More Than Just Worship: Dompet Dhuafa's Sacrifice Initiative Part of 'Green Jobs' and Green Economy

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA – Sacrificial worship can become part of the solution to the climate crisis. This was raised by Dompet Dhuafa, which reaffirmed its commitment to supporting a sustainable economic transition through participation in the ‘Green Jobs Fest 2026’ at Cibis Park, South Jakarta, on Saturday (25/4/2026). The second session of the talkshow "Green Talks" themed “The Human Side of Transition: Bridging Social Sciences into the Sustainable Work Ecosystem” was moderated by Fitrianti Sofyan. On that occasion, Ali Bastoni, Chairman of Dompet Dhuafa’s 2026 Sacrifice Programme, shared an interesting perspective on how the Tebar Hewan Kurban (THK) programme now operates within the framework of a sustainable economy. Participants were also invited to donate via https://digital.dompetdhuafa.org/donasi/mangroveuntukindonesia. "At Dompet Dhuafa, we view sacrifice as a complex economic cycle. In the context of the green economy, there are aspects of nutrition, spirituality, and waste management that must consider their ecological impact," said Ali. According to him, amid challenges of high unemployment rates, sacrifice serves as an economic driver at the grassroots level. Through the THK programme initiated since 1994, Dompet Dhuafa assists small-scale farmers to become independent and competitive. However, Ali also reminded of ecological challenges. On the upstream side, through partnerships with DD Farm, livestock waste is specially managed into organic fertiliser to minimise methane emissions. "If not managed, it has side effects such as waste and methane gas. Therefore, for example, at DD Farm in Riau, we have initiated waste management at DD Farm to turn it into organic fertiliser and avoid environmental pollution," he explained in front of participants dominated by young people. There is also an interesting story on the downstream side, behind the sacrificial meat packages received by communities in 3T regions (Frontier, Outermost, Disadvantaged). Dompet Dhuafa has begun replacing plastic bags with local wisdom such as teak leaves and rattan containers. In addition to reducing plastic waste, this step empowers local artisans. One important point also conveyed by Ali is about endowment funds and independence. Dompet Dhuafa not only provides momentary aid but also ongoing support for those who have lost jobs—for example, post-disaster—to become resilient farmers. "Helping is one thing, but making them independent and providing sustainable support is another that creates a much greater impact. From beneficiaries, they in turn become benefactors," Ali concluded. On the same occasion, another speaker, Wilda Romadona, Manager of Strategic Partnerships at Krealogi, from a Human Resources perspective, said that for her, this work is not limited to specific majors. "However, soft skills are also needed: human communication, stakeholder management, and analytical thinking. Dynamic Gen-Z with rich survival skills are also required," she emphasised. Veronica, Founder & Director of Saka Dala, stated that when talking about products, Indonesia is very good. Additionally, it excels in raw materials like spices, and one factor why Indonesia was colonised was because of that. "The challenge for Indonesia may be lacking in branding and generally just following, not truly breaking the rules in the global sustainability programme." Dompet Dhuafa's participation in the event organised by Coaction Indonesia, Seasoldier, and Cibis Park proves that the philanthropy sector has a crucial role in creating new environmentally friendly jobs for small-scale farmers. There, Dompet Dhuafa through its Free Health Services (LKC) team provided medical services as well as ambulances and Blessing Sharing Stalls. Through its presence at Green Jobs Fest 2026, Dompet Dhuafa wants to invite everyone to view sacrifice through a broader lens: as obedience to God, care for others, and responsibility towards the earth. Maximal worship, environment still preserved. Sacrifice via digital.dompetdhuafa.org/kurban. And join as part of the climate crisis solution together with Dompet Dhuafa and Seasoldier. Plant your goodness today through Plant Goodness, Grow the Future. The Million Mangroves Movement for Indonesia.