Mostafa Atef Visits Refugees in Indonesia: Sharing Stories, Songs, and Hope

Jakarta, 15 January 2026 — Egyptian singer and UNHCR high-profile supporter Mostafa Atef was in Indonesia earlier this year to hold several concerts. Amid his busy schedule, he took the time to visit with UNHCR Indonesia to gain a closer understanding of the lives, dreams, and daily realities of refugees living in Indonesia.

The visit began at SDN Cireundeu 02, a public school where refugee children study side by side with Indonesian students. In shared classrooms, children learn together with equal opportunities to grow, play, and dream about their futures. During the visit, Mostafa spent time interacting with both refugee and Indonesian children: singing together, listening to one refugee child recite verses from the Holy Qur’an, and asking the students about their hopes and aspirations.

The journey continued to Alief Learning Center, a refugee-led organization that provides supplementary education for refugee children. Built by the community and led by refugees themselves, the center plays a vital role in preparing a better future for refugee children through education, solidarity, and resilience.

At the learning center, Mostafa chatted, sang, and recited verses from the Holy Qur’an together with the children, creating moments of joy and connection that transcended language and background.

Later in the day, Mostafa visited the home of a Rohingya refugee family. In a modest living space, stories of a long and difficult journey were shared: stories of losing home, living in uncertainty, and holding onto hope for a better tomorrow.

This series of visits allowed Mostafa Atef to witness firsthand the strength and perseverance of refugees in Indonesia. By listening to their stories, being present in moments of togetherness, and sharing music and faith, the visit helped ignite hope and reaffirm the importance of compassion, inclusion, and solidarity for those forced to flee their homes.