10,000 Rupiah Daily Savings Propels Majalengka Vendor to Hajj
Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- Eye Sunarya, a 54-year-old boboko (traditional bamboo container) seller from Majalengka, West Java, is fulfilling his lifelong dream of performing the Hajj pilgrimage.
- Sunarya, affectionately known as Wa Mumu, and his wife Siti Mariah will depart for Mecca on April 26, 2026, as part of the Kertajati Embarkation kloter 6.
- He diligently saved Rp 10,000 daily for years from his modest earnings, demonstrating strong discipline and a commitment to his faith.
In Majalengka, West Java, the inspiring story of Eye Sunarya, a humble boboko (traditional bamboo container) seller, is capturing hearts as he prepares to embark on the sacred Hajj pilgrimage. At 54, Wa Mumu, as he is known locally, will travel to the Holy Land with his wife, Siti Mariah, on April 26, 2026. Their journey is a testament to years of unwavering dedication, simple living, and remarkable financial discipline, embodying the spirit of perseverance that resonates deeply within the community.
Every day I go around carrying boboko and bamboo crafts. I get them from my relatives who are craftsmen, then I sell them to the villages.
Wa Mumu's life has been one of consistent hard work since he finished elementary school in 1981. He has dedicated himself to selling boboko and other bamboo handicrafts, a profession he continues to practice by carrying his goods on his shoulders, even as modern times see many opt for motorized transport. His daily routine involves walking through villages in Palasah and Leuwimunding, selling his wares. After several years selling locally, he moved to Purwakarta, continuing his trade with his wife, always holding onto his dream of performing Hajj.
Pak Mumu is a patient and diligent person. He has had a strong intention to perform Hajj since long ago. We are proud that it has finally come true.
The journey to fulfilling this dream began in 2013 when, despite economic limitations, Wa Mumu and his wife registered for the Hajj. With a daily income of only around Rp 30,000, he made the extraordinary commitment to save Rp 10,000 each day for his pilgrimage fund, adhering to his parents' advice to live simply and save half his earnings. This disciplined approach, coupled with his steadfast faith, has finally paid off, earning him and his wife a place among the pilgrims. His story serves as a powerful example for his neighbors, who express pride and admiration for his diligence and consistency, highlighting that hard work and unwavering commitment can indeed make lifelong dreams a reality.
He is a hard worker and disciplined. He goes around every day, always enthusiastic. This is an example for all of us that hard work and consistency are important.
Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.