I wish to be an astronaut

Eight-year-old Zulkifli is a curious, imaginative boy with a deep love for the stars. Since he was just 9 months old, he has bravely faced the challenges of congenital heart disease, yet his sense of wonder has never dimmed. Mathematics and astronomy endlessly fascinate him, and his mind is constantly dreaming of galaxies, planets and the mysteries of space. Mars, in particular, has always captured his imagination.
When asked about his wish, Zulkifli didn’t hesitate. In his wish pack, he drew stars and a rocket, illustrating a dream that felt deeply personal to him. “I want to be an astronaut and see the planets up close,” he shared with quiet determination.
His wish brought that dream came to life.
Zulkifli was invited to Jakarta’s Planetarium & Observatory, where he watched in awe as the galaxy unfolded above him. Surrounded by the stars and planets he had always admired from afar, he sat completely absorbed in the experience, as though he had stepped straight into the universe he had imagined for so long.
The adventure continued as Zulkifli explored science in ways he had never experienced before. He created floating air bubbles, watching them drift through the air with delight, and launched his own handmade rocket, cheering as it soared upward. Filled with excitement, he asked to repeat each activity again and again, his laughter and joy lighting up the room.
This wish was a chance to explore the universe he had always dreamed about. For children with a critical illness, their world can shrink and feel very small and limited. So, for Zulkifli to feel the wonder of discovery, and to experience, even briefly, what it feels like to reach for the stars, is a powerful reminder to keep hope. And never stop dreaming.