Azizah, the Kindergarten Girl Caring for Her Father, Wants to Become a Doctor; Yogyakarta City Government Promises Assistance
Azizah Chandrasari (6), the kindergarten girl who has been caring for her father, Hermanto (56), who is ill, while managing the household, has garnered much sympathy. Azizah has a noble aspiration; she wants to become a veterinarian. The Mayor of Yogyakarta, Hadi Wardoyo, has promised to monitor the process of Azizah’s education to help her achieve her dream.
Observations by detikJogja this afternoon at the Bumi Damai Temporary Shelter Foundation in Kotagede, Yogyakarta City, showed Hadi along with a group from the city services visiting the location, which is now Azizah’s place of residence. Hadi was seen talking with Hermanto, her father, and Azizah.
Amid discussions about Azizah’s accommodation at the shelter, Hadi also asked about Azizah’s dream. The little girl confidently answered that she wants to become a veterinarian.
“What do you want to be when you grow up, Azizah?” Hadi asked Azizah on Sunday (19/4/2026).
“I want to be a doctor. A veterinarian,” she replied with a smile.
After speaking with Azizah, Hadi admitted he was moved by the girl’s noble aspiration. He promised to help Azizah realise her dream.
“I am touched because I am a doctor and have a special impression of Azizah. She is honest and has a heartfelt spirit to become a doctor. Her father also said that whenever asked, she always wants to be a doctor,” said Hadi.
“I will help ensure Azizah can achieve her aspiration. If she is truly enthusiastic, God willing, we can support Azizah to become a doctor,” he continued.
Hadi stated that the Yogyakarta City Government is also providing various forms of assistance to Azizah, including for her father’s medical treatment.
“The concrete assistance includes our UPT for neglected children. But this UPT may not cover everything. Therefore, we collaborate with partners, such as the Temporary Shelter Foundation, to help children who are the targets,” he explained.
“We also asked her father to undergo surgery at the city hospital. The referral will be handled, as there are surgeons there, and even neurosurgery consultations are possible,” he emphasised.
It is known that for the past two weeks or so, Azizah has had to care for her father, Hermanto (56), who is ill, while managing the household. Ironically, Azizah has taken on these tasks while her small body is also unwell.
Hermanto, who works daily as a scavenger, suffers from an illness that he himself admits he does not fully understand the name of. A fairly large lump has appeared on his head, making his body prone to pain when exposed to heat and rain.
Azizah lives with her father and younger brother, Agip Pranata (5), in a 3x3 metre rented room in Mrican, Giwangan, Umbulharjo, Yogyakarta City. The small rented room is only about 2 metres from the banks of the Gajah Wong River.
To make ends meet, Hermanto cycles around Yogyakarta City daily searching for plastic bottles and cardboard to sell. Little Agip always accompanies Hermanto on his rounds every day.