The trust that led to a world record

Jakarta (ANTARA) - For some, an Umrah pilgrimage may appear merely as a departure to a country thousands of kilometres away from Indonesia. However, for those who undertake it, Umrah is often the pinnacle of a long life journey.

There are small-scale traders who set aside their daily profits, bit by bit, over many years. There are elderly couples who wait for their children to become independent before realising their dream of worshipping in the Holy Land. There are also workers who restrain the desire to purchase many things because they wish to save for a single, more meaningful goal.

Behind every departure, there is always a story of hope, patience, and sacrifice. Therefore, when someone chooses a pilgrimage organiser, it is not just the travel costs at stake. What is entrusted is a dream that has been nurtured for a long time. There is a sense of trust that the most important spiritual journey of their lives will be in the right hands. Thus, trust becomes something invaluable.

It is this very trust that appears to be the common thread in the Guinness World Record achievement attained by Samira Travel in Saudi Arabia. At first glance, public attention may focus on the status of the world record achieved. However, upon closer inspection, the award is actually just a small part of a much larger story about how trust is built and maintained over a long period.

The Hajj and Umrah travel organiser recorded its name in the Guinness World Records for the category of the largest outdoor halal dinner. This record was created during the company’s 9th anniversary celebrations held in Saudi Arabia, which was attended by more than 10,000 participants. The award was subsequently presented during the 10th anniversary event held in Indonesia.

The founder and owner of Samira Travel, Fauzi Wahyu Muntoro, explained that the achievement began with a communal dining activity organised in the desert area of Saudi Arabia. More than 10,000 people participated in the event before it was submitted for Guinness World Records recognition.

This award marks the fourth achievement received by the company, following three previous records from the Indonesian World Records Museum (MURI). Interestingly, however, what Fauzi discusses most frequently is not the records themselves, but rather the importance of maintaining the trust of the pilgrims.

This serves as a reminder that awards are often merely the visible end result seen by the public, while the foundation supporting them is built much earlier through long-term, often unseen, hard work.