{
    "success": true,
    "data": {
        "id": 1770279,
        "msgid": "disabled-singers-voices-echo-at-jakartas-istiqlal-mosque-1779979768",
        "date": "2026-05-28 17:26:59",
        "title": "Disabled singers' voices echo at Jakarta's Istiqlal Mosque",
        "author": "",
        "source": "ANTARA_ID",
        "tags": "",
        "topic": "Social Policy",
        "summary": "A blind singer and her sister rely on performing at Jakarta's Istiqlal Mosque during Idul Adha to earn a living, as government disability cash assistance remains unavailable. Their daily earnings, which fluctuate between Rp100,000 and Rp600,000, underscores the challenges faced by disabled Indonesians without adequate social support.",
        "content": "<p>Unfortunately, as of today, the much-awaited disability cash\nassistance has yet materialised. Jakarta (ANTARA) \u2013 The dawn at\nBojonggede Station in Bogor, West Java, was still shrouded in fog as\nDika and her sister Niar rushed to catch the earliest commuter train to\nJakarta. It coincided with the celebration of Idul Adha 1447 Hijriyah,\nwhen millions prepared to reunite with family, but the two women chose\nto travel dozens of kilometres to seek seasonal fortune at the heart of\nthe capital. Their steps finally settled at the gates of Istiqlal\nMosque, facing the elegant cathedral across the street. As the sermon\nconcluded and worshippers began to exit, Dika immediately spring into\naction. Her strong fingers gripped the handheld loudspeaker, hoisting it\nonto her shoulders. Leaning on a cane in her right hand, the blind woman\ntook a deep breath, brought the microphone close to her lips, and began\nsinging. \u2018On holidays like this, the crowds are larger and more\ngenerous,\u2019 N whispered, occasionally adjusting Dika\u2019s stance to avoid\nbeing pushed by the growing crowds. For Dika, the hustle of footsteps\nand the scent of perfume around her signaled the start of her stage.\nWith her acute hearing, she captured every detail of the surroundings as\nopportunities. Her clear, religious melodies cut through the city\u2019s\nnoise, instantly transforming the courtyard into a space of warmth. This\nmarked the third consecutive year Dika and N relied on Istiqlal for hope\nduring religious occasions. Their resources were modest: a modified mini\nelectric speaker, a microphone, and genuine vocal talent honed from\nskills training at a special blind dormitory years ago. That skill has\npreserved their dignity on Jakarta\u2019s harsh streets. Rather than beg for\ncharity, Dika chose to vocalise, offering honest work to touch hearts.\nBecoming a street musician was the most logical step Dika could take to\nsupport her family. On regular days, she and N had to move between\noffice districts and markets in East and South Jakarta. Their earnings\nwere uncertain. \u2018When it\u2019s quiet, even Rp100,000 is a blessing. But on\ngood days, Alhamdulillah, we can take home Rp300,000,\u2019 N said\ncheerfully. The festive atmosphere at Istiqlal always promises a\ndifferent story. The generosity of those who have just completed their\nprayers often fills their donation boxes with stacks of cash. Digital\nwallets add to this; on average, donors scan QR codes for over Rp5,000\neach, allowing them to collect Rp500,000 to Rp600,000 in a day. Behind\nthe optimism\u2026<\/p>",
        "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/disabled-singers-voices-echo-at-jakartas-istiqlal-mosque-1779979768",
        "image": ""
    },
    "sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
    "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}