"Making Parents Proud": At Age 12, Muslim Maulana Chooses to Sell Crackers for His Family

Medan City, North Sumatra – (02/25/26) Late at night, when most children his age are busy playing on their gadgets or watching TV at home, Muslim Maulana still faithfully walks along the roadside carrying his goods. The crackers are hung on a wooden stick he balances on his shoulder. From a distance, Jessica saw a small child standing on the roadside with a carrying pole on his shoulder. She approached him and asked, "Hello, how much is one cracker, dear?" "Five thousand each," Muslim answered briefly. That simple conversation slowly revealed a life story far from ordinary for a child his age.

Muslim Maulana is only 12 years old. Yet the world he faces is no longer just about school desks and playtime, as he is forced to take on adult responsibilities and work long hours to support his family. That night, as the clock showed 8:30 PM, he was still on the roadside selling. With the carrying pole on his shoulder, he stood and waited for customers to come. When Jesicca asked why he worked at night, Muslim's answer was both mature and heartbreaking: "To help mom." Those two words were the main driver behind every small step he took through the darkness of the street.

Although relatively cheap, the crackers he sells are a source of livelihood. Jessica then decided to buy up all of Muslim's goods. "How much for everything?" she asked. "One hundred and ten thousand," Muslim answered. Jesicca tried to bargain, "Can you give a little discount?" Innocently, Muslim replied, "No, I can't, Miss.. I'm afraid the boss will get angry later." Jesicca just smiled at the child's honesty. Muslim learned from an early age that in trading, a set price is final, even though he was just a child still attending school.

Jesicca then asked more deeply. "Is your father still around?" The Muslim answered in a soft but clear voice, "Father is no longer here. He passed away." His father was gone. Since then, Muslim has become the small backbone of his family. He is the eldest of two siblings. It's just him, his younger sibling, and his mother, who also sells crackers.

What was most striking was when Jesicca asked about his dreams. Children his age might dream of becoming pilots, police officers, or doctors. But Muslim Maulana answered simply: "Make my parents proud." Extraordinary. Not a profession, but a determination to make his mother smile and his family proud. That is the simplest yet most noble dream he holds tightly between his sales, which sometimes don't sell much.

After buying all the goods, Jesicca gave him some money and advised him, "Save this money, okay? Don't let people see it." Muslim accepted it respectfully. Jessica also reminded Muslims to keep praying and not forget to ask for blessings. "I pray that you become a successful person in the future, dear," Jesicca said. Muslim answered softly, "Amen." The conversation ended with a farewell and a simple message: "Say hello to your mom for me. I'll take my leave now." Muslim smiled widely. That day, all his goods were sold. With a light step and no burden on his shoulders, he hurried home, having entrusted all the crackers to Jesicca. A happy smile was etched on his small face.

Amid all his limitations, with only a wooden stick and crackers balanced on his shoulder, he still goes to school, sells goods, and dreams of making his parents proud. He does not complain about lost playtime, because for him, family happiness is the greatest gift. Perhaps someday, a Muslim will truly become a successful person—not only successful in wealth, but successful in heart. Because at the age of 12, he has taught us all the true meaning of struggle.