Joy of 500 Children at Istiqlal Mosque: Learning Moral Values Through Ramadan Storytelling Safari
The afternoon atmosphere at Jakarta’s Istiqlal Mosque on Saturday (7 March) felt distinctly different from usual. Laughter and cheerful voices filled one corner of the mosque as approximately 500 children from various orphanages, communities, and McDonald’s Kids Club gathered with considerable enthusiasm.
They were present to participate in the Ramadan Storytelling Safari (SADORA), an educational programme from McDonald’s Indonesia that combined moral values with interactive stories ahead of the iftar (breaking of fast) time.
The theme “Goodness and Care for All Living Creatures” guided children through important values such as mutual assistance, gratitude, and concern for the environment and fellow humans. The storytelling was expertly delivered by Rossie Setiawan, founder of the Reading Bugs community, who used animal interaction tales to instil empathy from an early age.
Ratna Wirahadikusumah, Director of Store Development Group of PT Rekso Nasional Food, expressed appreciation for the collaboration. “We are grateful to the Istiqlal Mosque Management Board for the opportunity to be part of this moment of togetherness in celebrating Ramadan at Istiqlal Mosque. This collaboration serves as a reminder for us to continue presenting initiatives that benefit the community broadly, in line with the spirit of Fully Indonesian,” she stated.
Dr. KH. Bukhori Saili Attahiri, Lc., MA, Head of Worship Management at the Istiqlal Mosque Management Board, also offered his appreciation. “Activities like this not only bring joy as iftar approaches but also instil important values in shaping children’s character,” he said.
As a concrete demonstration of care, McDonald’s Indonesia also symbolically presented donations to 100 orphaned children through the Istiqlal Mosque Management Board. The SADORA programme itself is an annual tradition that has existed since 2003 and has reached over 200,000 children throughout Indonesia.
This year has become particularly special as it coincides with the celebration of McDonald’s 35th year of presence in Indonesia. The programme’s reach was expanded to 51 regencies across 19 provinces to embrace more children in building positive character amid the challenges of the modern era.
For participants like Amira from Yatim Piatu Rasulullah SAW Foundation, this moment left a profound impression. “I was very happy to participate in SADORA. This was the first time I broke my fast at Istiqlal Mosque with friends whilst listening to an exciting story. From that tale, I learned that we should always do good and help one another,” she concluded.