- ANTARA/Asep Fathulrahman
VIVA – Moment of Eid al-Fitr or locally known as Lebaran for many people is celebrated with a big family. Unfortunately for some Muslims, they cannot celebrate Eid-al Fitr with their families because of work. Such as, a ship captain who hasn’t been home for 11 years.
His name is Amir, who hasn't gone back to his hometown for 11 years to celebrate Eid with his family. It’s because of his job as a ship captain on the KMP Batumandi ship.
"Wow, we never go home. We just take people home for Eid. So, while on the ship, we only spend Eid al-Fitr on the ship with all the crew," said Amir on Monday, May 2, 2022.
"So, for 11 years, I have never felt the Eid al-Fitr moments. So, during the Eid moment, the ship crew was forbidden to back home. Later after the return flow homecoming is over, around May 9 we will schedule another day off. Meanwhile we work, serving travelers of homecoming," he said.
Nakhoda Kapal di Bakauheni.
- tvOne/Pujiansyah
Even though Amir couldn't go home and gather with his family while celebrating Eid al-Fitr, Amir admitted that he was sincere. He also has a sense of pride in being able to take travelers to their hometown so they can gather Eid with their family.
"Sometimes it becomes a sense of pride, yes, being able to take people across to their destination. It's so sad that we can't celebrate Eid with family. So, I celebrate Eid al-Fitr with friends on the ship," said Amir.
He has only been working as a master for two years at KMP Batumandi and previously in Batam and then to Sebuku.
"First, I was a captain in Batam in 2011. Then I moved to Sebuku. Then, I was assigned to this crossing, Merak. Then, I moved to Sibolga. After that, I moved to Batam. Finally moved here in 2017. On this ship for approximately 2 years," said Amir.
When celebrating Eid moments with his family at a long distance like this, Amir only can make video calls with his wife and children. During the homecoming and return flows, he has also received a circular regarding the prohibition for Eid al-Fitr days off from D-7 to D+7.
"Thank God, my wife and children understand my profession. The risks of this profession. When Eid al-Fitr comes like this, usually video calls. Later, after the return flow, the crossing service is not as busy as it is now, so ask for days off," he concluded.
