Delivering Happiness Through Lunch Box Rice
Journalist : Khusnul Khotimah, Photographer : Khusnul Khotimah
Around 30 pedicab drivers in the Sungai Bambu area rejoiced to receive the lunch packages.
Dozens of pedicab drivers that morning began to arrive at a field on Jalan Gorontalo V, Tanjung Priok, North Jakarta. They had been told there would be lunch packages from the Tzu Chi volunteer community in East He Qi. While waiting for the food to arrive, the pedicab drivers chatted casually with one another. Some of them were relaxing and parked their pedicabs under a shady tree.
Not too far from the field, the Tzu Chi volunteers were gathering at a rice stall, Warteg 77 by name. The stall which is adjacent to the St. Yusuf Hospital, although not too big, is very clean and tidy. Here the volunteers took orders for 75 servings of rice with a side dish of egg balado, tempeh orek, stir-fried bean sprouts, and not to mention, chili sauce.
"Alhamdulillah, we are so grateful because previously turnover was greatly reduced. But I keep trying, praying, and most importantly keep up the spirit. Mr. Johan, thank you for your order, for helping us," said Lukman, the owner of the stall, to Johan Kohar, a Tzu Chi volunteer.
"We also feel grateful, Sir, for the opportunity to help those affected by the pandemic," said Johan Kohar while saying goodbye.
Mr. Andi pedaled his pedicab after receiving the lunch box rice.
When he learned that the orders from Tzu Chi volunteers would be given to underprivileged people, Lukman felt even happier.
Simple, Yet Meaningful
The warm boxed rice was immediately taken to the field, where the pedicab drivers were waiting. The sincere and intimate atmosphere was felt when the Tzu Chi volunteers chatted with the pedicab drivers.
Mr. Andi has been a pedicab driver for 10 years. After receiving the boxed rice, he rushed back to look for passengers. He didn't eat right away but waited until he was really hungry. "Alhamdulillah, I don't have to buy my lunch today," he said.
After saying goodbye to the pedicab drivers, the volunteers headed to the Nasi Padang stall not far from the venue. When the volunteers arrived, apparently the order of 100 boxes from Tzu Chi volunteers had been completed, and they were ready to be transported.
“Personally, I am very grateful for an event like this. For me as a manager, this helps me to turnaround my struggling business,” said Toni, the stall owner.
Toni while talking to Johan Kohar. Toni said he raised his hat to Tzu Chi for this kind of action.
Victor (left), the Village Head of Sungai Bambu accompanied the volunteers to give boxed rice directly to several residents.
The Nasi Padang package containing hard-boiled egg fry, potato-fried in chili sauce, fried tempe, and cooked young cassava leaf were immediately brought to the Sungai Bambu Village Office by the volunteers. One hundred packages of Nasi Padang were given to underprivileged residents in Sungai Bambu Village.
"We thank Tzu Chi for the willingness and support for Sungai Bambu Village area, especially for the less fortunate residents. Hopefully what has been done today can be rolled out with other activities," said Victor, the Village Head of Sungai Bambu.
Victor accompanied the volunteers to directly deliver these rice packages to several residents' homes. The hosts certainly felt the joy as if their own distant relatives came and visit them.
The Tzu Chi volunteers proceeded to the third location which showed the reality that there are still many people who live below the poverty line. The location is under the Wiyoto Wiyono toll road, on Jalan Warakas, Papanggo Village. Under this toll road, some residents live and sleep.
Volunteers prepared boxed rice and immediately distributed them to the residents living under the toll road.
Tzu Chi volunteers also delivered lunch for the elderly who lived near the highway.
The roar and vibration of vehicles from above, on the highway, was felt during the distribution of lunch. The arriving residents obediently wore their masks. Smiles and laughter fulfilled the distribution of this boxed rice.
“I am grateful that the Tzu Chi volunteers shared their blessings in this kind of place. Their visit made me happy,” said Rianti, who admitted that she had lived here for a long time.
But of course it was not only the lunch box recipients and the food stall owners who shared the happiness feeling on that day. All Tzu Chi volunteers felt even more.
"We are quite satisfied and happy because we hit on target. Our activities today were impressive. All rejoiced. We put into action what Master Cheng Yen hopes to achieve: to help merchants who are in trouble, and meet the needs of less fortunate people,” concluded Johan Kohar, the coordinator of this activity. On that day, Friday, August 27, 2021, a total of 322 lunch boxes were distributed.
One by one the residents came to take the boxed rice.
In this Seventh Blessing Month, Tzu Chi volunteers in various communities, both in Jakarta and in various other cities, seem to be racing to share more blessings with the less fortunate. In Tzu Chi Cares and Tzu Chi Sharing activities, Tzu Chi Foundation helps small businesses with low turnarounds by buying food from them. The food is then distributed to the poor.
Translator: Vissia Budi Apriliana, Sweete (Tzu Chi School)
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