Saving from Gudeg Sales, Sleman Couple Delighted to Finally Go on Hajj
A husband-and-wife duo selling gudeg and market snacks, Rahudin Hasan (61) and Siti Koringah (52), have finally realised their dream of travelling to the Holy Land. From selling under a tree, they set aside money to save until they can now depart for Hajj after waiting 14 years.
The struggle of the Maguwoharjo village residents to perform Hajj began in 2009. At that time, he was still working as a gardener at one of the schools. His salary then was not enough to meet the family’s needs. He then boldly borrowed money for business capital.
“My monthly salary was only enough for two weeks of living. Then I dared to borrow Rp1 million for capital. Then I sold gudeg under that rambutan tree,” said Udin, opening the conversation with detikJogja, when met at his stall, Banjeng, Maguwoharjo, Depok Subdistrict, Sleman, on Thursday (16/4/2026).
He started selling under the rambutan tree with a simple tent until now he can occupy a shophouse near his home. Every day, he opens his stall from early morning to serve residents looking for breakfast.
“On this side, before there was a shophouse, it was all garden. Here there is a rambutan tree, then I sold under it using just a tent,” he explained.
From that small business, Udin began setting aside income to register for Hajj. It took him about three years to finally gather the initial deposit.
“I registered for Hajj in 2012. At that time, I saved for about three years, I think, got Rp25 million and then we registered,” he said.
After registering, he and his wife continued saving until the Hajj costs could be fully paid. The ongoing business became their main support in realising that dream.
Ahead of their departure on 24 April, both have carried out various preparations, from Hajj simulations to health checks. They also actively seek additional knowledge via the internet.
“Besides the simulation, I also learn from YouTube about Hajj procedures,” said Udin.
Siti Koringah added that she saves from the leftover daily shopping money. Even though the amount is small, she routinely sets aside money every day.
“If there’s leftover from shopping, it’s saved. Sometimes Rp50 thousand to Rp100 thousand a day, the important thing is to set it aside,” said Siti.
“Because if we do it all at once, we can’t, so the key is to set aside a little bit by bit,” she continued.
She admitted that she once didn’t believe they could reach this point. For her, going on Hajj from the proceeds of selling feels like something that was once hard to imagine. Especially since they had to wait 14 years.
“What are we, back then how could we, is it possible to go there (Mecca). Because the costs are expensive and we’re just people selling like this. But alhamdulillah, God has given us ease,” she said.