"If you happen to meet this man or woman, please support their business by buying their products. They sell opak (traditional Indonesian crackers), so that they can return home sooner and reunite with the family they have left behind while earning a living."
We often come across and read similar messages on social media. An event witnessed firsthand is captured and presented in such a way that it becomes persuasive content aimed at influencing anyone who sees or reads it. Such posts always generate both support and criticism. The rapid development of digital technology and social media has had a tremendous impact on human life. A photograph accompanied by a persuasive caption can motivate readers to follow the appeal being made.
There is nothing wrong with responding to such appeals when they are driven by empathy and humanity. However, some people who disagree believe that such content can be exploited by others for personal gain. Empathy and humanitarian values may be used as a "shield" to serve their own interests. Regardless of the differing opinions, it is our responsibility as readers to exercise good judgment when understanding and interpreting the key message of the information circulating around us.
The efforts made by the opak seller certainly deserve to be emulated and appreciated. They represent an inspiring example amid the hardships and economic challenges of today's world. Age should never be a limitation to working, running a business, or creating something with whatever resources we have. However, we are often faced with situations in which our efforts receive little recognition from the people around us. Our work goes unappreciated and unrecognized. The products we sell fail to attract buyers. The things we create are not valued by others. Such psychological pressure often causes us to stop working, running our businesses, and creating things.
Economic Synergy
As social beings who live within a community, we cannot live in isolation without caring about the people around us. We still need the help of others, regardless of how capable or strong we may be. The month of Ramadan is an ideal time for us to share with others, especially those who are less fortunate than we are. A lifestyle built around sharing and charitable giving can help reduce inequality and narrow the gap between the rich and the poor. Without realizing it, through charitable acts, we can contribute positively to Indonesia's economic and social stability. This can have a positive impact on security by reducing the motivation to commit robbery and theft, although this does not mean that such crimes can be completely eliminated.
It also has a positive impact on Indonesia's economy because the circulation of money becomes more evenly distributed. In fact, the benefits of economic activity can be felt by all levels of society. The gap between higher-income and lower-income communities can be reduced.
Beyond the phenomenon of supporting this particular seller by buying their products, we can also support other businesses and products. Support fast-food restaurants because behind those restaurants are employees earning minimum wages. Support hangout places such as UpNormal and others because behind these establishments are cleaning service workers who are earning a living. Support electronic products, motorcycles, cars, and other goods because behind these products are thousands of workers who depend on the income they generate. Support the businesses and products around us, and the economic activity will eventually circulate back to benefit us all.
Dheni Indra Kusuma, S.E., M.Si., Ak., CA., CFP.
