielding spirit, and taught her to see limitations as a gift.
His curiosity drives him to keep trying new things. He wanted to prove to himself and others that he could do anything. While his friends were playing soccer, Untung chose to fix motorcycles or play with toy cars. His interest in machines and vehicles has been apparent since childhood.
With the support of his family and an undying passion, Kang Untung grew up to be a smart and creative child. He spent his free time observing his father who often repaired public transportation cars. From his father, he learned a lot about engines and how they work. Without realizing it, the seeds of his love for the automotive world began to grow and develop.
“When I was a kid, I often followed my father in disassembling angkot cars. From there, I understood a little about automotive engines,” said Untung, Monday (09/23/2024), when met at his house.
With a burning passion, Kang Untung began his journey to success. However, the road was not always smooth. He had to struggle from scratch, facing various challenges and obstacles.
Before getting to where he is today, the man with a junior high school education used to work in a garment factory as a button operator. He started in 2008, or when he was 26 years old. Six years on, in 2013, he stopped working there. That was until he met Nining Sariningsih, the woman he married as his life partner.
“When I first started working at the garment factory, people were looking at me. Like how can you work without legs? Well, but it turned out pretty well too,” he said.
From garments, she then switched to working in a factory making mannequins. Until 2016, she finally decided to just trade. The first thing that came to her mind was selling bananas. This was inspired by one of her brothers who also had the same business. Having only a little capital to start his business, he traveled around the village on a modified motorcycle, selling his bananas from house to house. Often, he had to accept rejection from potential customers. However, he did not give up. He kept trying to find ways to increase sales.
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Until luck came again. Allah brought him together with Dompet Dhuafa. For Kang Untung’s persistence and enthusiasm as a tough family fighter, Dompet Dhuafa provided him with capital to improve his banana business.
“At that time, Dompet Dhuafa was given capital to sell. Alhamdulillah, there is an increase. In the past, the first shopping was a little bit because the capital was not there. Then there was capital from Dompet Dhuafa so that it could be more. Because this capital is from zakat, I also have a big responsibility to really make it useful,” he said.
“In the past, I earned an average of Rp50,000 a day. Because the capital is a lot, so now thank God I can get Rp150,000 a day. The smallest is more than IDR 100,000,” he continued.
From the proceeds of selling bananas, Kang Untung is able to pay for his two daughters to go to school. He is very aware that education is very important. Although he only graduated from junior high school, he wants his children to be able to get a higher education up to college.
In addition, he also thought of re-honing his skills in tinkering with automotive products. So, he filled his time after selling bananas by opening a motor vehicle service. As time went by, Kang Untung’s interest in the automotive world was honed. He has lost count of the number of motorcycles he has repaired himself. His skills in tinkering with engines also increased. His persistence in offering this service then led to a job in a simple motorcycle workshop starting in 2022, located not far from his house in North Bogor, Bogor City, West Java.
Even so, not everyone believed in his abilities. Many doubted whether a man without legs could repair a motorcycle. “Many said, what can you do? Why are you trying to be a mechanic?” recalls Kang Untung. However, these negative comments motivated him to prove that he was capable.
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With strong determination, Kang Untung continued to learn and practice. He seeks information about motorcycle repair from various sources, be it books, magazines, or the internet. He also did not hesitate to ask more experienced mechanics. In this case, Dompet Dhuafa did not remain silent. Thanks to the zakat funds entrusted by the muzaki, Dompet Dhuafa’s Community Service Agency (LPM) provided Kang Untung with several workshop tools. This is an effort to support his business in the automotive world.
“At that time the compressor in the workshop was damaged. It was a coincidence that Dompet Dhuafa provided this assistance. Plus some spare parts. So it really helps,” he said while showing the compressor tool from Dompet Dhuafa.
Initially, his customers were just a few friends and neighbors. However, as time went by, Kang Untung’s name became more and more recognized for his accuracy and honesty. His customers also grew. Not only repairing motorcycles, Kang Untung also often gives advice and tips on motorcycle maintenance to his customers.
Apart from trading and automotive, Kang Untung has another passion. One day, Kang Untung had the opportunity to attend archery training. His interest in archery began in 2019. At first, he was just trying it out. However, who would have thought, his talent in this sport is quite prominent. He also joined the National Paralympic Committee of Indonesia (MPCI). By practicing diligently, Kang Untung managed to achieve a proud achievement. He won a silver medal in a regional archery competition throughout West Java, namely at Peparda VI in 2022 in Bekasi.
His achievements in the field of sports have increased his enthusiasm to continue working. Kang Untung has proven that physical limitations are not an obstacle to achievement. He is an inspiration for many people, especially for those with physical limitations. He even plans to target a gold medal at the upcoming Peparda VII.
Kang Untung’s life journey has been full of twists and turns and challenges. However, with an undying fighting spirit, he managed to prove that physical limitations are not a barrier to success. His story is an inspiration to many of his friends, especially those with disabilities.
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His biggest motivation to continue to rise and develop started because he did not want to trouble his parents. It is no different now. Now his biggest motivation is also for his family. He wants to fulfill all the needs of his family, so he doesn’t feel like he has any shortcomings.
“Before I got married, I wanted to feel like working like everyone else. I didn’t want to burden my parents. Then, I joined the disability community so I was even more motivated because my friends there were also working. Now my motivation is still the same for my family. I want to be able to uplift my parents’ name. Then, my children won’t be in trouble. Family is the most important thing. I am very grateful that now I have beautiful angels in this house,” she said.
Kang Untung’s hopes for the future are very simple. He wants to continue to grow his business, provide a better life for his family, and inspire more people. He also hopes that society can appreciate and accept the existence of people with disabilities.
“I want to prove that people with disabilities can also contribute to society. I hope my story can inspire many people to keep fighting and achieving their dreams,” he said.
The story of Kang Mas Untung Gandasari teaches us that success is not only measured by material things, but also by struggle and inner satisfaction. With an undying spirit, we can all overcome all obstacles and achieve our goals in life. It is the spirit and support that makes Kang Untung and people like him able to continue to struggle, even beyond the normal. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photo: Riza Muthohar
Editor: Dhika Prabowo