To mark Eid al-Adha 1447 H, Harita Nickel has distributed 47 sacrificial animals to communities in villages surrounding its operational areas on Obi Island, as well as several locations across North Maluku.
The animals comprised 44 cattle and three goats. A total of 26 were distributed to villages near the company’s operations on Obi Island through local religious leaders. The remainder were allocated to communities in Labuha, Ternate and Ambon through local partners as part of a distribution program running through May 30, 2026.
The annual sacrificial animal donation has become a regular part of Harita Nickel’s Eid al-Adha observance, reflecting the company’s commitment to supporting local communities and strengthening ties with residents around its operational areas.
Harita Nickel Executive Vice President of External Relations, Latif Supriadi, said Eid al-Adha provides an important opportunity to reinforce the values of togetherness and social solidarity.
“Through this initiative, we hope to share the joy of Eid al-Adha with communities, particularly those living around our operational areas. We also hope to continue nurturing the strong relationships that have been built over the years,” Latif said. He added that the company remains committed to growing alongside local communities through a range of social and community development programs.
Appreciation for the company’s contribution was expressed by Ahmad Osalia, imam of Madinatul Hijrah Mosque in the new Kawasi settlement.
According to Ahmad, the donation reflects the spirit of compassion and generosity embodied in Eid al-Adha.
“We are grateful for the company’s attention and support for the community. This assistance is highly meaningful for residents and serves as a reminder of the values of sharing and caring that Eid al-Adha teaches,” he said.
Ahmad also praised the company’s support for residents in the new Kawasi settlement, including the provision of housing facilities and comfortable places of worship.
Similar appreciation came from Taslim Yamin, head of the Shuffah Hizbullah Quranic Boarding School in Panamboang, South Halmahera. He thanked Harita Nickel and journalists from South Halmahera for their social support and concern for both the boarding school and surrounding communities.
Taslim said the donation program represented more than just material assistance, bringing joy and gratitude to students and residents alike.
“We are thankful for the support shown by Harita Nickel and the journalists of South Halmahera. We hope initiatives such as this, particularly the distribution of sacrificial animals during Eid al-Adha, can continue every year,” he said.
He also expressed hope that Harita Nickel would continue to grow and generate wider benefits for society, while local journalists remain a reliable source of positive and constructive information.
“We hope Harita Nickel continues to thrive as a successful, progressive and socially responsible company. We also hope journalists in South Halmahera will continue to serve as a trusted source of information for the public,” he added.
Beyond serving as a moment of giving, Eid al-Adha celebrations in villages surrounding the company’s operations are also closely intertwined with local cultural traditions.
Ishak La Puasa, a religious leader from Soligi Village, said residents have preserved a distinctive tradition that has been passed down through generations and continues to be observed during Eid al-Adha.
Before the animals are slaughtered, they are bathed, draped in white cloth and paraded around the mosque as a gesture of respect and gratitude.
“This tradition has been handed down for generations among the Butonese community in Soligi. After the sacrificial rites are completed, residents usually continue the celebration with a performance of Ngibi, a traditional cultural art form that brings the community together,” he said.
For the people of Soligi, Eid al-Adha is not only a religious observance but also an opportunity to strengthen social bonds and preserve local cultural heritage.
Through this year’s Eid al-Adha celebration, Harita Nickel aims to continue supporting the values of generosity, togetherness, and social care in the communities around its operations.