Jestham Takes Lukman on a 2-Minute Shopping Spree at Indomaret

Medan City, North Sumatra – (02/01/26) After a brief previous encounter left a deep impression, Jestham once again sought out the teenage donut seller known for his perseverance. More than just a casual greeting, this time Jestham came with a special mission she had been planning for a long time. She wanted to invite Lukman, the boy who usually sells his goods using his bicycle, to experience something he might never have had before: shopping for basic necessities to his heart's content. Behind this exciting plan lay a hope to lighten the burden of Lukman’s family, who struggle every day without the presence of a father.

The meeting began with a warm greeting from Jestham, who had been searching for Lukman for a while. "You're truly amazing, you know. At your age, you should still be playing, going to school," Jestham said, her tone filled with both admiration and concern. Lukman, still very young, answered innocently, "Yes, I’m helping my parents, Ma'am. Because Dad is no longer here, there's no one else to provide for us." This simple sentence marked the beginning of an emotional journey they were about to undertake. Jestham then immediately made an offer that made Lukman's eyes light up: shopping for groceries to fulfill his household needs.

The shopping plan began amidst laughter. Jestham challenged Lukman to fill a shopping basket in just two minutes. "You can buy anything you want, everything that's in here. Household necessities, in two minutes. So when the two minutes are up, stop," Jestham explained. With great enthusiasm, they ran through the aisles. "Quick, quick, rice, rice! Cooking oil, cooking oil, cooking oil! Fill it up for your mom!" Jestham shouted, cheering him on. Lukman moved swiftly, grabbing eggs, instant noodles, and soap, creating moments filled with laughter and simple, yet profoundly meaningful, happiness.

Amidst the sweet chaos of shopping, another deeply touching side of Lukman emerged. When reaching for milk, Jestham initially picked the wrong one, but Lukman quickly corrected her. "This one, Ma'am, this is the one Mom likes," he said. Jestham then realized, "Oh, your mom likes this milk." Lukman nodded, "Yes, she likes Dancow milk." Without being asked, he consistently prioritized his mother at home. This moment showed that despite being only 16 years old, Lukman possessed extraordinary maturity.

Their conversation continued to deeper topics, touching on the reason Lukman had to stop school. Honestly, Lukman admitted that he had stopped on his own after graduating from elementary school. "I’m just helping my parents because Dad is no longer here," he said softly. Jestham then asked about his father, who had been gone for six years. Lukman expressed how much he missed him. When asked what he would like to say to his father, his answer was simple, "I miss him, you know." I really miss him." He even recounted that his father’s passing due to diabetes happened right before his eyes—an event that must have left a deep wound in his heart.

When asked about his dreams, Lukman, who had been so energetic during the shopping, fell silent. "I don't really know anymore, Ma'am. I figured, since I'm not in school, I don't think about dreams anymore; I just help my parents," he revealed. However, he did share that when he was still in school, he had dreamed of becoming a teacher. "I wanted to be a teacher, like Dad," he said, showing just how significant his father's role was and how much he missed the leader of his family. Although he is now more focused on survival, that glimpse of a future still remains faintly in his memory.

At the end of this meaningful time together, Jestham not only shared groceries but also encouragement and prayers. She bought all of Lukman’s remaining donuts, surprising him by paying more than the asking price. Jestham also left him with a message: "Remember, always pray regularly, okay?" Little Lukman, full of resilience, thanked her with a sincere prayer. This journey was not just about shopping for groceries; it was about how sincerity can serve as a reminder that amidst life’s hardships, there are still hands ready to help and bring new hope to those who tirelessly continue their struggle.