Generosity becomes the people’s middle name

Some Jakarta residents become more generous during Ramadan, providing free tajil, the sugary snacks and drinks consumed to break the fast, and sometimes even offer a main course for the disenfranchised.

Bugi Prasetyo Herlambang, 29, who lives in Cinere, Depok, south of Jakarta, said that he and his friends have given tajil to orphans, the poor and people living in elderly homes for the past seven years.

“Every year during Ramadan, we come to orphanages and elderly shelters in Cinere, Bintaro, Serpong and Bogor to provide tajil and free dinners for unfortunate people,” he said, adding that his group consists of around 20 members who each distribute tajil at least four times during the fasting month, usually handing out more than 200 packages each time.

“We also accept donations from outsiders,” Bugi said, adding that people donate money, staple foods, stationery and school supplies.

In addition, his family also provides kolak (sweet compote made from brown sugar and banana), or es buah (fruity ice) and snacks for beggars and street children at the Cinere traditional market once a week during Ramadan, he said.

“We once visited the fire station to give food to the firemen. They thought we came to inform them of a fire,” Bugi said.

Lilis (not her real name), said that she was surprised when boy scouts gave away free tajil to people on a minivan she was riding, including the driver.

“Last week I took a public minivan home from my office. During the journey, a group of boy scouts approached the car then they gave passengers free tajil,” she said, adding that this occurred in the Jatimekar area of Jatiasih, Bekasi.

The tajil package was lontong (steamed rice pressed with vegetables), kroket (croquettes) and a cup of mineral water, she said.

Rika Aryani, a shop attendant for a 24-hour Circle K convenience store on Jl. Wahid Hasyim, Central Jakarta, said that many people came to the store for free tajil, which is distributed for free to all visitors.

“People asked whether they could get tajil without buying anything but eventually bought something,” she said.

The Circle K stores distributes free hot tea and a snack between 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. (ipa)