SOLOK, WEST SUMATRA — Solok is one of the regencies directly adjacent to the capital of West Sumatra Province, Padang. Besides being famous for its natural beauty in the form of rivers and lakes, Solok is the center of rice production in West Sumatra. However, local residents still need special attention, especially in the economic sector.
Meltriadi (43) is a native of Solok who has worked as a carpenter for a long time. This odd job has made him have an uncertain income. Unexpectedly, his fate changed when he attended a socialization meeting from Dompet Dhuafa at the mosque near his house.
The meeting included an invitation to run Dompet Dhuafa’s livestock program. At first Meltriadi was not sure. Because, he often receives assistance programs that are temporary and do not run properly.
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“Usually if there is assistance, sometimes from the government, the program will run if the assistance comes. If it doesn’t (come), the program won’t work. At first I did not actively participate in the socialization. Until I saw that Dompet Dhuafa was different from other institutions. This is a program that will continue, not just (receiving) aid,” said Meltriadi.
Dompet Dhuafa Farm or commonly called DD Farm is a community empowerment program in the form of animal husbandry education for the community as well as a forum for the distribution of sacrificial animals in remote areas of Indonesia. The goal is that people in need or mustahik can also taste sacrificial meat and create jobs for local residents.
Once every two weeks, Meltriadi attends socialization related to the DD Farm program. Not stopping there, he and two of his friends received the mandate to take care of the seeds and cages of sacrificial animals. Since joining DD Farm Solok in 2019, he has taken care of sacrificial animals in the form of sheep.
Even so, Meltriadi’s journey was not always smooth, he had to deal with the small number of sheep enthusiasts. Finally, he and other cage administrators began breeding cattle with an initial number of 40 heads.
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With a happy face, he told me what has kept him going until now. There is no reason other than gratitude for his new job and making the best use of donors’ zakat funds. Meltriadi hopes that what he does will benefit people in need.
“The impact of Dompet Dhuafa’s existence is very much felt. Previously, there were only three people managing the cage, now there are 10 people. Residents now have jobs. I feel that I must make good use of it, because this is zakat. If I misuse it, I’m afraid it’s a sin. I hope that those who have never received qurbani meat, tomorrow (Eid-ul-Adha 1444 AH), they will get it. They must feel the results of Dompet Dhuafa’s livestock,” concluded Meltriadi. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text: Hany Fatihah Ahmad
Photo: DDTV
Editors: Dhika Prabowo, Ronna