In Banjar Pebuahan, Banyubiru Village, Jembrana, Bali, daily life is always filled with challenges. The large waves that hit the shore not only erode the land but also the hopes of its residents, most of whom depend on the sea. However, amidst these difficulties, a glimmer of hope arises through the “Distribution of Meat for Families Affected by Coastal Abrasion and High Waves on the Occasion of Eid al-Adha,” organized by the IDEP Foundation and OCTA.
Dian: Holding on to Hope in Every Piece
Dian, one of the beneficiaries, is talking with us. (Photo: Santika Dewi / IDEP)
Dian, a young woman from Banjar Pebuahan, recalls how the meat aid reached the villagers’ hands. “I received beef aid from the IDEP Foundation and OCTA,” she said with a bright smile, showing off the three ounces of beef she had just received. Though not much, for her, the meat was a blessing.
“We are very grateful. Happy, because during Eid al-Adha, it means I get extra provision,” Dian continued. In the modest home she shares with her parents, the meat means more than just an additional meal. “There’s more variety in the dishes, savings on expenses, and of course, it means we can celebrate by eating meat together at home,” she said enthusiastically.
The news about the meat distribution was announced by the neighborhood head three days earlier. This moment brought deep joy and gratitude. “The community is large too, so now the recipients of the meat are more evenly distributed,” Dian explained. Her hope is simple but sincere, “I hope this activity can continue and repeat next year, and that more beneficiaries, including friends in Banjar Airanakan, can be reached,” Dian said, hoping that the distribution could reach more people.
Umi Rofikoh: Happiness in Solidarity
Umi Rofikoh, one of the residents receiving meat distribution. (Photo: Santika Dewi / IDEP)
Umi Rofikoh, a member of the local Disaster Management Community Group (KMPB), felt the warmth of this aid in every piece of meat she received. “We did not expect that we, as the Disaster Management Community Group, would get meat from IDEP and OCTA,” Umi said with a surprised and happy tone.
With the half-kilogram of meat she received, Umi decided to cook rawon, one of her family’s favorite dishes. “Most people here usually cook the meat into rendang or rawon. I chose to cook rawon,” she said, sharing how the meat was prepared. For Umi, each piece of meat was not just to fill the stomach, but also a symbol of care and love from IDEP.
Day-to-day, Umi and her family often cook fish or vegetables, as fish is easier to obtain and more affordable. “Usually, we cook fish, although not every day. More often we cook tempeh, cook vegetables. So if there is fresh fish, we immediately put it in the freezer, and cook it a week later,” she explained. The opportunity to enjoy beef is a rare event, making this Eid al-Adha moment even more special.
Although the meat distribution is only temporary, Umi hopes that this activity can be more evenly spread in the future. “Sometimes in the community, the issue is not about the meat but the distribution fairness,” she said. Therefore, Umi greatly appreciates the continuous support given to the local residents.
Mariana: Togetherness that Warms the Heart
Mariana (second from the left) with local residents. (Photo: Santika Dewi / IDEP)
Mariana sees this aid as an opportunity to create togetherness with her family. “Very happy, I want to cook this meat into steak to eat together with the children,” she said full of enthusiasm. In her happiness, Mariana feels the greatest benefit of this aid is the chance to sit together and enjoy a meal with loved ones.
“Getting meat like this is not just for an additional dish but it allows me to gather, invite relatives and especially the children to sit together, talk together,” she explained. For Mariana, moments like these are very precious, especially amidst the daily hustle and bustle that often makes it hard for families to gather.
Day-to-day, Mariana and her family often cook vegetables or other simple dishes. The market is quite far, making her more likely to shop at small stalls around the house. “The market here is far. So we go to the market for big events, like for Eid al-Adha to buy spices. But on regular days, we buy from small stalls or buy vegetables nearby,” she explained.
Balilah: Goodness that Continues to Flow
Balilah (right) posing with his wife and child. (Photo: Santika Dewi / IDEP)
Balilah felt deep gratitude when receiving three ounces of meat. “Thank God I got this meat, I’m going to cook it,” he said with a tone full of gratitude. Although he doesn’t usually cook, he knows his wife will turn the meat into a delicious dish that the five-member family can enjoy together.
For Balilah, this aid is concrete proof of IDEP and OCTA’s concern for the well-being of his community. “This distribution is for 400 families. We feel greatly helped and hope this program can continue in the future,” he expressed hopefully.
A Kitchen Bustling with Stories of Togetherness
In Banjar Pebuahan, amid the challenges of coastal erosion and high waves, the distribution of meat by IDEP and OCTA brings joy and new hope to the beneficiaries. Every piece of meat received not only fills the stomach but also brings warmth and togetherness within families.
Dian, Umi, Mariana, and Balilah each have heartwarming stories, showing how simple aid can bring significant changes to their lives. From Dian’s broad smile as she received the meat to Umi’s gratitude for IDEP’s continuous care, each story reflects the hope that shines amidst the challenges they face.
This program does not just provide food but becomes a symbol of continuous care and support for the affected community. From Dian’s smile to Umi’s gratitude, from Mariana’s shared meals to the goodness received by Balilah, each story is a reminder that in every piece of meat, hope is part of the life story.
With the presence of IDEP and OCTA, the Banjar Pebuahan community feels they are not alone in facing the harshness of life by the coast. Their hope is simple: for this program to continue, expand, and touch more people in need, turning each moment into an opportunity for happiness and togetherness. Amidst the roaring waves and strong winds, these stories will never fade.
Article: Nicolaus Sulistyo © IDEP Foundation
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