Dik Doang pays surprise visit to Banda Aceh

Singer-cum-sports presenter Dik Doang paid a surprise visit on Friday to the TVRI Banda Aceh shelter that houses victims of the Dec. 26 tsunami.

He tried to console the refugees, telling them to be strong despite their loss before challenging them to scream out loud Hidup Aceh (Long Live Aceh) to see who could shout the longest. Nurhayati (left in picture) won the contest.

Refugees, mostly children and women, jumped up to compete and the winner was awarded prayer carpets and attire, which many of the displaced people do not have after theirs were swept away by the tsunami.

The comic entertainer, who also led games for children, will visit other camps to spread the badly needed joy as he did in his first visit to Aceh. His visit is facilitated by the Dompet Dhu'afa philanthropic organization. -- JP