Lions Club South Jakarta Tulip and Nahdlatul Ulama Distribute 3,000 Basic Food Packages Across 10 Locations
Lions Club Jakarta Selatan Tulip has collaborated with Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) to conduct a social programme titled “Berkah Ramadhan” (Blessing of Ramadan), distributing 3,000 basic food packages to communities in need. The programme commemorates the blessed month of Ramadan 1446 Hijriah.
The distribution of assistance was carried out at multiple locations across Jakarta and Depok. One distribution event took place at Rumah Batu, Manggis Street RT 7 RW 10 No 11, Pancoran Mas Village, Rangkapan Jaya, Depok. This social programme represents cross-organisational concern for helping disadvantaged communities to perform their Ramadan obligations with greater peace of mind.
Lolita Djong, President of Lions Club Jakarta Selatan Tulip, expressed hope that the assistance would help those in need, particularly during the Ramadan fasting period. “We hope this assistance can somewhat ease people’s needs, so they can perform the fast with greater peace of mind, filled with gratitude, and blessed. Therefore, Lions Club Jakarta Selatan Tulip strives to be present as a social partner strengthening the spirit of mutual cooperation and solidarity in helping those in need,” said Lolita on Monday (9/3).
Lolita stated that social service is a crucial component of Lions Club activities. According to her, the organisation’s social activities are rooted in a spirit of service to the community. “For us at Lions Club, social service is not merely ceremonial activity. Service is a calling of the heart. Therefore, we always carry the spirit of ‘We Serve with Heart’. Serving with heart means being present with sincerity, working with empathy, and ensuring that every assistance we provide truly brings benefits to the community,” Lolita explained.
Lolita described the programme as part of one of Lions Clubs International’s pillars, Relieving the Hunger, which focuses on assisting communities requiring food aid. “On this occasion, in the sacred month of Ramadan, we have taken the initiative to collaborate with NU to channel assistance to several locations. Before this event, we had already distributed from two locations out of the three thousand packages. After this, there will be distributions at other locations, approximately ten points in total,” Lolita clarified.
A total of 3,000 basic food packages were distributed in stages across approximately 10 distribution points. The recipients came from various groups in need, including mosque officials, low-income families, and surrounding communities requiring support with basic necessities during Ramadan.
Prior to the event in Pancoran Mas, assistance had already been distributed at two other locations. Subsequent distributions will continue at various other points throughout Ramadan, including areas such as Sukmajaya, Masjid Al-Falah, Masjid Darufalah Kedau, Tahfiz Islamic Boarding School in Cinere, Pesantren Raudotunur Limo, Masjid Al-Mutakin, and Masjid Al-Rahma Bojongsari.
KH. Dr. Marsudi Syuhud, Vice-Chair of the Indonesian Council of Ulama (MUI), also expressed appreciation for the humanitarian activity conducted by Lions Club Jakarta Selatan Tulip. “I express my support and thanks to Lions Club, which always conducts humanitarian activities greatly needed by society,” said Marsudi.
Marsudi also assessed that collaboration with NU would help ensure assistance reached its intended targets more accurately because of NU’s organisational network extending to grassroots levels. “NU has networks down to the village level, from the central board to regions, branches, district councils, and neighbourhood units. Thus we know poverty data is real, not merely estimates. When working with NU for humanitarian activities, this is more targeted and, God willing, can be verified,” Marsudi explained.
On the same occasion, Fatma Saifullah Yusuf, Advisor to Dharma Wanita Persatuan (DWP) at the Ministry of Social Affairs, described the Berkah Ramadhan programme as an example of multi-stakeholder collaboration in assisting those in need. “This Berkah Ramadhan event is truly valuable activity as it brings humanitarian values, care, and solidarity within the community, particularly during the blessed month of Ramadan,” said Fatma.
According to Fatma, efforts to improve social welfare depend not only on government programmes but also require active participation from communities, social organisations, and the private sector. “This activity symbolises that social care is our collective responsibility. The state operates through policy and social protection programmes, but the Ministry of Social Affairs cannot function alone. I extend the highest appreciation to Lions Club for implementing this noble activity and also to PCNU Depok for their assistance,” Fatma concluded.
The collaboration between social organisations, religious leaders, and government is expected to strengthen the spirit of social concern within communities. Beyond assisting communities to meet their basic needs during Ramadan, the programme also symbolises solidarity and cooperation among various stakeholders in building a more caring and prosperous society.
The food package distribution programme is expected to continue beyond the Ramadan momentum through various other social activities in the future.
The event was attended by MUI Vice-Chair KH. Dr. Marsudi Syuhud, Ministry of Social Affairs Dharma Wanita Persatuan Advisor Fatma Saifullah Yusuf, PCNU Depok Chair K.H. Achmad Solechan, Lions Clubs International District 307-B1 District Governor Edwin Purwohandianto, and Lions Club Jakarta Selatan Tulip President Lolita Djong.