Shidqie M.

Ashoka Young Changemaker
Headshot of AYC Shidqie smiling directly at the camera wearing a white shirt and a grey suit on a nature background.
Indonesia
Elected in 2023

Despre Shidqie M.

Shidqie encourages children to limit their screen time and to play outdoors for social, cognitive and physical development.

As a child, Shidqie had a passion for games and gadgets, but he also noticed that the streets around his home were quiet because children rarely played outside. Upon discovering that Indonesian children were spending an average of 5.5 hours per day on gadgets, compared to the recommended 2 hours per day, Shidqie took action. He created a weekly playing schedule called "AyoMaen" (Let’s Play) in 2017 for his neighborhood, with the support of local parents and teachers. After successfully managing the initiative for two years, Shidqie and his team of 10 friends expanded this concept into ecotourism activities, where children could play and learn in the natural environment. They organized these activities in their neighborhood and boarding school, and even created tour packages for other schools. Additionally, they published a "Gadget Diet" module to help parents and teachers encourage adventure-based discipline among children. As a result, AyoMaen has positively impacted thousands of children in various provinces throughout Indonesia.

Shidqie was determined to expand the reach of his initiative to other parts of Indonesia so that more children can benefit from its positive influence. He believed that by fostering a connection to the surroundings, young people will develop empathy, which serves as the foundation for creating positive change.