Jumi brave girl from Sumba

 

From the Streets kid to a Brighter Future: The Journey of Made

 The Story of Made 

 Made Anna was a child I met on the street when she was only about four years old. At that time, she was with her mother and several of her siblings. Her family was quite large—she was not the first of ten children. Her mother brought four of the children around Kuta, Legian, and nearby beaches to help make a living.

On impulse, I asked if they were hungry. Shyly, Made and Reni replied, “yes.” I bought food for the four children and their mother. I also explained to their mother that her children could attend YKPA, where they could learn to read and write. Made and Reni, who were quiet and rarely smiled, simply looked at me and occasionally answered my questions.

A few days later, as usual, YKPA staff picked up street children in Kuta to take them to school. There, I met Made and Reni again, along with other street children. They were very eager to learn. Among all the children, Reni and Made were particularly smart, even though they were quiet and spoke little. Sometimes, they would just watch and answer occasionally, but as they began to trust, they shared a little about their lives.

One of the teachers heard their story: their four siblings had no father because he had passed away, and their mother had to work hard on the streets to support the family. Hearing this, I immediately approached their mother and asked for permission for the children to live at YKPA, to receive an education and a better life. Their mother, overwhelmed by raising many children alone, agreed.

In short, Made Anna, Reni, and their friends—Meta and Wayan—began living at YKPA. Made grew up there from the age of four, receiving education and support from generous donors, including Kim Roger from the United States, who, through his business Bali Cargo Company, sponsored Made’s schooling into adulthood. This support meant the world to Made, who grew up with hope in  heart.

However, the journey of YKPA was not always smooth—it came with many challenges. In 2015, internal issues and the negative influence of some older children created difficulties. Teenagers, as often happens, brought drama and even caused problems that reached the local news. To ensure safety, I decided to move the younger children to my private home in Tabanan, protecting them from harmful influences and keeping them secure. My concerns proved to be valid: some of the older children attempted to persuade Made and her friends, who were still in elementary school, to leave YKPA, even sending troubling messages to their mother, who was still struggling to survive life on the streets.

I came to realize that these teenagers were simply angry and ungrateful, despite all the help they had received. They seemed to forget where they had come from before arriving at YKPA—when life was uncertain and harsh in village without school. At YKPA, they always had a safe place to stay, food on the table every day, school and opportunities to enjoy recreational trips to places like Waterbom Bali, Bali Safari Park, and many other wonderful places—experiences that most families could never afford. All of these privileges were made possible only through the generosity of donors and supporters.

I have always prayed that one day they would recognize the kindness they had received, understand karma, and experience what it feels like to be a parent of rebellious children as they had been.

Back to Made, He Growing up as strong, educated, and grateful children, Made Anna’s life at YKPA continued day by day. She attended school with other children, learned, played, and adapted to her new environment. When we moved the children to Tabanan, there were four children still under five years old. I clearly remember the crisis among the staff at that time; a foreign volunteer helped me, and I personally bathed the children every day.

Over time, YKPA Tabanan was established. Ibu Desak and three children were also brought from Ubud because of their dire situation. A suitable house rented by donor Mr. Ian became their new home, and eventually, YKPA Tabanan Children’s Home was formed.

Made grew up to be a diligent and kind student. Reni, her younger sibling, was quiet and often seemed not to hear when spoken to. Michael, YKPA co-founder, nurse practitioner, and public health expert, noticed their ears and suggested they see an ENT doctor. It turned out that both children had hearing problems—ear infections and eardrum damage. After ENT treatment, their condition improved. When they could hear again, the change was remarkable; they began to speak, share stories, and express themselves like other children. It was as if a new world had opened for them, making their lives more colorful.

At YKPA Tabanan, Made and her friends created many precious memories. Besides studying, they learned skills, played, and gardened during the COVID-19 period. When she reached high school, Made moved to YKPA Central in Denpasar to join other children. At the YKPA Central office, we named it YKPA Denpasar Children’s Home.

Three years passed, and Made Anna graduated from high school. With help from David, a YKPA volunteer, Made found her first job. We at YKPA also provided Made and several other children with a second-hand motorcycle for commuting to work.

We are immensely grateful to all YKPA staff and volunteers, especially Kim and Bali Cargo Company, who, in addition to helping sell Bali Dolls, sponsored Made’s education. Made successfully graduated from high school, found her first job at a hotel, and continued her hospitality studies at UT Denpasar University. We hope to find sponsors to support her tuition every six months, amounting to $200, with the hope that he dream will become a hotel manager after graduating.

Made Anna is now living proof that love, support, and the right 

opportunities can transform a child’s life. From a quiet, shy street child, she grew into a confident, educated young woman, ready to face the world.

Reni: A Little Light from the Streets of Kuta

 Reni Before 

 

Beneath the glittering night lights of Kuta, alive with the laughter of partying tourists and the clinking of street music, a small five-year-old girl slowly walked along the sidewalk. Her feet were bare, her clothes worn out, and her eyes were clear but silent. Her name was Reni. In her hand, she tightly held the hand of her older brother, Made, while in their mother’s arms, their baby sibling slept soundly. Nights like these were spent offering woven bracelets to tourists or simply extending tiny hands in hopes of receiving a few coins.

Life never gave Reni the chance to choose. All she knew was to walk, to survive, and to stay silent.

But one night, those small steps caught the attention of a woman named Ibu Putu Etiartini, the founder of YKPA Foundation. She didn’t just see… she felt. Something touched her heart when she looked at quiet little Reni. From that moment, she would often come with ice cream, wrapped rice meals, or simply an unjudging smile. Gently, she would ask in Balinese who Reni was and where her father had gone. The answer was simple, yet heartbreaking: their father had passed away when they were very young. Their mother, a strong woman, kept fighting on her own, even after remarrying… carrying the weight of a large extended family that never seemed to shrink.

When YKPA opened a free school in Denpasar for street children, Reni and Made were picked up from Kuta. Among dozens of children, Reni stood out the most. Her silence held an incredible eagerness to learn. But not long after, it was discovered that both Reni and Made had hearing difficulties. Untreated childhood infections had left holes in their eardrums. Only after receiving proper medical care and treatment did the once-quiet world begin to open up, and slowly, their smiles began to bloom.

Feeling called, Ibu Putu asked their mother for permission to care for Reni and Made at the YKPA children’s home. There, they didn’t just find shelter, they were given something they had never truly had before: a full, meaningful name. On the streets, they had only been referred to by rough nicknames like “Bitter” or “Sweet.” Now, Ibu Putu gave them official, complete names documented in birth certificates. With that, a new hope was born: Reni Puspitasari and Made Ana Puspa Yoga.

Years passed. Reni grew into a 17-year-old girl…. sweet, smart, and full of dreams. She wants to become an entrepreneur and dreams of studying and working abroad, perhaps in Australia. Made, her brother, graduated high school in 2025 and now works at a hotel in Bali while continuing his studies at an open university. Both of them have grown with soft hearts and strong minds.

But beyond the walls of the YKPA home, their mother’s life remained a struggle. She kept giving birth… child number 10, then 11. Her other children were still brought to the streets to beg. Her current husband, a widower from a village with three children from a previous marriage, merged two large families into one small home. Now, more than a dozen children… some biological, some step-siblings, live in poverty, not due to lack of love, but due to circumstances beyond control.

Seeing this reality, Ibu Putu stepped in once again. She spoke with the whole family, respectfully and with love… suggesting that their mother undergo a medical procedure to stop further pregnancies, a loving step to protect the children already born. With the help of a dedicated volunteer, Kadek Yuli, they found a doctor willing to help. The surgery, which cost four million rupiah, was generously covered by a kind donor named “ Mr. Ian,” who now continues to sponsor Reni’s education and has become a light in her life.

Now, Reni and Made live surrounded by warmth, education, and new hope at YKPA. They are no longer the forgotten children on the corners of Kuta’s streets, they are symbols of what can happen when someone cares enough to stop and truly see.

 Reni Now 17 year Old 

A Heartfelt Tribute: A Sister's Heart - Kyra Parker's Journey with YKPA

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.

My First Mentor: The Foundation of YKPA's Journey

The Beginning of YKPA's Journey

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.

 

YKPA Foundation Establishment 24 October 2007

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:

1. Determine the Foundation's Purpose: Ensure the foundation's purpose is clear, whether it is for social, educational, religious, or humanitarian activities.

2. 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

3. Approval from the Ministry of Law and Human Rights: This process took about four months to receive the approval letter from Jakarta.

4. Publication in the State Gazette Supplement: After obtaining approval, the foundation must be published in the State Gazette Supplement of the Republic of Indonesia.

5. Meet Financial Requirements: The foundation must have initial assets of at least 10 million IDR.

6. 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's Journey: From Despair to Hope

 

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.

https://youtube.com/shorts/p2UMGYt4Vz4