JAKARTA —-— Joy was clearly visible on the face of Azka Fatih Irawan (8) as he participated in the Remember 2026 event at Ecovention Ancol, Jakarta, on Sunday (March 8, 2026). The first-grader from Pasar Nalo, North Jakarta, came with his friend, Ahmas Balfas Zein (13), a sixth-grader also from North Jakarta.
For both of them, the Remember event was a truly enjoyable experience. Throughout the event, they were accompanied by older volunteer mentors who made the atmosphere even warmer and filled with stories.
“It was so much fun to join this event. The mentors were also great; they often encouraged us to share stories,” they said.
Balfas explained that he and dozens of friends from his neighborhood traveled to the event location using TransJakarta buses provided by the organizers. During the trip, they were accompanied by the organizers until they arrived at the venue.
Upon arriving at Ecovention Ancol, Balfas and his friends were immediately greeted by the volunteer mentors. From start to finish, these volunteers stayed with them throughout every part of the event.
“From the moment we arrived until it was over, we were always accompanied by our mentors,” said Balfas.
Read also: Serving as a Mentor at Remember 2026: An Unforgettable Experience for Rifda Aulia
During the event, they also received various Ramadan gifts. Balfas said she received a bag, prayer supplies, a gift package containing food and snacks, and a monetary gift envelope. She was more than happy to show off what she had received.
But for Balfas, it wasn’t just the gifts that made her happy. One of the most memorable moments for her was watching the various performances on the main stage—ranging from salawat, singing, dancing, pantun parodies, to theatrical acts.
Although she didn’t perform on stage, she thoroughly enjoyed watching her friends showcase their diverse talents and creativity. The atmosphere became even more lively when the older volunteer mentors joined in to liven up the stage with a few performances.
Additionally, the shared iftar moment was also an unforgettable experience for Balfas. He felt happy to sit together with thousands of children his age to enjoy the iftar meal.
“It was so much fun to break the fast together with so many friends,” he said.
Read also: Remember 2026: Bringing Joy to 3,000 Orphans and Underprivileged Children in Ancol
Balfas is an orphan who lives with his mother and older brother in their modest home. Behind the cheerfulness he displays lies a strong determination for his future. He promises to keep striving and studying diligently so he can achieve his dream of becoming a successful person and a Quran memorizer who brings pride to his family.
Azka shares the same spirit. Since childhood, Azka has been an orphan and is now raised by his grandmother. Despite this, he remains cheerful and full of energy while participating in various activities at Remember.
For Azka and Balfas, the camaraderie in Remember’s activities is an experience they will always remember. A moment when they feel accompanied, valued, and surrounded by many people who care about their future. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Riza Muthohar
Editor: Dhika