The Journey of Ketut Riski from Street Kid to Managing Bali Street Kids School in Kuta Bamboo School

- February 15, 2025

The Journey of Ketut Riski live at Ykpa

Ketut Riski 27 year old

Ketut Riski 10 year old.

Hi, my name is Putu Etiartini, the founder of a street children school project http://balistreetkidsproject.org/. that started in 2007. I began this journey by surveying street children in Bali and organizing a school on the shores of Kuta Beach with the kind permission of the late Mr. Agung Sudira. With his generosity, we were allowed to conduct teaching and learning activities for street children on the shores of Kuta Beach, near the Kuta cemetery, under a shady tree with only a tarp for the floor and a whiteboard hanging from the tree branches. Mr. Agung even provided us with a larger place at the Wantilan Kuta, which is the office of the Kuta village security, for conducting learning activities for street children.

However, street children were very afraid of the Kuta security. If they saw security from 500 meters away, they would run away because selling bracelets or begging in Kuta is illegal. These children, who should not be on the streets, especially at night until dawn, were forced to do so due to the economic conditions in their village, Pedahan Karangasem. They were brought to Kuta by adults to make money, no matter the risk, even though life on the streets is very prone to physical and possible sexual abuse.

Thanks to the late Mr. Agung Sudira, whose kindness I will never forget. Thanks also to my good friend, Anak Agung Rai, Mr. Agung's brother-in-law, who introduced me to him.

Let's continue with the story of Ketut Riski. His name was Ketut Mentik, which means "grow" in Balinese, but because he was shy about his name, I added an extra full name: Ketut Mentika Putra, but we call him Ketut Riski. We first met him on the streets selling bracelets with his friends and his younger brother, Wayan. At that time, Riski was 10 years old, and Wayan was 9 years old. Riski was a very cheerful, kind, and well-behaved child, different from the other children who tended to be naughty, and some even became criminals.

I often went to the streets to check on them, bringing food or just ice cream. Gradually, we got to know each other, talked, and they began to open up about their stories. I am sure that these children have experienced a lot of childhood trauma. Riski was often caught by Kuta security officers, had his head shaved, and was sent back to Pedahan. However, they kept returning to Kuta, and this cycle continued.

As the founder of YKPA, I also did not know how to talk to the government to address the issue of street children. We often held meetings with the city government and the social department to find solutions, but we never found a proper solution. We are just a small part that wants to help a little in terms of education. My goal is to help these street children get a proper education and a better future. If Indonesian children do not get an education, we will remain ignorant. Education is the key to a better future for the nation. Additionally, we also want to provide decent housing, nutritious food, and guaranteed health care for these children, like other children who have normal families. They are not orphans, but because of their parents' lack of education, they do not know how to read and write, and do not know how to care for their children like other parents.

Their desire is to go to school like other children. I took them to my house several times and talked to their parents in Pedahan, Karangasem. After getting permission, Riski started living with us and attended the nearest elementary school with Wayan and Devi. Initially, when I took them for registration at the nearby elementary school, they were looked down upon by the teachers because of their appearance. They had dirty nails, were skinny, and wore poor clothing. However, one first-grade teacher was very kind and accepted them. I promised the arrogant teachers that if they gave me one month, they would see clean, handsome, and well-nourished children. Within a few days, we took care of Riski, Wayan, and Devi. They grew rapidly, becoming the cleanest and smartest children in their class.

Ketut Riski started growing up at YKPA, with my son Gustu and Riski also I take care like my own son, he learning to read, write, basic computer skills, painting, and surfing Go to school. Now, at the age of 27, he manages a school in Kuta known as Bambu School, helping street children and slum kids to get free education under the auspices of

Ketut Riski is now married, despite his young age, has two children, and his wife works in a SPA. Ketut also received help from a foreign guest to create a tour guide transport in Kuta to explore Bali tourism. Ketut, who was once a street child, now gives back by helping other street children who need education. Being like Mom of him I feel so proud. Please support the small tour guide business for Ketut Riski. whatapps +62 87749853352