Saving $0.70 Daily, Majalengka Vendor Earns Spot on Hajj Pilgrimage

In a heartwarming display of perseverance and faith, Eye Sunarya, a humble boboko (a traditional bamboo food container) street vendor from Majalengka, West Java, is set to fulfill his lifelong dream of performing the Hajj pilgrimage. At 54 years old, Sunarya's journey is a testament to the power of consistent saving and a simple, disciplined life.

Sunarya, affectionately known as Wa Mumu, and his wife, Siti Mariah, are scheduled to depart for the Holy Land on April 26, 2026, as part of the Kertajati Embarkation group. His story resonates deeply within his community, highlighting a life dedicated to hard work and unwavering devotion. Since completing elementary school in 1981, Wa Mumu has diligently sold bamboo crafts, including boboko, by traveling from village to village, carrying his wares on his shoulder—a method he continues despite modern advancements in transportation.

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Every day I walk around carrying boboko and bamboo woven goods. I get them from my sibling who is a craftsman, then I sell them to the villages.

His aspiration to perform Hajj began long ago. In 2013, despite facing economic constraints, Wa Mumu and his wife registered as prospective pilgrims. His daily earnings, averaging around 30,000 Rupiah, were carefully managed, with a strict discipline of saving 10,000 Rupiah each day towards his Hajj fund. This commitment is rooted in his parents' advice to live simply and save diligently, a principle he has steadfastly followed, allocating half his income to savings and the remainder for family needs.

Wa Mumu's story, as reported by Republika, is particularly inspiring in Indonesia, a nation with the world's largest Muslim population, where the Hajj pilgrimage is a deeply cherished aspiration. His dedication showcases the profound spiritual values held by ordinary Indonesians, demonstrating that even modest means, coupled with unwavering faith and discipline, can lead to achieving one of Islam's most significant pillars. This narrative offers a powerful counterpoint to narratives often focused on wealth and status, emphasizing instead the spiritual rewards of patience and devotion.

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Every day I save 10,000 Rupiah for the Hajj savings.