The Badoncek tradition that is usually found in traditional or religious activities is now professionally managed by the Badoncek Mambangan Nagari Foundation.
Under the leadership of Andra Permana Putra, the foundation adapted the voluntary spirit of the community into more targeted assistance.
Although extreme weather still looms over regions such as Agam and Padang, the foundation is active in channeling aid to difficult spots. Uniquely, this gesture is not just about giving, but emphasizes on the quality and dignity of the victim.
Innovation Aid: More than Instant Mi
The Badoncek Foundation implements several aid schemes that differ from conventional aid:
- Healthy Food: Replace instant meals with nutritious ready-to-eat cooked meals, such as rendang.
- Family Kit: Given that food logistics are starting to suffice, the foundation focuses on distributing cooking tools so that citizens can prepare healthy food on their own.
- Money for Work program: Empowering disaster victims as social workers in their own region. Wages provided help economic recovery while maintaining citizens' mental health in order to remain productive in difficult times.
The Badoncek Mambangun Nagari Foundation distributed ready-to-eat food to disaster victims. Credit: YBMN-Yayasan Badoncek Mambangun Nagari
Global Support and Solidarity for Migrants
Badoncek's strength came not only from local citizens, but also from the worldwide network of Minang nomads. Support flows from various cities in Indonesia to foreign countries such as Brunei Darussalam and the United States.
This proves that the value of generosity remains strong even in the midst of a challenging economic situation.
Ready-to-eat meals are distributed to secure the nutritional well-being of disaster survivors.. Credit: YBMN-Yayasan Badoncek Mambangun Nagari
Hope and Steps Forward
Andra insists that postplanned recovery requires broader collaboration. He highlights some important points for the future:
- Government assertiveness: The need for decisive action against environmental destruction activities such as deforestation.
- Standardization of Handling: Governments are urged to have standardized operational guidance (SOPs) and better coordination, following the example of developed countries such as Japan.
- Greening: Encourage environmental preservation programs as a long-term preventive measure.
Badoncek's movement proves that with the spirit of gotong royong and proper management, people have tremendous resilience in the face of disasters.
————————— Nurhadi Sucahyo
