TIMES MALAYSIA, JAKARTA – A humble couple from Cipocok Jaya, Serang City, Banten, has finally realized their lifelong dream of performing the Hajj 2025. Jumairoh (49) and her husband began their journey over two decades ago by selling cilok, a traditional Indonesian snack, from door to door.

Despite the many challenges they faced, their unwavering determination and discipline in saving money have brought them closer to fulfilling one of the pillars of Islam.

Their story began in the year 2000 when they decided to start a small cilok business to support their household. At first, they saved as little as Rp10,000 per day. Over time, as their business slowly grew, they managed to increase their monthly savings to around Rp500,000.

Their motivation? A strong desire to one day step foot on the holy land of Mecca and complete the fifth pillar of Islam — Hajj.

"Alhamdulillah, this year my husband and I can finally go for Hajj together. It feels incredible and we’re beyond grateful," said Jumairoh, filled with emotion, in an interview quoted by ANTARA on Thursday, May 15, 2025.

As time passed, their cilok business expanded significantly. They now produce around five kilograms of cilok daily, earning between Rp200,000 to Rp500,000 per day. In addition to selling their cilok in the streets, they also accept online orders, which have helped boost their income even further.

In 2013, they registered for Hajj and patiently waited for over a decade. Now, their wait is over, as they prepare to depart for the Hajj pilgrims’ hostel on May 16 as part of Group 35 from Serang City.

But what exactly is cilok? The word cilok is derived from aci dicolok, which literally means tapioca that is skewered. Made from tapioca flour mixed with water and various seasonings, cilok is shaped into small balls, boiled until chewy, and often served with peanut sauce, soy sauce, or spicy sambal.

It’s a beloved street food in many parts of Indonesia, known for its simple ingredients, affordable price, and satisfying taste. Cilok is often sold by street vendors pushing carts or riding bikes through neighborhoods, calling out to attract customers—just like Jumairoh and her husband did for years.

Their story serves as a powerful reminder that with sincere intention, perseverance, and hard work, even the simplest of beginnings can lead to extraordinary achievements. For many, their success is not just in reaching Mecca for Hajj 2025, but in proving that dreams, no matter how distant, are always within reach.