Tzu Chi volunteers from Jakarta's Angke and Pluit areas, alongside medical professionals from the Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA), extended their care to construction workers at the Tzu Chi Second Education Park in PIK 2 on August 21, 2025. This initiative provided 450 vegetarian meal boxes and free medical consultations to 113 workers, offering both physical nourishment and health support under the warm afternoon sun.

Nourishing Meals for Dedicated Workers

Early that morning, thirty-nine volunteers gathered in the kitchen of Tzu Chi’s Jakarta Jing Si Hall, meticulously preparing the meal boxes. Each volunteer played a crucial role, from ingredient preparation and cooking to packing and loading the meals, demonstrating seamless teamwork. The aroma of freshly cooked food filled the air, conveying the volunteers' sincere dedication. This marked the second time volunteers personally visited the construction site to care for the workers since July. Despite the bright sun, the workers greeted the volunteers with smiles, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

The vegetarian meal boxes, neatly arranged on tables, offered a rich variety of dishes: Padang-style mock beef, spicy eggs, braised tempeh, and stir-fried long beans, accompanied by a refreshing passion fruit drink. This thoughtful meal deeply touched the workers.

I'm really happy today. The meal box has mock meat, eggs, and vegetables. Usually, I buy food from small eateries, but today I saved my lunch money, which I can use for other things. I'm grateful for the volunteers' kindness. — Riadi,  36-year-old construction worker

Usep Supian another construction worker from Sukabumi, expressed his gratitude, saying, "This lunchbox is very generous, with mock meat, eggs, tempeh, vegetables, and a drink. I am truly thankful."

Health Support on the Construction Site

In addition to the lunch, the TIMA medical team simultaneously conducted a free clinic, offering health check-ups to the workers. Volunteer Jodie-Lienardy Lie (李保全) noted, "This is the second time volunteers have prepared lunch for the construction workers and held a free clinic. We hope that through this care, they not only feel warmth but also have their health safeguarded, enabling them to continue building the Tzu Chi school smoothly and ensure the project is completed on time."

The event was coordinated by volunteer Efi Wu (吳美玲), who collaborated with construction worker representative Andriyan Atmaja to ensure a smooth operation. Mei-Ling Wu shared, "I am delighted to accompany, care for, and remind the workers to prioritize their health. They usually focus solely on their work and rarely have such opportunities for interaction. Although we are not doctors, we are glad to contribute. A healthy body allows for smoother work. We are very grateful to senior volunteer Lo Hok Lay (彭福來) for sharing his experience, which made today's event run more smoothly."

Around 11:30 AM, workers arrived and queued in an orderly fashion to receive their vegetarian meals and drinks. After lunch, volunteer Anie Widjaja (黃麗君) opened the event by encouraging everyone to prioritize diet, health, and compassion. "On the Tzu Chi school construction site, we aim to create a pure environment, so all meals provided are healthy vegetarian options that do not harm living beings," she explained. "Today, in addition to bringing warm vegetarian lunchboxes, volunteers also prepared a free clinic. We hope all workers stay healthy because we consider everyone as family members."

To foster a warm atmosphere, volunteers led everyone in singing "One Family" with sign language, filling the air with laughter and applause, making volunteers and workers feel like a close-knit family. Afterward, workers registered sequentially for health check-ups.

Venny Pitarini Marli, a volunteer from Bagansiapiapi who was on vacation in Jakarta, seized the opportunity to contribute. She described it as a valuable experience: "This is my first time participating in a free clinic specifically for construction workers. I learned a lot; before the event, volunteers coordinated, reminded, and demonstrated the process, making it clearer for us. I am very happy to participate and contribute a good thought."

Weather Challenges and Health Guidance

Recent fluctuating weather, alternating between sunny and rainy, often leads to health issues among workers due to fatigue and environmental factors. Dr. Santoso Kurniawan (邱宗善) Medical Director of Tzu Chi Hospital in Indonesia and head of this free clinic noted that most workers suffered from coughs and colds, in addition to high blood pressure, elevated uric acid, and muscle aches.

"It's currently flu season, and coughs and colds can easily spread among people, especially when they work in groups, making airborne transmission faster. Without wearing masks, the infection rate can be very quick," Dr. Kurniawan explained.

After examinations, the medical team provided appropriate medication, and Dr. Chiu offered health advice: "Get enough rest, eat on time, and consume nutritionally balanced meals. When working in dusty environments, always wear a mask. Only with good health can you work effectively."

Riadi, who has been working at the Tzu Chi School construction site in PIK 2 for six months, often experienced lower back pain. After examination, the doctor diagnosed him with a stomach condition and nerve compression. "The doctor reminded me not to delay meals, to pay attention to proper hydration, and to lift heavy objects with correct posture. The doctor also prescribed stomach medication, painkillers, and vitamins. I am very grateful to the volunteers for caring for us; it's truly a great help," Riadi said.

Usep Supian, 53, received his first comprehensive health check-up and was visibly moved. "This event is very special. After working for so many years, this is the first time someone has provided such a thorough health check. Before, I would just take medicine for a cold, but today, a doctor examined me in detail, and they even prepared a delicious lunch. The volunteers were all very kind and polite."

Usep was diagnosed with a cold and cough due to the changeable weather. This free clinic, organized by volunteers and TIMA, not only provided medical services to the construction workers but also conveyed warmth and respect. It is hoped that through such care, the workers will prioritize their health, enabling them to continue contributing to the construction of the Tzu Chi school with strong bodies.

Written by Emy Nora (陳曉娟), Fikhri Fathoni

Source: 愛心午餐傳遞溫暖 健康義診守護健康