JAKARTA — The month of Ramadan is a moment for people to get closer to each other. Ramadan calls everyone to get closer to Allah, as well as to each other. This glorious month is not only about fasting and worship, but also reviving the conscience to care for others, especially orphans and the poor. In this regard, the moment of Ramadan 1445 H was utilised by Dompet Dhuafa together with the South Jakarta Boga Expert Association (IKABOGA) to make the hearts of orphans and poor people happy by holding a ‘Fun Cooking’ activity.
Alhamdulillah, in accordance with the theme carried by Dompet Dhuafa in Ramadan 1445 H, namely #RamadanMendekatkan, Dompet Dhuafa tried to bring 25 orphans and dhuafa children from Yayasan Ukhuwah Sosial (Yusoli) with DPC IKABOGA South Jakarta, to have an unforgettable experience. The ‘Fun Cooking’ activity held on Sunday (17/3/2024) in Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta, the children were invited to decorate bento boxes as food for school.
‘Our presence here is a form of concern for others, especially orphans and poor children. Today, especially in the month of Ramadan, sharing love is one part of IKABOGA’s activities, besides running trainings, we also carry out social activities,’ said Peeta Marisa Pancarini, Chairperson of the South Jakarta IKABOGA DPC.
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Led by Chef Indah Erniawati, the children enthusiastically made bunny-shaped bentos. Not long after they put on gloves and aprons simultaneously, the children were immersed in the world of their respective creations. The rice and side dishes provided by IKABOGA kept them busy shaping the rice without moulds as taught. This will train them to be creative wherever they are. The orphans and dhuafa children who attended seemed very excited and produced unique and diverse creations.
Alongside them, Dompet Dhuafa volunteers and IKABOGA DPC South Jakarta members also provided assistance and support. Together, they managed to complete a bento filled with sausages, nuggets, and various vegetables. Creating an eye-catching culinary masterpiece.
‘It was an idea that I wanted to make, this time because it is in accordance with our association, the Association of Culinary Experts. So, we make an activity to share with the children, but before they break their fast together, they process first, so there is knowledge that they can get. In the long run, we can hold it regularly, so we share knowledge, besides sharing donations, not only money, but there is knowledge that we can share,’ continued Peeta.
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In addition to ‘Fun Cooking’, at the same event DPC IKABOGA together with Dompet Dhuafa Volunteer also held other sharing activities. Among them are breaking the fast together with orphans and poor people, educational games, tausiah, sharing gifts, and compensation prizes.
Although previously pessimistic about carrying out these activities, with the determination of Peeta and the entire IKABOGA DPC South Jakarta Team, this Ramadan sharing activity can be held with great joy. ‘
At first I was pessimistic, but I believe these children have sustenance from Allah. Alhamdulillah, everything went smoothly, and the donations came one by one. Alhamdulillah, we can share this Ramadan,’ added Peta.
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Breaking the fast together was a joyful and intimate affair. Dompet Dhuafa Volunteer National Coordinator, Fajar Firmansyah, hopes that this collaboration will expand to other branches. Given that IKABOGA and Dompet Dhuafa have a strong national network. Cooperation that starts from one DPC point is expected to develop into a collaborative movement involving all of Indonesia, supported by volunteers spread across various regions.
‘Alhamdulillah, I am very happy that Dompet Dhuafa together with volunteers can be involved in activities with IKABOGA, especially in the South Jakarta area. Today children are starting to be invited to make cooking creations, food supplies for them to take to school with a more attractive appearance. So when the lunch is opened, they see the food is more beautiful. So they feel more enthusiastic and their appetite also increases. In addition to the children being able to bring lunch, they can also have unique shapes to bring to school,’ said Fajar.
Alvaro Putra Safana (7), one of the beneficiaries, said that he had difficulty making bento. However, he was still happy because he could play and meet older siblings from Dompet Dhuafa Volunteer and IKABOGA.
‘I’m happy because I can play with my brothers and sisters. Then I played games, guessing and making lunch decorations. It was fun, but it was a little difficult to make the rabbit sticky,’ said Alvaro. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text & Photo: Anndini Dwi Putri
Editor: Dhika Prabowo