INSIDE:
NEWS/STORIES/ARTICLES
Book Reviews
Columns/Opinion/Cartoon
Films
International
National
NW/Local
Recipes
Special A.C.E. Stories
Sports
Online Paper (PDF)
CLASSIFIED SECTION
Bids & Public Notices
NW Job Market
NW RESOURCE GUIDE
Consulates
Organizations
Scholarships
Special Sections
Asian Reporter Info
Contact Us
Subscription Info. & Back
Issues
FOLLOW US
Facebook
ASIA LINKS
Currency Exchange
Time Zones
More Asian Links
Copyright © 1990 - 2025
AR Home
International News
Yahya Edward Hendrawan, who is also known as "Yahya the Clown," checks his makeup before giving an Islamic religious class during a Ramadan event at an elementary school in Tangerang, Indonesia. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)
Yahya Edward Hendrawan, who is also known as "Yahya the Clown," gives an Islamic religious class during a Ramadan event at an elementary school in Tangerang, Indonesia. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)
From The Asian Reporter, V35, #4 (April 7, 2025), page 2.
Indonesian sharia clown teaches Islamic values to children
TANGERANG, Indonesia (AP) — Wearing a colorful costume, red nose, and a turban on his head, Yahya Hendrawan performs as a clown in Indonesian schools, teaching Islamic values to children and teenagers.
He started out working birthday parties as a side hustle. But in 2010, his religious teacher encouraged him to become a modern-day Abu Nawas, a legendary Arabic poet known for his wit, wisdom, humor, and clever wordplay, so he could bring a cheerful, lighthearted approach to teaching religion.
Hendrawan, now known as Yahya Badut, or Yahya the Clown, has embraced that vision. He founded, along with some fellow clowns, the Sharia Clown Foundation, a neighborhood initiative that blends entertainment with religious education.
Hendrawan teaches every weekday afternoon in a library at his house and occasionally at a school or orphanage with his clown partners.
He often begins lessons with a cheerful song, encouraging children to share a smile. Other clowns open with magic tricks.
"There is a hadith that says: Your sweet smile in front of your brothers is charity. So we must prioritize smiles and greetings. When meeting friends, shaking hands, smile … You are good. I am good. Thank god," Hendrawan said.
By being funny and cheerful, Hendrawan says he hopes the children will quickly absorb his lessons about morals, manners, and Islamic values.
* * *
Read the current issue of The Asian Reporter in its entirety!
Go to <www.asianreporter.com/completepaper.htm>!