CIREBON, WEST JAVA — Not only a physical journey, the homecoming tradition ahead of Eid al-Fitr also carries a deep emotional meaning for many Indonesians to be able to gather with relatives in their beloved hometowns.
Yes, Indonesians are currently travelling in droves to their beloved hometowns. In the midst of the hectic preparations and travelling, there is an atmosphere of hope, excitement, and longing for the typical atmosphere at home with family.
In an effort to share and express human feelings during the homecoming journey, Dompet Dhuafa initiated a social experiment with a light and relaxed chat packed in an edition of “Ngetem Posko Mudik 2024” which will be aired on the Dompet Dhuafa TV (DDTV) YouTube channel.
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In this first edition of Ngetem, Saturday (6/4/2024), the Bertamasya Team visited the Dompet Dhuafa Mudik Post located at the Cirebon Power Park Rest Area, Cirebon.
Upon arrival at the Dompet Dhuafa Mudik Post, Ilham Pradipta as the Host of the Ngetem Podcast, got off the Bertamasya Dompet Dhuafa mobile podcast and held his conversation equipment and an information board that read “Come sit if you are having a bad or happy day”. Randomly, Ilham will meet directly with travellers who are resting or waiting for iftar at the Dompet Dhuafa Mudik Post to participate, chatting during the session.
How could I not? Some of the returnees have been able to return to their families for years. In order to be able to support their families in the village, they have to fight for their lives. This feeling was also felt by Hanan (29), one of the travellers who is now working in Jakarta. He admitted that he was very grateful to be able to return to his family at the moment of Idukfitri 1445 H. When he met the Dompet Dhuafa Excursion Team, Hanan was travelling Jakarta-Tegal.
Previously, it was known that he started a business with his father in the field of convection in Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta. Unfortunately, when the Covid-19 pandemic hit, he had to lose his job. But his struggle as an immigrant did not stop there.
Determined, he continues to struggle, stepping up for a bite of rice. For him, there is nothing to look forward to more than the moment of gathering with his beloved family. Now, with gratitude, he has managed to get a job as a package delivery boy at an expedition company.
“Mangan Ora Mangan, Sing Penting Kumpul (I don’t eat, just gather),” he said.
For him, Tegal remains his sanctified home. The phrase mangan ora mangan sing penting kumpul became a kind of spirit that accompanied his life journey. In fact, he taped the saying to his motorbike.
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The Ngetem podcast itself is packaged in a social experiment from the Bertamasya Dompet Dhuafa mobile podcast as a social approach and source of information from the community to tell about the point of view and feelings that participants are feeling. In addition, the broadcast of the Ngetem edition at the Dompet Dhuafa Mudik Post is also one of the innovations in the form of live reports through YouTube Dompet Dhuafa TV.
In the future, the Ngetem location will target public areas that are crowded with people. Don’t forget to watch the special Ngetem Podcast only on YouTube Dompet Dhuafa TV. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text: Fatzry Boim
Photo: Dhika Prabowo
Editor: Dhika Prabowo, Ronna