Viral: The Story of the Tidore Mayor's Son Working as a Construction Worker, Living Independently Without His Family's Name

Amidst various reports regarding the luxurious lifestyles of officials’ families that frequently draw public scrutiny, a different story has emerged from Eastern Indonesia that is capturing the attention of netizens.

A young man named Muhammad Rafdi Maradjabessy, the son of the Mayor of Tidore Islands, North Maluku, Muhammad Sinen, has chosen to lead a simple life by working as a construction worker to meet his own living needs. This inspiring story has resurfaced after being reposted by the Instagram account @rumpi_gosip, bringing back a narrative that went viral several years ago and garnered significant public appreciation.

Muhammad Rafdi is not a new figure in public discourse. In 2019, he drew attention after a photo showing him working on a building project circulated widely on social media. In the photograph, Rafdi appeared in simple clothing covered in dust and cement stains. His appearance was far removed from the typical impression of a regional official’s child, who are often associated with a life of abundance.

At the time, Rafdi was seen performing physical labour like any other construction worker, using a shovel to scrape sand and assisting in the construction process without displaying his identity or family status. This attitude immediately impressed many, as it was seen as reflecting the values of hard work and independence.

Behind Rafdi’s decision to work hard from a young age lies the strong upbringing provided by his father. Muhammad Sinen is known to have instilled the principle of independence in all his children since they were in school. “My father always said that being a Mayor is temporary, so you must become independent children,” said Rafdi.

This principle has remained Rafdi’s guiding principle into adulthood. He chooses to seek an income through his own efforts and does not depend on his parents’ position or influence. For him, being the child of a regional head is no reason to receive special treatment. Muhammad Sinen himself provides full support for his son’s life choice. According to him, the position he holds is merely a temporary mandate; therefore, his children must possess the ability to survive and work hard without relying on the facilities provided by their parents’ status.