At 67, Ratijem stands as a testament to resilience. Hailing from Pandak, Bantul Regency, this tireless woman defies age, carrying loads weighing tens of kilograms on her shoulders.
Joining the ranks of hundreds of female porters at Giwangan Market, Yogyakarta, Ratijem navigates through her daily routine, transporting goods that often weigh between 30 and 100 kilograms. Within the bustling market, 135 such women form the Sayuk Rukun Buruh Gendong Association.
“I’ve been a porter for almost 35 years, starting in Beringharjo Market and later moving to Giwangan Market,” Ratijem shared, her eyes reflecting the years of experience in her memory.
This candid conversation occurred as she received social assistance from UGM on a heartwarming Friday (Dec. 22) at Giwangan Market.
Ratijem, while accustomed to the weight on her shoulders, acknowledges the inevitable changes that come with age. Once capable of hoisting loads up to 90 kilograms, she now manages around 40 kilograms per trip.
Yet, with a wage of around IDR 5,000 for each load, she gracefully carries both the physical weight and the responsibilities that life demands.
Working from noon until 11 pm, then resuming at 2 am until the break of dawn, Ratijem juggles her role as a porter with that of a vegetable bundler at Giwangan Market. The earnings from her toil are meticulously allocated to meet her family’s daily needs and contribute to the education of her seven children.
“Thankfully, my youngest child was able to attend college. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, he successfully graduated from UGM,” Ratijem said, her pride evident in her smile.
The arrival of UGM, extending a caring hand to the porters at Giwangan Market, resonated deeply with Ratijem. The social assistance, a bundle of staple food packages, reached 35 elderly porters, embodying the spirit of UGM’s 74th-anniversary celebrations.
The distribution aligned with the commemoration of Mother’s Day on Dec. 22, amplifying the significance of this act of generosity.
“Thank you for your concern and assistance,” expressed Ratijem, her heartfelt gratitude echoing the sentiments of those touched by this thoughtful gesture.
This initiative was not a solitary effort by UGM’s Public Relations Office; it unfolded through a collaborative symphony.
The Indonesian Photojournalist Association (PFI) Yogyakarta, a longstanding partner in publications, and the Annisa Swasti Foundation (Yasanti), a steadfast companion of porters in Yogyakarta, joined hands with UGM to illuminate the lives of these unsung heroes.
Satria Ardhi Nugraha, the Coordinator of UGM’s Journalism Division, emphasized that this gesture exemplifies UGM’s commitment to the welfare of porters in Yogyakarta, particularly at Giwangan Market.
“UGM shares happiness in commemorating the 74th anniversary. Hopefully, it can be meaningful,” he conveyed.
Devi Rahman, representing PFI and actively participating in the assistance delivery, welcomed UGM’s action towards the female porters in Yogyakarta.
“We hope the assistance provided can benefit all the female porters,” Rahman expressed.
Nadrotus Sariroh from Yasanti applauded UGM’s efforts, acknowledging the university’s deep concern for the community, especially the porters in Yogyakarta.
Over 15 years, Yasanti has been steadfast in providing support to female porters across four markets: Beringharjo, Giwangan, Kranggan, and Gamping.
With 220 porters in Beringharjo Market, 135 in Giwangan Market, 23 in Kranggan Market, and 50 in Gamping Market, these unsung heroes hail from various Yogyakarta and Central Java regions.
“May the assistance from UGM be beneficial. Beyond quantity, this embodies UGM’s love and friendship for all the women,” emphasized Sariroh.
Author: Ika
Photographer: Donnie