On that Friday afternoon, March 22, 2024, the Dompet Dhuafa Yogyakarta team distributed zakat fitrah rice in Dusun Siluk II. When they met Mbah Sakiyem at her home, she invited the team to her favorite room, the kitchen. While visiting, the Dompet Dhuafa Yogyakarta team fulfilled their mission to deliver the donors’ entrusted zakat fitrah rice to Mbah Sakiyem.
“I want to cook rice. I still enjoy cooking using firewood. I can’t cook using a stove. Since the old days, my daily routine has been cutting grass, gathering firewood, and cleaning the streets,” said the woman who lives with her son.
“My great-grandchild is already 15, sir. I have 5 children and 12 grandchildren. We live in different houses now. But when it’s mealtime, I like to call everyone to gather. Cooking rice together is something we enjoy doing as a family. Thank you for the zakat rice. May it also be a good deed for all of you,” she added.
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According to a report from Kompas.com dated March 20, 2024, the prices of staple foods (Bapok) on Wednesday (20/3/2024) experienced an average increase nationwide. Also, on the official website of the National Food Body (Bapanas) price panel at 07:52 WIB, the price of premium rice remained unchanged at Rp16,540/kg compared to yesterday’s price. This figure still exceeds the government-set Highest Retail Price (HET) for rice. Additionally, the price of medium rice increased by Rp200/kg to Rp14,520/kg.
In Siluk Village l, the Dompet Dhuafa team distributed Fitrah Zakat to Mbah Jainem (75). We paid a visit and delivered the Fitrah rice while Mbah Jainem was drying the rice grains. Yes, she is still diligently working to support her family.
Currently, her husband is ill, so she is now farming alone. Some of her livestock (goats) have also been sold to cover medical expenses. One of her children and grandchildren still live with Mbah Jainem due to her husband’s absence. Her child is also in poor health and unable to work.
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“I, well, I’m still strong,” she said, laughing.
“Every day I sun-dry the rice, grind it for liwet rice, and work as a farm laborer elsewhere to earn extra. I can earn Rp70,000 to Rp100,000 per day. Some of it is cashed out, used to buy rice again, and exchanged for rice for meals,” explained Jainem.
“We harvest every four months, so sometimes it’s just enough to get by. Buying 5 to 10 kg costs Rp14,000 per kg. Besides rice, I also cultivate cassava, which sells for Rp5,000 per kg. Alhamdulillah, I’m grateful for the rice,” she said happily.
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During the opportunity to spread kindness and the entrusted support of Sahabat Baik, musician Mr. Jarwo, alongside Dompet Dhuafa Yogyakarta, also participated in distributing Fitrah Zakat and Ramadan parcels to widows, orphans, agricultural laborers, honorary teachers, and the underprivileged around Katongan Village, Nglipar, Gunung Kidul, since Wednesday (20/3/2024). (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and Photo: Dhika Prabowo
Editor: Dedi Fadlil