JAKARTA – A story of persistence and faith is emerging from Jombang, where a humble street vendor couple has turned decades of discipline into a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual journey. After nearly 30 years of saving, Teman Hariono and his wife Jumilah are set to depart for Hajj 2026, proving that consistency can transform even the smallest earnings into a meaningful achievement. 

Teman Hariono (51) has been working as a street vendor since 1988, long before he got married. He traveled from place to place—selling goods on buses, at religious gatherings, and during traditional performances—seeking any opportunity to earn a living.

After marrying Jumilah (50) in 1997, the couple continued the same path together, relying on modest daily income that initially reached only around Rp35,000. 

Over time, their income gradually improved to about Rp300,000 per day. Despite the fluctuations, their principle remained unchanged: wherever crowds gathered, there was a chance to sell. 

Discipline in Saving, One Step at a Time

The key to their success lies not in large profits, but in unwavering discipline. From every earning, they consistently set aside small amounts—ranging from Rp10,000 to Rp100,000.

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“Since the beginning, I sold from bus to bus… the important thing is it’s halal and we can save little by little,” Teman Hariono said. 

This habit allowed them to officially register for Hajj in 2012. What followed was a long waiting period of more than a decade—common in Indonesia due to high demand for pilgrimage quotas. 

Their journey was far from easy. Teman Hariono often traveled across cities and even provinces, including trips as far as Jepara, just to increase income. These sacrifices were made not only to support their family but also to sustain their long-term dream. 

“Sometimes I had to travel far, but I just went through it. What matters is earning for the family and saving for Hajj,” he said. 

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A Dream Finally Realized

In 2026, their patience finally pays off. The couple is scheduled to depart from Surabaya’s embarkation point on May 6 before continuing their journey to Madinah the next day. 

“Alhamdulillah, I never expected to reach this point. This is all because of effort, prayers, and patience,” Teman Hariono expressed emotionally. 

Their story reflects a broader message: that financial limitations do not define one’s ability to achieve big dreams. Through discipline, consistency, and faith, even small daily savings can grow into something extraordinary.

For many Indonesians preparing for Hajj 2026, the journey of Teman Hariono and Jumilah stands as a reminder that persistence, no matter how slow, can eventually lead to fulfillment. (*)