Ten-Year-Old Fendi's Dream to Become a Policeman Persists Despite Dropping Out of School to Care for Ailing Mother
Ahmad Tri Efendi (10), still harbours his ambition of becoming a policeman despite having been forced to drop out of school to care for his ailing mother. Fendi’s story went viral on social media and moved Gunungkidul Regent to sympathise with his plight. The Gunungkidul district government has committed to ensuring Fendi can return to school.
detikJogja visited Fendi’s home in Jeruken hamlet, Girisekar, Panggang, Gunungkidul, on Monday, 16 March 2026. At his residence, Fendi’s father appeared to be bedridden in a bed located in the living room. Fendi’s father struggled to speak, whilst his mother Siaminah (45) remained in a nearby bedroom in a weakened state. Fendi was observed sitting beside his bedridden mother.
Fendi spoke sparingly when asked about his desire to return to school, responding mainly through body gestures. “Ngggg,” Fendi said whilst lowering his head when asked whether he wished to return to school on Monday, 16 March 2026.
On a daily basis, Fendi looks after his mother, serving her meals and drinks and engaging her in conversation. Fendi confessed that he often sleeps very late at night because he must care for his mother. “Give (her) drinks, hold (support) mother. Sometimes (I) sleep at 11, 12 at night, waiting for mother to fall asleep first,” he said softly.
Fendi appeared like any other child. In conversation with detikJogja, he shared that he enjoys mathematics lessons and dreams of becoming a policeman. “I like addition and subtraction, I once scored 100,” he said. “My dream is to become a policeman. I like football, I like players like Cristiano Ronaldo,” he remarked.
Three Years Out of School
Fendi has been out of school for three years now. The last time he attended school was in first grade. He stopped attending school when his mother suffered a stroke and became unable to care for herself. His father’s condition is similarly dire. Fendi consequently ceased schooling and took on the role of caring for his mother.
“Because his mother is ill, Fendi stopped school. The reason for dropping out is the lack of parental support, as both his parents are unwell. And everything depends on his mother too,” said Wahono, the head of neighbourhood association RT 06 Jeruken.
“So because there is no response for his education, no encouragement from his parents regarding schooling, Fendi prefers to stay at home waiting for his ailing mother,” Wahono continued.
His Father is Also Ill
Regarding the care Fendi provides, Wahono noted that Fendi’s father, Slamet (51), suffers from a nerve disease that severely restricts his mobility. “Fendi always cares for his mother by holding her and giving her drinks. For other tasks, such as feeding, his father still does that. So Fendi is able to make his mother smile,” Wahono said.
Wahono also revealed that the school previously offered Fendi the opportunity to return to education, but Fendi declined. Similarly, residents offered him placement at an orphanage foundation in Bantul, which he also rejected. “Early on, family members, relatives, and the school came to persuade him to continue his education, but Fendi still refused. Previously, residents offered him a place at an orphanage foundation in Bantul at no cost. But since he could only visit home at most once every few months, Fendi did not want to go,” he said.
Gunungkidul Regent Sympathises
Fendi’s story of dropping out of school circulated on social media and reached Gunungkidul Regent Endah Subekti Kuntariningsih, who stated she would ensure Fendi can return to school. Endah also lamented that information of this nature should not have to go viral before being known. She called on all residents, from neighbourhood association level to village officials, to immediately report any similar conditions in their areas.
“Cases like this should not be allowed to persist for three years or even one month. It is our duty as faithful people to help one another,” Endah said in a written statement on Sunday, 15 March 2026.
Fendi actually has two older siblings: his sister still attends a state junior secondary school in Gunungkidul, whilst his eldest brother has migrated for work and cannot care for their parents. Endah stated that her office has partnered with the National Alms Board (Baznas) to discuss business capital for Fendi’s elder brother so that he could work near home without having to migrate.
“The government is also ensuring that this family has received social assistance interventions, including the Family Hope Programme (PKH), Food Aid (BPNT), and Health Insurance (BPJS),” Endah affirmed.