A Portrait of Culture-Propelled Philanthropy: Ngadang Duren Activism in Maro Sebo Ilir, Jambi

Abstract

Philanthropy activism has become a fever in a plethora of social movements. In Indonesia, upper-middle-class society has taken a significant role to assist needy people. On the other hand, in the lower-middle-class society in Maro Sebo Ilir, Jambi accomplished culture-propelled philanthropy on fruit crops. The chosen fruit is durian fruit and known as ngadang duren. This article utilized in-depth interviews with a key informant and field observations of ngadang duren. It argued that ngadang duren has been conveyed for generations by the dweller in the Terusan village, Maro Sebo Ilir District. This article also asserted that Pesirah has simplified the religious teachings to obey the zakat, infaq, alms, and waqf commands to encourage the dweller in giving charity through their natural resources. Furthermore, it also argued that ngadang duren enriched the Islamic philanthropy discourses, particularly beyond the charity movement of state and non-state actors.