Semarang, Central Java – For a long time, the Indonesian community has regarded the month of Muharram, especially the 10th of Muharram, known as Hari Asyura, as a special occasion for orphaned children, often referred to as “Lebaran Anak Yatim.” During this time, people take the opportunity to honor and show kindness to orphaned children in various ways, including providing assistance, hosting meals, and even taking them on outings. Dompet Dhuafa Central Java also participates in these activities.
In collaboration with Bank DKI Syariah Semarang, Rabbani Central Java, PMI Kabupaten Semarang (Indonesian Red Cross Semarang District), and Transtudio Mini Banyumanik Semarang, Dompet Dhuafa organized the Muharram Festival on Saturday, August 19, 2023. This event was attended by a total of 250 orphaned children from various regions in Central Java. In Semarang itself, 150 orphaned children from different orphanages were brought to the event.
Since 2012, Dompet Dhuafa Central Java has consistently organized Muharram Fest activities with different concepts each year. This time, the Muharram Fest took place at Transmart Setiabudi, where Dompet Dhuafa Central Java held a series of activities, including cheerful storytelling, assistance for orphaned children, fun cooking, and fun games. The event was also enlivened by PMI Kabupaten Semarang, which organized a blood donation session for the Muharram Fest participants and Transmart Setiabudi visitors.
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The success of the Muharram Fest event was made possible through the collaboration of Dompet Dhuafa Jateng’s network of kindness schools in the city of Semarang. These schools include SDN Bulustalan Semarang, RA Al-Khoiriyah 2 Semarang, SD Islam Al Huda Semarang, TK and PAUD Masyithoh 11 Keputran Pekalongan, TK Hj Isriati Baiturrahman 01 Semarang, TPQ Al-Firdaus Semarang, SDN Kalibanteng Kulon 02 Semarang, and SDN Karangayu 02 Semarang. Previously, the Sedekah Dongeng (Storytelling Charity) Roadshow had also been successfully conducted through the collaboration of Dompet Dhuafa with its network of kindness schools.
The event was filled with joy and received high enthusiasm from the Muharram Fest participants. This was evident from the spirited faces of the orphaned children in attendance. To celebrate this joyous occasion, Zaini Tafrikhan, the Head of Dompet Dhuafa Central Java Branch, expressed his happiness and gratitude to those who had participated in making the Muharram Fest 2023 a success.
“I extend my greetings and congratulations to all of you on this auspicious occasion. I hope that through this effort, we all remember that you are not alone, you are valuable, and you are loved. To Bank DKI Syariah Kota Semarang, Rabbani Jawa Tengah, PMI Kab. Semarang, and representatives from the network of kindness schools who are present, I express my heartfelt gratitude for the success of this event. May this collaboration of kindness continue in other acts of goodness,” said Zaini in his address.
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Rifai Adi Wijaya, representing Bank DKI Syariah Semarang, also expressed his support for the event.
“Alhamdulillah, Bank DKI Syariah has reached its 7th month in Semarang. It may be considered young. However, this doesn’t prevent us from participating in acts of kindness like the one organized by Dompet Dhuafa Jateng. I look forward to future collaborations in acts of goodness,” he said in his opening remarks.
In the same spirit, Wahyu, the Head of Rabbani Central Java, also expressed his support for the Muharram Fest 2023 activities.
“I don’t have much to say. It is difficult to find the right words to express the happiness I feel being a part of this collaboration of kindness. I hope that acts of goodness like this will continue to be held,” he added. (Dompet Dhuafa/Central Java/Dhika)