Malang, (malangkota.go.id) – In 2020 and when the Covid-19 pandemic hit, the leadership of the Indonesian Business Boarding School (PBI) opened a free restaurant labeled Rumah Makan Rakyat (RMR) in Banjarnegara to help ease the burden of life for the community. Similar restaurants were then opened in several other cities, such as Grobokan, Purwokerto, and Surabaya.
In Malang City, RMR has been opened since June 1, 2022 at Jalan Terusan Sulfat Number 153. Several communities, such as Sedekah Subuh and Rumah Sedekah, have participated in the establishment of this free restaurant. The opening of the restaurant since June 1, was agreed because it coincided with the commemoration of Pancasila Day. So that this restaurant will also be guided by the values of Pancasila.
These are some of the things conveyed by Muhammad Rif'an Haqiqi, as the RMR Coordinator, on Tuesday (9/8/2022). He added that in the restaurant which opens at 06.00 WIB, every day 100 to 200 portions of food are prepared with a simple menu or side dishes such as tofu, tempeh, eggs, sour vegetables, and crackers. For drinks, RMR provides mineral water, tea and coffee.
"Anyone can eat at this place, regardless of social status, religion, ethnicity and profession. Because the concept of RMR is to give alms and share with others. Over time, donors have responded positively, so that similar restaurants will soon be opened in Malang Regency and Batu City," he said.
Rif'an further said that during this time, many parents who have dropped off for breakfast after dropping their children off at school, employees who are about to go to work, and they don't just eat. But sometimes some of them leave some money under their plates after eating. "Although we don't really expect that, we still say thank you. Likewise for those who want to donate, we invite them," he explained.
Rif'an explained that even though this is a free restaurant, all income, expenses and various other activities are still reported to donors. Like on Monday (8/8/2022) yesterday which coincided with 10 Muharram, RMR provided assistance to 60 orphans. "In essence, the existence of RMR is proof that in this country there are still many generous people and/or have high concern for others," he added.
The presence of RMR also received appreciation from the Deputy Mayor of Malang, Ir. H. Sofyan Edi Jarwoko when confirmed via his cellphone. According to him, the existence of RMR must receive support from various parties. Because it will help ease the burden of others, such as online motorcycle taxi drivers, yellow troops and pedicab drivers. "If you can eat for free, the money that is usually allocated for food can be used to meet other needs," he said. (say/ram)
