Learn to be happy
Happiness isn’t a finish line where problems disappear, but a journey of finding meaning and peace in every stage of life.
Why Syamsi Dhuha?
Syamsi Dhuha means "morning light." This name serves as a constant reminder that even in the darkest times, hope will always be there to guide you.
Born from our founder's personal journey of battling lupus and low vision, Syamsi Dhuha is here to be a safe space for you. It is a place where we can learn to make peace with our circumstances, find the courage to move forward, turn our challenges into meaningful purposes, and ultimately become a source of goodness for others.
Where It All Began
When our founder, Dian W. Syarief, was diagnosed with lupus in the early 2000s, the hardest part wasn't just the lack of medical information—it was the absence of a safe space to share the heavy burden and realize she wasn’t alone.
Syamsi Dhuha was founded in Bandung in 2003 to fill that very gap. We wanted to ensure there was a home for those battling chronic conditions and low vision—a place where you feel understood, connected, and empowered to thrive.
What started as a small support circle in a living room has grown into a community that is deeply committed to helping people rediscover their joy.
Day One of the Journey
Giving a Voice to Lupus Survivors
Indonesia’s First World Lupus Day
First International Recognition
Recognition from the WHO
National Petitions & Global Collaborations
Cecendet: The Fruit of Years of Research
Showing Up Through the Pandemic
Opening Doors for the Next Generation
A New Chapter
Our Journey’s Impact
Rp1,3
Billion+
Healthcare Access
Distributed since 2004 to cover inpatient and outpatient costs not covered by BPJS (national health insurance), as well as settling outstanding BPJS premiums.
1,8
Billion+
Educational Scholarships
Scholarships Awarded since 2012 to general students, lupus survivors (Odapus), and our friends with low vision.
290
Million+
Skill & Empowerment Training
Funded since 2022 for GESSIT, SDF Coding Camp for the Blind, Shiatsu, aromatherapy, and English language workshops for the visually impaired.
4000+
Signatures
Advocacy for Lupus Medication
From gathering 1,000 signatures in 2006 and securing audiences with the Minister of Health, to a Change.org petition with 3,490 supporters in 2015 — ensuring the voices of lupus survivors are always heard at the policy level.
5
Countries
Global Lupus Education
Our book, "Luppy, My Naughty Best Friend," has been translated into English, Dutch, French, German, and Arabic. We also developed the Lupus Diary App and Lupus Registry to assist in daily condition management.
A New Chapter of the Journey
A two-decade journey has taught us one vital lesson: there is no textbook rule for feeling whole. There will always be moments when you simply need to make peace with where you are, moments when you find the courage to step forward again, and moments when you are ready to give back and be a blessing to others.
These stages are not steps on a ladder that you must climb one by one — more often than not, they coexist on the exact same day. For over 20 years, the ways we support you may have evolved, but our commitment remains unchanged. Here is how we are prepared to walk with you through every phase of your journey today:
Bertahan Bahagia
Accompanying you to find peace and happiness amidst the life challenges you are facing
Bertumbuh Bahagia
Empowering you to be self-sufficient by transforming your life challenges into solutions for others.
Berdampak Bahagia
Inviting you to take an active role, because happiness will feel more complete when you can be useful to others
People Behind SDF
Syamsi Dhuha Foundation was not built by a single person. It was built by those who chose to show up — in the midst of their own trials, in the midst of their own busy lives — bound by one shared belief: that no one should ever have to fight alone.
Dian W. Syarief
Founder SDF
A person living with lupus and low vision who turned her illness experience into a movement. Recipient of the WHO Sasakawa Health Prize 2012, author, and mobilizer of the national and international Odapus community.
For Dian, life is a "bonus life" — a second chance too valuable to be spent without meaning.
Eko Pratomo
Founder SDF
A husband who learned the meaning of patience and steadfastness alongside Dian for more than two decades.
A financial practitioner who now dedicates part of his time to accompanying SDF — because he believes that the best investment is an uninterrupted, flowing ongoing charity (amal jariah).
Be a Part of This Journey
You don’t have to be perfect to begin. You don’t have to have all the answers figured out just yet. What matters most is that you know there is a place for you here — to support you, and to stand with you.
Whether you are currently battling a chronic condition or low vision, looking to thrive and grow, or ready to extend a helping hand to others — your journey begins today.