Loyalty in Caring for the Poor

KOMPAS/RHAMA PURNA JATI

A number of volunteers from the Palembang Caring Nursing Community served residents in the "Sharing Kitchen" movement which was held in Kemas Rindu Village, Kertapati District, Palembang, Sunday (10/1/2020). They set aside part of their income to share ready-to-eat meals.

It is not enough to be only at the forefront of the war against Covid-19, the nursing community in Palembang is also building social solidarity. They initiated a movement to share ready-to-eat food for the poor.

Agustiawan (32) and five fellow nurses patiently served residents in Kemas Rindu Village, Palembang, South Sumatra, Sunday (10/1/2020). That afternoon, dozens of residents, mostly the poor, queued up to buy food provided by the Palembang Nursing Community through Dapur Berbagi food sharing program. On that day, there were 500 servings of various dishes of food and the poor needed only to pay for the food at only Rp 1,000 each.

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On his day off, Agustiawan chose to participate as a volunteer in the Dapur Berbagi food sharing program. As a nurse at the Dr Mohammad Hoesin Public Hospital, he usually works in an isolation room to treat Covid-19 patients. There, he serves critical patients, starting from giving medicine, food, to helping patients during defecation.

"I treat patients who are facing two possibilities, either being recovered or died," he said.

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In fact, it is not only patients who have to fight against Covid-19 in their bodies, health workers like Agustiawan are also struggling to avoid contracting Covid-19. Therefore, he always wears complete personal protective equipment and is disciplined in applying health protocols.

KOMPAS/RHAMA PURNA JATI

Volunteer activities from the Palembang Care Community of Nurses to serve residents in the "Sharing Kitchen" movement which was held at Kemas Rindu Village, Kertapati District, Palembang, Sunday (10/1/2020).

In the midst of this humanitarian task, Agustiawan still spends time and set aside part of his income to take care of underprivileged people through the Dapur Berbagi (Sharing Kitchen) program.

"Sharing is the most appropriate way to thank God. By sharing, we will not be become poor. There must be a way God can provide for us, “he said.

Set aside salary

Established on 20 Aug. 2019, the nursing community has a mission to help those in need. Fitriono Bagustio, initiator of the Palembang Nursing Community, initially set aside part of his salary as a nurse at the Ernaldi Bahar Hospital to distribute food to poor people.

The social movement, which was then uploaded to social media, attracted the interest of many fellow nurses. Although the salaries of nurses in Palembang range only from Rp 3 million (US$211) to Rp 5 million per month, they are willing to set aside part of their income to help the poor.

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There are also nurses in remote areas with salaries of only less than Rp 1 million a month but they are willing to set aside of their income to help the movement. Until now, there are 49 nurses who have become members of the community.

The Dapur Berbagi shares food to the poor once a month in a different place. The food sharing program eventually became known. In fact, unexpectedly, it inspired many other residents to donate.

"Thankfully, there are those who want to contribute so that we always have foods to share," said Bagustio.

KOMPAS/RHAMA PURNA JATI

A line of residents came to the container where the "Sharing Kitchen" was held in Kemas Rindu Village, Kertapati District, Palembang, Sunday (10/1/2020).

Quite helpful

When the sun began to fade, the line of the residents who wanted to buy food became longer. Bagustio continued to remind residents to keep their distance and keep wearing masks. "Foods are available for everyone, keep lining up, yes, don\'t crowd," he said.

Suyanti (50) were among those in the long line. Together with dozens of other residents, mostly mothers, she waited their turn to be able to get food. She was very excited because she needed only to pay the food at Rp 1,000 per serving. She also could choose a number of food menus that were sold.

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Suyanti brought several containers of food with several thousand bills in her hand. She bought several dishes with different menus, such as fish, soup, and eggs. "Thank God, today we can eat well," said Suyanti.

Since nine months ago, during the pandemic, the income of her husband, who worked as a pedicab driver, dropped dramatically. Before the pandemic, her husband took home about Rp 50,000 a day. Now, he earns only Rp 20.000 a day.

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Sometimes, her husband comes home empty-handed. "Many children do not attend school. Parents rarely go to the market. Due to the pandemic, her husband’s income has dropped significantly, ”she said.

KOMPAS/RHAMA PURNA JATI

Sharing kitchen program activities in Kemas Rindu Village, Kertapati District, Palembang, South Sumatra, Sunday (10/1/2020). This program, which is organized by the Palembang Care Nursing community, aims to help those in need.

She has not received social assistance from the government, such as that provided under the Family Hope Program and Direct Cash Assistance. She have tried several times to register to receive the assistance but to no avail. Once I asked about it to the village head, but I got scolded instead," he said. Therefore, the existence of the Dapur Berbagi program means a lot to her family.

Yuliana (30) was also among those who were excited to buy the food. In fact, her eldest son also joined the queue. For her, this program is like an oasis amid the drastic fall in the income of her husband who works as a construction worker. "My husband\'s income ranges only between Rp 70,000 and Rp 90,000 per day. He earns money only if there is a construction project, if not, he has no income, ”said the mother of three.

In the residential area where Suyanti and Yuliana live, many residents work as pedicab drivers, market traders and construction workers.

My husband\'s income ranges only between Rp 70,000 and Rp 90,000 per day.

The chairman of the RT 032 RW 008 community unit in Kemas Rindu village, Edy Kusuma, said there were around 500 people living in the residential area. The pandemic has dramatically worsened their lives. Many residents have lost their jobs. Many of them have also changed professions as pedicab drivers.

The presence of the Dapur Berbagi program , at least, can provide relief amid the harsh reality of life. Edy hopes that the food assistance can be sustained even after the pandemic.

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For this community, nurses not only serve in hospitals, but also take care for those who are in need. "When we sow goodness, it is goodness that we will also reap," said Bagustio.

This article was translated by Hendarsyah Tarmizi.