This is the story of YKPA, a non-profit organization established in 2007 in Bali, Indonesia, to support disadvantaged children through two children’s homes, the Bali Street Kids School, village kids projects, and a women’s shelter.
We are now officially of Join With Us International, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the USA. All donations are tax-deductible, supporting education, medical care for disadvantaged children, volunteer abroad, poor villages, disaster relief, elderly, in worldwide.
Kyra Parker has been an invaluable part of YKPA from the very beginning, serving as both our first volunteer and donor. She is like a sister to me.
Our journey began at the beach, where we met through mutual friends who were lifeguards. Kyra greeted me with a warm smile, and from that moment, our friendship blossomed. When I shared with her our mission to help street children through our non-profit organization, she immediately embraced the cause with her kind heart and positive spirit.
Kyra's dedication has been unwavering. She participated in every activity to support the street children, even joining surveys in the remote village of Pedahan, Karangasem, where many of these children come from. She generously sent clothes and gifts from Australia and contributed funds to YKPA, sponsoring our efforts every month.
Although Kyra now resides in Australia and her involvement isn't as frequent as it was when she lived in Bali, her impact on YKPA's history remains significant. She played a crucial role in building YKPA, and her support continues to be felt. Kyra is not just a friend; she is like a sister to me. Despite the distance and less frequent communication, she will always hold a special place in my heart.
Yantin, a very kind woman, she from Natherland longtime in Bali, played a crucial role in helping me start the Yayasan Kasih Peduli Anak (YKPA) foundation. Her support and dedication were instrumental in turning our vision into reality.
Initial Establishment: YKPA was initially established in 2006. The application to make YKPA an official legal entity was submitted, and the approval letter from the Social Department of Denpasar Province was issued on October 24, 2007, after more than six months of processing. The first step was to seek a notary to create the notarial deed.
Steps to Establish a Foundation in Indonesia:
Determine the Foundation's Purpose: Ensure the foundation's purpose is clear, whether it is for social, educational, religious, or humanitarian activities.
Prepare Documents:
Copies of ID cards (KTP) and Tax Identification Numbers (NPWP) of the founders. The founders are Putu Etiartini ( board ) , Pak Made Kondra (supervisor of YKPA), Agus Darmawan (chairman of the foundation), Ibu Yanti (treasurer), and her husband Pak Wayan Sunada (secretary of the foundation).
The foundation's deed of establishment signed before a notary.
A domicile certificate for the foundation (virtual offices are not allowed). Initially, our starting capital was funded by Michael Pate, a co-founder. However, as a foreigner, he could not be listed as a member in the foundation's deed. He provided the initial capital of 10 million IDR, notary fees of around 7 million IDR, house rent for the foundation of 15 million IDR, and other expenses for foundation activities. all donors the first time is Michael Pate is spent his own money to start ykpa.org
Approval from the Ministry of Law and Human Rights: This process took about four months to receive the approval letter from Jakarta.
Publication in the State Gazette Supplement: After obtaining approval, the foundation must be published in the State Gazette Supplement of the Republic of Indonesia.
Meet Financial Requirements: The foundation must have initial assets of at least 10 million IDR.
Organizational Structure: The foundation must have supervisors, management, and auditors to help achieve the foundation's goals. Once all documents, structure, and logo are complete, we submitted the approval to the city social department. After receiving the letter, we applied again to the provincial level in Bali. Once approved, we officially became a non-profit organization named YKPA (Yayasan Kasih Peduli Anak), which means "Love and Caring for Children" in Bali, Indonesia. Our address is Jln Gunung Payung No. 23, Br Umadui, Denpasar Barat, Padang Sambian Kliod, Bali, Indonesia.
Early Activities: Initially, YKPA started by helping street children. Over time, we expanded our efforts to assist underprivileged communities in health-related areas, such as HIV, cleft lip surgeries, cataract surgeries for the elderly, and helping disabled children in collaboration with other foundations. By 2009, due to the increasing number of children we were accommodating, we applied for a license for a children's home. In Indonesia, we had to choose the name "orphanage" even though not all the children were orphans, as there were no other options under government regulations.
As time has passed, there have been four changes in the foundation's members. Unfortunately, none of these transitions went as smoothly as we had hoped. Disagreements and conflicts arose among members who did not agree with each other, with some even demanding money from the foundation to resign or be dismissed. Fortunately, this foundation is legally established, so the notary provided solutions and policies in accordance with the regulations, ensuring that the foundation could not be extorted.
For further details about the YKPA process, I will share more in the next story. Up until now, in 2025, 18 years have passed, and the struggles of YKPA need to be documented as part of its history. The process from its inception needs to be told, as it was not as easy as people might think.
Being the founder and co-founder felt like embarking on a mission to help those in need. We have continued to stay strong, taking good care of YKPA and persistently working to support and help the foundation.
Bali province officials conducting a survey at YKPA before granting official approval.
Visit from the Denpasar Municipal Department for a Survey Before YKPA Permit is Issued
Pika, an 11-year-old girl from Bali, Indonesia, has faced unimaginable challenges. Born with multiple birth defects and subjected to neglect and abuse, her early life was filled with suffering. Her father used her for begging in the tourist areas of Kuta Bali, and she lived in poor conditions with her family in Denpasar.
In January 2010, the Bali Street Kids Project (YKPA) Founder Putu Etiartini and Co-founder Michael Pate rescued Pika and brought her to a hospital for medical care. She was finally placed in the YKPA Children's Home in Denpasar (ykpa.org), where her father was threatened with jail if he took her away again. Despite initial isolation by her father, Pika began receiving the medical attention she desperately needed.
Pika's medical issues included anemia, underweight, stunted growth, birth defects (right club foot, left foot tendon weakness, large spina bifida mass), loss of bladder function, and a severe foot infection. Over the next five months, YKPA Founder Putu Etiartini and volunteers took her to multiple medical specialty clinics for comprehensive care.
Socially, Pika struggled with poor personal hygiene, isolation, illiteracy, and a lack of enthusiasm to interact with other children. However, with the support of YKPA, she began to smile, talk, and learn new skills, such as handicrafts.
Pika underwent seven surgeries to address her medical problems. As she grew up, she got married and now has a baby boy. Despite her medical condition and having only one leg, she remains determined to build a better future. Her husband's irregular employment adds to their economic challenges.
Putu Etiartini trying continues to support Pika by helping her start own business for achieve financial independence. This initiative aims to provide Pika with a sustainable way to support herself and her family.
Pika's story is one of resilience, hope, and the tireless efforts of those who care about her. You can follow her journey and find more details https://pikastory.blogspot.com/.
Let's come together to support her and make a positive impact in her life.
💛 Join Pika’s journey. Follow her story and be part of her team. Together, we can make a difference.
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
Today, February 14, 2025, marks the 18th anniversary of YKPA's establishment.
Starting with helping street children in Bali, YKPA held school activities on Kuta Beach. Some children then asked to stay at the private home of Mrs. Putu and Michael in Denpasar, Jl. Gunung Payung No. 23, Br. Umadui, Denpasar Kuta, Indonesia. Now, this house has become the office of YKPA, ykpa.org Yayasan Kasih Peduli Anak (Love and Care for Children) and also No. 21, which has become a home for disadvantaged children or an orphanage.
Why did we choose Valentine's Day as YKPA's anniversary?
Because when Putu and Michael, along with some volunteers, went down to the streets to survey street children, they often asked, "What is your name? How old are you?" However, many of them were ashamed to say their names, perhaps because they felt their names were not cool. In addition, they didn't know when they were born. Since they had been housed at Mrs. Putu's home, which had officially become Yayasan Kasih Peduli Anak, Putu had the initiative to change their names and ask if they liked the new names. With happy smiles, they liked them, and now, some of them are 26 years old and are still proud of their names. Their new names were also made official on their birth certificates. Putu chose February 14, Valentine's Day, as their birthdate. Therefore, their birthdays and YKPA's anniversary are celebrated on February 14, Valentine's Day.
This is the first time in their lives they have celebrated a birthday.
These children were born in the remote village of Pedahan, Karangasem, where the land often experiences drought. If there is no rain, there is no water. In terms of education, they are also very lacking. Economic factors forced them to come to the city to beg or illegally sell bracelets and fruits. When their birthdays were first celebrated, besides happiness, there were also touching tears. This is the first time in their lives they have felt celebrated since birth.
Some children, like Ketut Riski and his friends, started living at Mrs. Putu's home and began attending the nearest elementary school. Although they were too old to sit in the first grade, their enthusiasm for learning was very high, and they always became the best in their class. School on Kuta Beach continued for children who were still on the streets and did not live at the foundation, becoming a shelter or home for children until now.
This is a short story from Mrs. Putu Etiartini about the beginning of the establishment of Yayasan Kasih Peduli Anak until now. Please follow the Facebook page, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube channel Join With Us International Organization. There will be many videos and interesting stories from 2007 until now, 2025. See you in the next story of YKPA and street children.
The Bali Street Kids School Project, now known as Bamboo School in Kuta, Bali, started as a simple beachside school. However, due to regulations prohibiting the rental of beachfront land, we had to find another location. Eventually, we rented a small shop to run the school for street children. Year after year, we continued renting the space until five years had passed.
Then, a generous donor with a kind heart Mr.Ian helped us by renting a piece of land for 10 years. With great enthusiasm, we began construction step by step. Initially, I thought using bamboo would be a cost-effective option, but the reality was quite different. Not only was it more expensive, but it also required skilled craftsmen, as not everyone could build a bamboo house with the proper design and expertise.
The construction journey was not always smooth. At one point, around $2,000 from donors was taken by an irresponsible contractor. However, we didn’t give up. Step by step, with the help of volunteers and the incredible children from YKPA, we kept moving forward. After spending more than $20,000, we finally completed a small, two-story bamboo building.
Today, the school provides education for street children and those living in impoverished areas. We are deeply grateful for the support of donors, including Mr. Ian from Australia, Emma from Canada, Yunita from Darwin, and many international volunteers who contributed. Special thanks also go to two talented craftsmen, Mr. Arif and Pak Sudi, whose expertise in bamboo construction made this project possible.
What’s even more heartwarming is that one of the children we once helped, Ketut Riski—a former street child raised at YKPA—has now grown up, has a family, and is living at the school while managing it. This journey has been filled with challenges and emotional moments, but in the end, the children now have a place to learn and grow.
Thank you, God. Thank you, donors. And thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey.
