Fendi Wants to Return to School; Gunungkidul Religious Affairs Office Waives Educational Costs

The Gunungkidul Regency Religious Affairs Office (Kemenag) stated that Ahmad Tri Efendi (10), a boy from Jeruken, Girisekar, Panggang, Gunungkidul who dropped out of school whilst caring for his mother, is now willing to return to school. The Kemenag Gunungkidul will waive all educational fees and charges whilst Fendi attends school.

Mukotip, Head of the Gunungkidul Kemenag Office, stated that Fendi previously attended one of the Madrasah Ibtidaiyah schools in Girisekar. Mukotip therefore believes it is his responsibility to ensure Fendi returns to school.

“Fendi is our child because he attended Madrasah Ibtidaiyah. Children from various backgrounds certainly need assistance. It is not simply that Fendi is a child who does not want to attend school, but rather an effect of the family’s economic conditions,” he told journalists in Wonosari, Gunungkidul, on Tuesday (17 March 2026).

Mukotip explained that Fendi’s family’s economic situation is poor because his father has suffered a stroke. Meanwhile, Fendi’s mother has gone blind due to nerve disease.

“Perhaps the child’s sensitivity towards his parents and the fact that his parents cannot do anything is what causes them not to attend school,” he said.

For this reason, Mukotip ensured that Fendi will return to school. Furthermore, Mukotip will waive all fees and charges whilst Fendi attends school.

“First, I asked for Fendi to enrol, and thank God he will enrol. Why? I am confident because we want our child, I will educate him and free him from all charges, and I have asked the madrasah head to waive everything,” he said.

Secondly, continued Mukotip, the Gunungkidul Kemenag Office will support whatever needs Fendi may have. Additionally, Kemenag will also encourage Fendi to continue his education through any level.

“We will resolve problems like this. So that children can receive equal and quality education, thereby improving the quality of human resources in Gunungkidul,” he said.

It was previously reported that the Gunungkidul Regency Government has been working to help Ahmad Tri Efendi (10), a boy from Jeruken, Girisekar, Panggang, Gunungkidul, return to school after dropping out to care for his mother. However, the boy, commonly called Fendi, admitted he was still uncertain.

Fendi appeared reluctant to speak when asked about his desire to return to school. In fact, Fendi only used body gestures to answer the question.

“Hmmmm,” said Fendi whilst lowering his head when asked whether he wanted to return to school or not, on Monday (16 March).

When asked whether his reason was because he wanted to care for his mother, Fendi nodded in agreement. This is because Fendi is very close to his mother, Siaminah (45).

“Yes (wanting to care for mother),” said Fendi whilst nodding his head.

In caring for his mother, continued Fendi, he does things such as giving her water and talking with her. In fact, Fendi admitted that he often stays up late at night caring for his mother.

“Giving her water, holding mother. When sleeping, sometimes at 11, 12 o’clock at night, waiting for mother to fall asleep first,” he said quietly.