Who would have thought that from the daily routine of serving customers at an Alfamart store, an employee could step onto the holy land of Mecca to perform Umrah. This is what happened to Indah Lestari, an Alfamart employee from Lubuk Pakam, who was one of the selected employees in Alfamart’s 2025 ‘Umrah Reward Trip’ program.

With a face full of emotion, Indah admitted she never imagined her hard work would take her to Mecca.

« I really couldn’t believe it—is this real or not? I never thought working at Alfamart would lead me to go on an Umrah pilgrimage, » said Indah, who works daily at the Alfamart MH Thamrin store in Lubuk Pakam, Deliserdang.

The woman, who joined Alfamart in August 2018, is known for her diligence and enthusiasm and was chosen as one of this year’s Umrah trip recipients.

« When I first found out, I was so confused. It felt like a dream. Alhamdulillah, Allah gave me this opportunity through Alfamart, » she added with a grateful smile.

A surprising story also came from Ahmadi, an employee at Alfamart Satria Binjai in the Medan branch. When he heard his name announced as an Umrah trip recipient, Ahmadi couldn’t hold back his emotions.

« It happened near the end of Ramadan, during the nights of Lailatulkadar. Suddenly, I was called for a morning meeting at the Medan branch office, and my name was announced for the Umrah opportunity. I was so moved because I never expected it, » he recalled with shining eyes.

Like Indah, Ahmadi considers this a deeply memorable and irreplaceable spiritual moment.

The stories of Indah and Ahmadi are just two among many Alfamart employees who received the opportunity to go on Umrah this year, as recognition for their dedication and outstanding performance throughout 2024. They come from various roles, including store employees, distribution centers, and offices.

Alfamart’s Corporate Affairs Director stated that the Umrah Reward Trip program has been running regularly since 2019 as part of the company’s culture of employee appreciation.

« From 2019 to 2025, a total of 265 employees have been sent on Umrah as a reward for their best achievements. This year, we are once again sending a group from various Alfamart branches as a token of gratitude for their extraordinary contributions, » he explained during the farewell ceremony for Umrah participants at Alfa Tower, Tangerang.

In addition to Umrah, Alfamart has also awarded thousands of other reward trips to domestic and international destinations. Since 2019, a total of 5,925 employees have received travel rewards to places like Bali, Yogyakarta, China, and even Europe. This includes over 1,200 employees who received reward trips this year.

« We want every hardworking employee to have the same opportunity to be appreciated. This recognition is meant to inspire and motivate all Alfamart employees, » he added.

The program has not only left a deep impression on the recipients but has also become an inspiring moment on social media. The hashtag #RewardTripAlfamart has been widely used by employees sharing their travel experiences. Viral posts on TikTok and Instagram show the joy and gratitude of participants during their journeys.

Positive comments poured in from netizens.
« Alhamdulillah, hard work pays off, » wrote one user.

« So happy to see this, » added another.

This Umrah program is not just a spiritual journey to the holy land of Mecca but also reinforces the values of hard work, gratitude, and sincerity.

Mecca

Mecca is the holiest city in Islam, located in Saudi Arabia, and is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad. It is home to the Kaaba, the sacred cube-shaped structure at the center of the Masjid al-Haram (Grand Mosque), which Muslims face during prayer. Every year, millions of pilgrims visit Mecca for Hajj, a mandatory religious duty, following traditions dating back to the 7th century and earlier.

Alfamart MH Thamrin store

The Alfamart MH Thamrin store is a convenience store located in Jakarta, Indonesia, part of the widespread Alfamart chain known for providing daily necessities and quick shopping solutions. While specific historical details about this particular outlet are limited, Alfamart was founded in 1989 and has since grown into one of Indonesia’s largest retail networks, often situated in urban areas like Thamrin to serve busy commuters and residents. The store reflects the brand’s focus on accessibility and affordability in Indonesia’s fast-moving consumer goods sector.

Alfa Tower

The **Alfa Tower** is a modern skyscraper located in Moscow, Russia, completed in 2010 as part of the Alfa Group’s business complex. Standing at 150 meters (492 feet), it features a sleek glass facade and serves as a prominent office and commercial hub. The tower reflects Moscow’s contemporary architectural growth and its role as a key financial center in the region.

Bali

Bali is a famous Indonesian island known for its lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and Hindu-majority population in a predominantly Muslim country. It is home to ancient temples like **Tanah Lot** and **Uluwatu**, which reflect its rich spiritual heritage dating back centuries. Often called the « Island of the Gods, » Bali attracts visitors with its unique blend of traditional dance, art, and stunning natural beauty, including terraced rice fields and volcanic mountains.

Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta (often called Jogja) is a historic city on Indonesia’s Java Island, renowned as a center of Javanese culture, arts, and education. It served as the capital of the Mataram Sultanate and played a key role in Indonesia’s independence movement. Today, it is famous for its royal palace (Kraton), ancient temples like Borobudur and Prambanan, and vibrant traditional arts like batik and wayang puppetry.

China

China, one of the world’s oldest civilizations, has a rich history spanning over 5,000 years, marked by dynasties like the Qin, Han, Tang, and Ming, which contributed to its cultural and technological advancements. Today, it is home to iconic landmarks such as the Great Wall, the Terracotta Army, and the Forbidden City, reflecting its imperial past. As a modern global power, China blends ancient traditions with rapid urbanization, making it a fascinating blend of history and contemporary influence.

Europe

Europe is a continent rich in history and culture, known for its ancient civilizations like Greece and Rome, medieval kingdoms, and transformative periods such as the Renaissance and Industrial Revolution. It is home to iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Colosseum, and Stonehenge, as well as diverse traditions, languages, and artistic heritage. Today, Europe is a union of nations (EU) promoting cooperation, yet it retains its deep historical roots and regional identities.

Medan branch office

The Medan branch office is a regional hub typically established by companies or organizations to serve operations in Medan, the capital of North Sumatra, Indonesia. While specific histories vary, many such offices were set up in the late 20th or early 21st century to support economic growth in Sumatra, leveraging Medan’s role as a commercial and cultural center. These offices often facilitate trade, logistics, or administrative functions in the region.

(Note: If referring to a *specific* Medan branch office, additional details about the parent organization or its founding would enhance the summary.)