35 Years of Ramadan Celebrations, Introducing the Ramadan Story Safari and Idulfitri Open House
For more than three decades, McDonald’s Indonesia has consistently used Ramadan as a moment to strengthen ties of friendship and to share kindness. In line with the spirit of Sepenuhnya Indonesia, the theme ‘Taste of Gratitude, Warmth of Togetherness’ has been chosen as the throughline for all initiatives presented this year. This theme reflects the resilient, optimistic, family-oriented character of Indonesian society, who are grateful in various circumstances.
That spirit is manifested through a range of programs that not only bring joy and a warm atmosphere but also deliver tangible benefits to support education, social concern, and the welfare of local partners.
‘This 35-year milestone reflects our journey of growing alongside Indonesian society. Ramadan is always a space to deliver warmer and more meaningful experiences, whether through menu innovations or programs that foster care. Through this series of Ramadan initiatives this year, we want to strengthen McDonald’s Indonesia’s role in creating spaces of togetherness that are warm, inclusive, and impactful. Therefore, this year our program is not limited to Ramadan alone, but we will maximise it even after Idul Fitri to offer greater appreciation and contribution to customers, communities, local partners, and employees,’ said Caroline Kurniadjaja, Associate Director of Marketing McDonald’s Indonesia.
As a flagship program that has run since 2003 and reaches more than 200,000 children, the Ramadan Story Safari (SADORA) returns with interactive storytelling sessions rich in educational value and moral messages to accompany the pre-Iftar period. Observing last year’s enthusiastic participation exceeding 6,800 children, McDonald’s Indonesia is now expanding the program to 51 regencies/cities across 19 provinces, increasing participation capacity by more than twofold so more children can benefit.
SADORA is open to the public and runs from 26 February to 15 March 2026. To maximise impact, McDonald’s Indonesia is also presenting a special SADORA edition at 35 locations centralized across various McDonald’s Indonesia restaurants, shopping centres, and mosques. In the event, orphans are invited to listen to the stories, share Iftar together, and receive donations, so the value of sharing is felt more deeply by participants.
Under the theme ‘Kindness and Care for All Living Beings’, the fairy tales in SADORA invite children to understand the importance of empathy, responsibility, and gratitude—not only to fellow humans, but also to animals and the surrounding environment. This year’s special SADORA edition also includes a parenting seminar with a similar theme. The seminar gives parents a space to gain additional understanding and practical tips for adopting parenting approaches that support the development of positive character in today’s era,’ said Nisfie Hoesein, Child Development Psychologist.
Strengthening togetherness and appreciation for communities and partners
To enrich this Ramadan initiative series, McDonald’s Indonesia also hosts a range of sharing activities lasting beyond Idul Fitri. One of them is an open-house event with customers, communities, orphans, senior citizens from old-age homes, former employees, and supplier partners to enjoy McDonald’s menu for free, while also showcasing talent through art performances. The event will take place from 26–30 March 2026 at 10 restaurants across Jakarta, West Java, East Java, Riau, and Makassar. Additionally, free McDonald’s meals will be provided to the first 100 visitors at the open-house event.
Several other activities are introduced to make this Ramadan more vibrant and joyful. One example is Iftar Tawa, a breaking-fast gathering packaged as a stand-up comedy session and a brief religious sermon at four McDonald’s Indonesia restaurants in Jakarta, South Tangerang, and Bekasi.
McDonald’s Indonesia also recognises its delivery partners (BangDi & NonDi) with activities that foster sharing and strengthen togetherness, such as ‘Share Suhoor for BangDi & NonDi’ and the ‘Customer Treat BangDi & NonDi’ program, inviting customer participation. Through these initiatives, McDonald’s Indonesia has distributed 2,601 Nasi Uduk packets and beverages to BangDi & NonDi to accompany them during the fast-breaking period on their journeys. The series of activities will conclude with the Halalbihalal gathering with BangDi & NonDi from 6–11 April 2026 at 77 restaurants across 35 cities.
This Ramadan season at McDonald’s Indonesia is even more festive with the return of Ayam McD Gulai, a dish that has won customer affection since its launch in 2021, 2023, and 2024. Inspired by the riches of Nusantara spices, the dish features a warm gulai sauce closely tied to Indonesia’s culinary tradition. This year, Ayam McD Gulai arrives with additional innovations.