Strengthening Each Other: Bagas*, a 13-Year-Old Boy Who Sacrificed His Dreams for His Siblings

In a small, nearly empty rented room in Kebun Cengkeh Village, Maluku, a 13-year-old boy sits in the corner, gently stroking the head of his youngest brother, Aksa. As night falls, the cold air seeps into their room, which has nothing but a bare floor—no mat, no pillow, no blanket. Yet, Bagas stays awake, making sure his siblings sleep soundly.

Forced to Grow Up Too Soon

Bagas is not like other children his age. At 13, he should be in school, playing, and dreaming big. But since his father passed away and his mother had to migrate to Malaysia for work, Bagas has become the sole caretaker for his three younger siblings. He is not just their older brother—he is their parent.

The one who needs him the most is Aksa, his youngest brother, who is blind. Since birth, Aksa has never felt his mother’s embrace. Bagas has taken on that role—feeding him, bathing him, and comforting him whenever he cries.

Bagas, who should be in school, was forced to make a heartbreaking decision—to drop out of school and take care of his family.

Every day, Bagas cares for his siblings with unconditional love, ensuring they have something to eat—even if it’s just rice and salt. He sweeps their cold floor, washes their clothes, and sings lullabies he made himself for Aksa, trying to replace the warmth they should have had from their mother.

A Visit from Human Initiative Team

A few days ago, the Human Initiative Maluku team visited Bagas and his siblings to see their condition firsthand. They brought kindness packages containing daily necessities so that Bagas and his family wouldn’t have to struggle alone. Mas Jabal Nur, the Head of Human Initiative Maluku Branch, was also present to provide moral support and encouragement to Bagas.

Strengthening Each Other for a Better Future

Dear Initiators, if you were in Bagas’s shoes, what would you choose? Chasing your dreams or taking care of the people you love?

Bagas should never have to choose between his education and his family. He deserves both. And you can be part of changing his life.

With your support, Bagas and his siblings can have a chance at a better future—a chance to return to school, sleep in a warm place, and experience the joy of childhood like other kids.

Every act of kindness you extend is a beacon of hope for them. Be part of the light that shines through the darkness of Bagas’s life.

In a soft but hopeful voice, Bagas expressed his gratitude to everyone who helped: “Dangke Banya suda bantu beta deng adek-adek. Semoga Allah balas kebaikan par bapa ibu dong semua.“

(“Thank you so much for helping me and my siblings. May Allah reward your kindness.”)

There are still many children like Bagas and his family who are struggling in hardship. Your helping hand can be the hope they need. Dear Initiators, you can share kindness and support those in need through solusipeduli.org.

#StrengtheningEachOther #StepsOfKindness #HumanInitiative

*Name has been changed to protect the beneficiary’s privacy.