Parking Attendant in Banyumas Realises Dream of Hajj Through Savings

The creak of vehicle wheels entering and exiting the parking area of Pasar Pon in West Purwokerto, Banyumas Regency, Central Java, has been part of Sucipto’s daily routine for decades. Under the scorching sun, pouring rain, and the constant bustle of the market that never truly quiets, the 64-year-old man faithfully directs vehicles while clutching a small whistle in his hand. From this job, which some might consider simple, Sucipto has gradually built a grand dream: fulfilling the fifth pillar of Islam, the Hajj pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Few would expect that an average daily income of around Rp50,000 as a parking attendant, plus a part-time night security role in a local government housing area paying Rp900,000 per month, would carry a resident of Sumampir Ward, North Purwokerto Subdistrict, Banyumas Regency, to the Baitullah. On 14 May, Sucipto is scheduled to depart with a group of prospective pilgrims from Banyumas in Flight Group 73 via Solo Embarkation. This spiritual journey is the fruit of over a decade of struggle. For Sucipto, the departure is not merely a cross-country trip but the result of thousands of days of restraint, setting aside small change, and maintaining faith so that his aspiration does not fade due to economic limitations. “My profession is parking attendant; at night, I help with security in the housing area. From there, I save little by little,” said Sucipto when met at his simple home in Sumampir Ward, North Purwokerto Subdistrict. The house has been bustling in recent days. Neighbours, relatives, and even people from his work area have come and gone. Some bring prayers, others pride. In the corner of the living room, a dark-coloured suitcase is neatly packed. Some pilgrimage items have been prepared. Sucipto just awaits the departure day. The journey to this point was far from short. He admits he started saving seriously for Hajj in 2012. At that time, his three children still needed education costs. In limited economic conditions, Sucipto had to divide his income for household needs, children’s schooling, and Hajj savings. Whenever there was leftover money, no matter the amount, he set it aside. Sometimes just tens of thousands of rupiah. Sometimes more, if luck was good. “After paying for the children’s school, if there’s Rp40,000 or Rp50,000 left, I save it. Little by little,” he said. He initially kept the savings simply. When the amount felt sufficient, he transferred it to a bank account. This process repeated for years. However, saving alone was not enough to meet the initial Hajj registration deposit. In the midst of his efforts, Sucipto made a big decision. He sold a plot of family land to complete the Rp25.5 million initial deposit. That decision was not easy because the land was one of the family’s appreciating assets. But for Sucipto, the call to Hajj holds a special place in his life. “At that time, I had a small plot of land; I sold it. To add to the initial deposit,” he said. Since 1999, Sucipto has worked at Pasar Pon. For over two decades, he has known the pulse of traditional market life: traders arriving before dawn, buyers scrambling for essentials, and vehicles constantly filling the parking area. There, many people know him. Some call him Pak Sipto; others just greet with a smile and nod. To the traders, he is not just a parking attendant but part of the big market family. Thus, news of his departure to the Holy Land spread quickly. Congratulations came from all directions. Prayers were offered by work colleagues, market traders, and residents of the complex where he provides night security. As he recounted this, Sucipto’s eyes welled up. “Sometimes sad, sometimes happy. The housing residents are proud, congratulating me. The three neighbourhood units there are also happy,” he said.