Semarang – Bantu Sembako is a social movement initiated by students of Undip Communication Science to help non Semarang students who are still living in Tembalang due to being affected by Covid-19. Bantu Sembako collects donations in the form of money and distributes it in the form of necessities to students in need.

This movement was first implemented when the beginning of the pandemic began to spread in Indonesia, which was around March 2020 by students of Communication Science class of 2017 then continued in October-December 2020 by students of Communication Science Class of 2018.

“We are thinking of continuing the movement that had been carried out by seniors because there are already names too and to continue what is already good, why not?,” said Jasmine as Head of Public Relations for Bantu Sembako.

Bantu Sembako Movement was carried out based on the concern of Undip Communication Science students towards other student friends who were unable to return to their hometowns.

“Some of them are working on their final project, thesis, internet problems, or their parents are not able to buy a return ticket, because those whose homes are far away or on different islands must have a rapid or swab test first. And or maybe the situation at home is uncomfortable for studying,” explained Jasmine.

For two months, Bantu Sembako managed to collect donations of IDR 12,233,000 from the initial target of IDR 10,000,000. Besides, as many as 214 basic food packages have been successfully distributed to fellow students, and 12 other food packages distributed to people in need. The donations were obtained from donors including alumni of Undip Communication Science students, lecturers, students, friends, family, and the surrounding community.

The distribution of groceries is routinely carried out every two weeks from October to early December 2020. The basic food packages provided are in the form of food ingredients such as instant noodles, oil, eggs, rice, corned beef, and biscuits. Bantu Sembako also surveyed an online form to find out who deserves to receive assistance from the team.

“We ask for personal data such as name, address, including the reason they are still living in Tembalang. Then, we also confirmed whether they have a kitchen or not because the staples we provide are raw materials, so we think about it so that it can last a long time. So, for example, if there isn’t a kitchen, it’s a bit of a shame (the basic food package), ”said Jasmine.

Seeing the number of donations collected and the positive response from the recipients of basic food assistance, the Bantu Sembako team hopes that more and more good people will care and can spark other student movements to reach out to each other in the current situation.

“Praise to God, thank you very much for the good people who still want to pour whatever nominal amount to donate. Even in a pandemic situation, there are still many good people who don’t only think about themselves but also care for others. There are still many who think that with me sharing my sustenance will not be decided by God it will open up other rewards and sustenance,” Jasmine concluded.

Writer : Nur Laily Mucharomah