"Thank you, I'm proud and grateful, because without the assistance of goats from Heifer International I would never have had the opportunity to meet the President of Indonesia."

This is an  opportunity that is only accorded to special people who have achieved something outstanding in their field. Mr. Sutanto is the head of the Sinar Harapan community group in the village of Cempaka Baru, in Lampung province. In 1989, his group placed eighth in a national competition for goat rearing. Meeting the president increased both his self-esteem and that of his organization in the wider community.

Sinar Harapan was formed in 1983 with assistance from a local NGO, Bina Swadaya. In 1986, each family received four local female goats and one improved male goat. A week before receiving the goats, Bina Swadaya worked with the government technical livestock agency to train the farmers in goat management. They also received training in several other topics during the project. Within three years his group became National champions. The seriousness of the group over time has increased their socio-cultural and economic standing, and their level of participation in religious affairs, something which they had previously neglected.

As a living example of what the group members of Sinar Harapan have been able to accomplish, Mr. Sutanto has raised eight generations of goats since 1986, totaling over 100 offspring. Two of his neighbors began raising goats from kids provided by Mr. Sutanto. He also provides his skills and knowledge to group members and neighbors that require technical assistance and consultation regarding livestock and agriculture.

Mr. Sutanto has become a well-respected livestock farmer. Old and young alike come to his home for advice. The sub-district head has often asked him to run for village chief. But he always refuses, for a simple reason; he is not interested. He is often asked by both Bina Swadaya and the local livestock technical agency to train farmers in Central Lampung. He has also transferred his knowledge to his wife, Titik (43). She can readily explain about various livestock and plant diseases. 

Goats have been sold to support their three children's education, something many families in their village are not able to do. The oldest son goes to high school and wants to continue on to university. A permanent and clean house, a motorcycle, and three bicycles are also results of selling goats. They were also able to rent some land plant watermelon in the dry season, which have yielded well. The goat manure is used on the watermelon field.

The goats have not just helped his socio-economic situation, or given him the unimaginable opportunity to meet the President of Indonesia, but they have also helped him to fulfill spiritual obligations. In addition to other obligations, all Muslims have a great desire to provide animals to sacrifice every Idul Adha holiday. The meat from these animals is then provided to people in need. Not every Muslim has the ability to provide animals for this holiday, even though they have a great desire to do so. Thankful to God, through assistance from the Bina Swadaya-Heifer International project, Pak Sutanto's family is able contribute animals for this holiday.