The very first charity distribution in Indonesia Tanjung Balai Karimun district was held on September 6th, 2009, which was also the Hari Raya in the Islamic calendar. A total of 300 packages of daily necessities were distributed to the needy people in this village. Although the packages only contained 10 kilograms of rice, 1 kilogram of cooking oil and sugar, and 5 packs of instant noodles, however, these foods that may seem nothing to us was extremely helpful for the people who live at this remote area.
Currently, there is no Tzu Chi branch in Tanjung Balai Karimun, but there are few Tzu Chi volunteers continuing to act their duty of caring for the local people. Previously a free clinic was held in the Meral area on April 26th, hence, the relief distribution was also held in the same venue. Dr. Sen Yung, who was also the coordinator of the distribution, reflected on his own daily life after seeing all the suffering due to famine and poor living standards, he then realized that how wasteful he used to be. He now learnt to cherish and content after this experience.
The distribution venue was in the village chief’s home. The outside road became extremely muddy due to a heavy rain. Hence, in order to make it easier for the villagers who came for the distributed packages to walk through, volunteers hurriedly swept off the mud and paved the road with stone planks.
Through out the whole distribution, Tzu Chi volunteers bowed to everyone and showed their gratitude. One of the elderly in the village, Khalisa Hutasuhut, who also came to the distribution, lives alone by himself and he deeply appreciated Tzu Chi’s charity distribution. All the foods were really helpful for him because his wife had passed away years ago and his children were too busy working at other places to take care of him.
Unfold the Kindness Within One’s Heart and Create A Positive Cycle
Rohim is receiving Tzu Chi’s regular aid, but at the same time, he also volunteered in Tzu Chi events. He knew Tzu Chi since the Tanjung Balai free clinic way back to 2005. Rohim spent all his savings on sending his child to Jakarta for cancer chemotherapy a couple years ago. The sky high medical expenses were unaffordable for Rohim’s janitor salary; fortunately, Tzu Chi supplemented for the chemo costs after knowing his financial difficulties. Even though after Rohim’s child had passed away, Rohim still appreciated everything Tzu Chi had done for him, hence, he transformed from someone who receives aids to someone who offers helps. He was also touched by Tzu Chi’s unconditional love and help to all human races without any boundaries to religion, color or race. Therefore, he joined in and became a volunteer during this relief distribution.
Tzu Chi commissioner, Sister Wong shared that even though it was a raining day during the distribution, it was also a task and test for everyone. She felt grateful to all volunteer who participated heartedly and was also grateful for the support from the volunteers who came from Batam Island. First half of September was still within July in the Chinese lunar calendar (also known as the Chinese ghost month), Master Chang Yen has taught us that the true blessings for this month is to do good deeds, helping all sentient beings out from suffering and treat them equally. This year the Islamic Hari Raya Puasa happened also in the same month of lunar calendar July, hence Sister Wong believes this would be a great opportunity to bless them with a prospectus year ahead.
Tzu Chi volunteers in Tanjung Balai Karimun plans to introduce Jing Si Aphorisms to the communities and hoping that Master’s teachings will benefit the local people and bring them peaceful status of minds.
Translated by: Sonia Hung, Charlotte Lin, Lucy Lee
