Indonesian readings / Beginner 2 / Work & Professions

The Rice Farmer

Petani Padi

Petani padi bekerja di sawah setiap hari. Ia bangun pagi, memeriksa cuaca, lalu menyiapkan alat sederhana. Di lahan basah, ia berjalan pelan agar tidak merusak bibit. Ia memakai topi lebar untuk melindungi kepala dari matahari. Pekerjaan ini membutuhkan sabar dan tenaga. Pada awal musim, petani merendam benih, menanam bibit, dan mengatur aliran air. Irigasi sangat penting, karena tanaman padi suka air yang cukup. Ia membersihkan gulma, mengusir hama, dan mengecek tanah. Jika hujan terlalu deras, ia membuat parit kecil agar air tidak menumpuk. Ia belajar dari orang tua dan tetangga, dan saling membantu saat kerja berat. Siang hari, panas terasa kuat. Petani beristirahat sebentar, minum air, dan makan nasi sederhana bersama keluarga di gubuk kecil. Mereka berbicara tentang hasil panen, harga beras, dan rencana untuk minggu depan. Setelah itu, ia kembali bekerja dengan hati tenang. Anak anak sering datang setelah sekolah untuk melihat sawah dan membantu sedikit. Ketika padi menguning, saat panen tiba. Petani memotong batang, mengikat, lalu menjemur gabah. Ia menimbang hasil, membagi untuk makan, untuk dijual, dan untuk benih. Pekerjaan petani padi memberi makan banyak orang. Meski sederhana, pekerjaannya mulia dan sangat penting.

English Translation

The rice farmer works in the rice field every day. He wakes up in the morning, checks the weather, then prepares simple tools. In the wet land, he walks slowly so that he does not damage the seedlings. He wears a wide hat to protect his head from the sun. This work requires patience and energy. At the beginning of the season, the farmer soaks seeds, plants seedlings, and manages the flow of water. Irrigation is very important, because rice plants like enough water. He cleans weeds, drives away pests, and checks the soil. If the rain is too heavy, he makes small ditches so that water does not accumulate. He learns from parents and neighbors, and they help each other during hard work. At midday, the heat feels strong. The farmer rests for a moment, drinks water, and eats simple rice with his family in a small hut. They talk about the harvest result, the price of rice, and plans for next week. After that, he goes back to work with a calm heart. Children often come after school to see the fields and help a little. When the rice turns yellow, harvest time arrives. The farmer cuts the stalks, ties them, then dries the grains in the sun. He weighs the yield, divides it for food, for selling, and for seeds. The work of the rice farmer feeds many people. Although simple, his job is noble and very important.