Research Street Child in Bali

I used to often see children selling fruit on the beach, selling bracelets, and begging on the streets of Kuta and at traffic lights in Denpasar, Bali. Several times I asked them if they could read and write, but they couldn’t. At their age, they should be in school, but many factors and reasons force them to earn money by begging and selling fruit for their parents or bosses. This is something I wanted to investigate, but I haven’t been able to gather enough information yet. I feel sad and pity for them, thinking about the future of our nation (Indonesia) if so many children do not receive education and love.

I once expressed my concern and said to Michael, “If I were rich and had a lot of money, I would take in street children and provide them with education, skills, and love.” Michael replied, “Why wait until you’re rich? If we want to do good, there will always be a way. Just do it!” “How?” I asked. Now, I feel stronger in my desire. I must help them as much as I can. My recent survey trip to Flores has strengthened my resolve to establish the Kasih Peduli Anak Foundation. in English means Love and care for children. that start ykpa.org 



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Remote Village In The Forest

Michael and I (HBHI) conducted a survey to help underdeveloped villages in Flores. We took turns riding a Tiger motorcycle, traveling from Bali to Lombok, Sumbawa, and finally Manggarai, Flores, by land and sea. With quite a lot of equipment, heavy and fairly complete, we embarked on a long journey that some might call reckless due to its dangers. However, it was an exciting and challenging adventure. We faced many difficulties and joys along the way.
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Survay I Desa Bere Flores

Journey from Lombok to Flores

After a week-long journey from Lombok through Sumbawa, we finally arrived in Flores, specifically at Pelabuhan Bajo, and continued to Ruteng. Following our goal to survey underdeveloped villages, we followed the directions of Mr. DPR Sypriaurs and his wife, Mrs. Maria, whom we met earlier at Hotel Labuan Bajo. Upon arriving in Ruteng, we were warmly welcomed by Mrs. Eny, the wife of the head of BAPEDA Ruteng, along with her daughter Icha and a social worker named Wympi.

Next, we headed to Bere Village. There, we were greeted by the village head and held a meeting with the villagers from several hamlets.

One by one, they expressed their grievances. One mother said, “Our lives are very hard, we have to break stones… We don’t know what rice fields are. Our children live on cassava and sweet potatoes… We need a hospital… How can we send our children to school if poverty keeps pressing us… No money when sick…” A young mother added, “It’s very difficult to fetch water, we have to walk 7-8 km carrying 7 jerry cans. After a long journey, the children are still waiting in hunger, when to cook… when to work in the garden…”

I was deeply moved by their stories, unable to hold back tears when a pregnant mother shared her situation. The auxiliary health center is quite far, about 8 km from her house, no vehicle, and walking is very far for a pregnant woman. When she reached the health post, often the midwife or nurse was not there. Once she tried again, walking far from home, reaching the health post, there was one midwife, but no equipment and medicine, and had to pay, while she had no money. Finally, without examination and empty-handed, she returned home exhausted.

This experience traumatized pregnant women there from going to the health post again, and they never received vaccinations, nor did their children. Most of them give birth with traditional birth attendants. Many children suffer from malnutrition. According to the village head, there are 25 children with severe malnutrition and 66 children with moderate malnutrition. Most children there only finish elementary school, only a few can reach high school.

The condition of Bere Village is very poor and concerning. The elementary school is far, about 7-10 km from the village. School children do not have enough clothes, wearing the same uniform for a week. Some wear shoes, sandals, and some are barefoot. Books are also incomplete, only carrying notebooks and pencils, some without bags.

The health post is far and sometimes there is a midwife or nurse, but the medicine and equipment are incomplete. The land mixed with rocks cannot be planted with rice, only cassava and corn. One worrying issue is the landslide that threatens two villages below. Rarely there are toilets (bathrooms), water is hard to get, they bathe in the river 7-8 km away carrying 4-7 jerry cans. Water is only enough for cooking, drinking, and bathing the children. A mother with three children said her children bathe 3-4 times a week, so many children there suffer from scabies.

Putu Etiartini 
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Survey II Desa Paranlando Reo Flores

Desa Paralando – Reo

Desa Paralando – Reo is better off than Desa Bere, but the only way to reach the village is by boat through the sea. From one village to another, the path runs along the beach. When the tide is low, they can use the beach as a road, but when the tide is high, or during rain and wind, it becomes difficult to reach neighboring villages and to fish. Sometimes, they face hunger because their livelihood depends on fishing, and this period is known as the lean season.

In terms of healthcare, there is a small health post (pustu) with one midwife and Posyandu services. Regarding water, there is a small well for all residents, but the water is yellowish and slightly salty according to the locals.

One thing that saddened me was a resident named Michael who has tuberculosis (TB). He has been isolated by the villagers to prevent the disease from spreading. He lives alone in a small open hut with only a mat to sleep on, without any family. Occasionally, kind-hearted people bring him food. He is very ill and can no longer walk. On my way to the village head’s house, I met some government officials and mentioned Michael’s condition. One of the midwives responded indifferently, saying, “Let him be, if he doesn’t want to come to the health post, let him die,” in the local Manggarai dialect. I was shocked by her lack of compassion.

Due to limited time, as our boat was waiting, I quickly explained, “Ladies, I am from Bali, here to survey and help underdeveloped villages. I kindly ask one of you with a social spirit to report this man’s condition to the health post so he can receive treatment. Thank you.” One of the women thanked me for the information.

Coincidentally, there was a government meeting during our visit, so we joined officials including the Deputy Sub-district Head, Education Department, Dentist, Family Planning Department, and the Village Head of Paralando.

There were no hotels, so we stayed with a kind and hospitable family. They had no bathroom and no electricity, only a diesel generator that ran until 10 PM. We were exhausted, dirty, and sweaty, wanting to bathe but there was no bathroom. We had to wait until the generator turned off at 10 PM and then bathe quickly in the dark yard, feeling embarrassed if anyone saw us. This was my and Michael’s experience surveying in Flores.

The most enjoyable part of my journey was in Lombok, where I visited the Peduli Anak Foundation. We were warmly welcomed by the director, whom we had met while crossing at Padangbai port. We also met Yantin, a Dutch woman and consultant for the Peduli Anak Foundation. She was incredible, like an angel to me, guiding us on who to meet and where to go in Flores.

Following Yantin’s advice, we visited Rafael Hospital in Cancar, a foundation for disabled children. It was an impressive and valuable experience for me, meeting the nuns who were like angels, listening to their stories and experiences of caring for, supporting, and loving disabled children.

by Putu Etiartini 
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Our dream to run facility Kasih Peduli Anak Foundation include the program :

Transforming the Lives of Street Children in Bali

In Bali, there are many children living on the streets, begging, and abandoned. However, their hope is beginning to shine thanks to the educational program I run. Together with volunteer teachers from the PNK Sai Study Group Denpasar, we teach them to read and write where they live. We believe that education is the key to opening the door to a better future.


Big Dreams for the Future

We have big dreams. If we receive donations from benefactors, we plan to build a dormitory or orphanage complete with facilities such as sports areas, a clinic, and have vehicle.  In this place, children will feel safe and comfortable, receiving education, skills, and love. We want them to grow into intelligent, high-character, and noble-hearted individuals.  

Saving Lives with HIV Education

Additionally, we have a program to save the lives of night workers and café girls. Our volunteers provide information about the dangers of HIV and encourage them to get tested at the Kerti Praja Foundation. This education is crucial to prevent the spread of HIV and to maintain their health.


Free Surgery for Those in Need

We also help children and poor people suffering from cleft lips, cataracts, or burns to get free surgery at the Indonesian Kemanusiaan Foundation balieyefoundantion  With this assistance, we hope they can have a better and healthier life.

Free Health Services

Every Sunday, if I am not busy, I also help at the Sai Study Group Denpasar medical clinic. We provide free health services to the community in need. This is our way of giving back to the community and ensuring that everyone has access to proper healthcare. 

Michael and I volunteered at Yayasan Bunga Bali the place helping disabled kids and Yakum Bali, to help kids with surgery we also went to some orphanages like SOS Bali in Tabanan. for see the orphanage and the program in Bali. 

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