In a world where screens dominate childhood experiences, Adkhilni Mudkhala Shidqie is rewriting the rules—one outdoor game at a time. At just 17 years old, this Indonesian changemaker has turned his struggle with gadget addiction into a nationwide movement, proving that playtime isn’t just a pastime—it’s a necessity.

As a child, Shidqie was deeply immersed in the digital world. By the age of 10, he was not only playing games but also making money from them, earning up to 4 million rupiah ($250) at just 10 years old. However, he soon realized that his love for gaming came at a cost—his social life, his physical activity, and even his mental well-being. Walking through his neighborhood, he noticed something troubling: the streets were eerily silent. The once-lively sound of children playing had been replaced by the quiet hum of digital screens.

Determined to change this, Shidqie founded Gerakan AyoMaen (Let’s Play Movement) in 2017, a community-driven initiative that encourages children to step away from their gadgets and rediscover the joy of outdoor play. What started as a simple weekly play session in his neighborhood quickly gained traction, drawing the attention of parents, educators, and social innovators.

Building a Movement, One Game at a Time
With the support of local parents and teachers, AyoMaen flourished. Within two years, Shidqie and his team of 10 friends had expanded the initiative into an ecotourism project where children could engage in outdoor adventures while learning about nature. They organized interactive play sessions at their boarding school, Peacesantren Welas Asih in Garut, and even developed tour packages for other schools, integrating play into educational experiences.

Realizing that the issue extended beyond just children, Shidqie and his team also created a "Gadget Diet" module, a guide designed to help parents and educators manage screen time through adventure-based learning and discipline. His approach wasn’t about banning gadgets—it was about restoring balance, ensuring that digital entertainment didn’t replace real-world interactions.

Recognized as a Changemaker
In 2023, Shidqie’s impact earned him a place among Ashoka Young Changemakers, a prestigious global network of young leaders who are driving social change. But for him, recognition is secondary to the mission. His vision is clear: to expand AyoMaen beyond West Java and inspire a cultural shift across Indonesia, where children embrace outdoor play as a core part of their development.

 

 

 

 

 

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The Future of AyoMaen
As technology continues to evolve, so does the challenge of balancing screen time with real-world experiences. But with young leaders like Shidqie at the forefront, the future looks promising. His journey serves as a powerful reminder that social change doesn’t require age or authority—just a vision, determination, and the courage to take the first step.

So the next time you see a child glued to a screen, remember Shidqie’s story. Because sometimes, all it takes to change the world is a simple invitation: AyoMaen—Let’s Play!