Heartbreaking Story of Rempeyek Vendor's Child Left by Father, Dedi Mulyadi Steps In to Help

The Governor of West Java, Dedi Mulyadi, was recently inspecting the urban redevelopment process of the Jalan Sukajadi area in Bandung. During the visit, he requested the removal of an excessive iron fence that was deemed to be obstructing the street area, suggesting that only one section should be maintained to create a more open environment.

Amidst the monitoring process, Dedi Mulyadi was approached by several children wishing to take photos with him. However, his attention was drawn to a young boy standing quietly while carrying goods for sale—specifically, rempeyek (traditional Indonesian crackers).

KDM (as he is affectionately known) approached the child to strike up a conversation, asking about his schooling. The boy, who is currently in the 6th grade, shared that his parents are divorced and he lives with his mother, who works in a salon. His father currently resides in Purwakarta.

The conversation became emotional as the boy, visibly tearful, admitted he deeply misses his father, whom he has not lived with for over two years. When asked if his father provides any financial support or school fees, the boy replied that he receives no such maintenance, and his mother bears all the expenses alone.

The child shared that his daily pocket money ranges from Rp5,000 to Rp10,000, much of which he is able to save because he receives the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme at school. After school hours, he works to earn extra income by selling between 15 to 20 packets of rempeyek. If he sells his entire stock, he can earn a profit of approximately Rp40,000, all of which he puts into his savings. Moved by the boy’s resilience, Dedi Mulyadi expressed interest in learning more about the child’s savings and circumstances.