Intan: Independence is when you have the opportunity to determine your needs

Intan, 13, is a Grade 7 student and one of Plan Indonesia’s mentored children. She attends a school located quite far from the city centre, in a quiet but challenging rural area. As the fourth of four children, Intan grew up in a farming family. Her father worked the land, and Intan was accustomed to helping her parents farm and raise livestock since childhood.

Despite her simple life, Intan has a big dream: one day she wants to become a midwife and serve in her own village. She wants to ensure that every mother and baby in her village can receive proper care.

Since elementary school, Intan used to walk more than 2 kilometres every day to get to and from school. Now in junior high school, her steps remain vigorous, armed with hope for a better future. Intan is known as a diligent child who studies hard and does not give up easily.

As a sponsored child, Intan often participates in various activities organised by Plan Indonesia in her village, ranging from family gatherings to educational activities that also involve parents. These activities not only provide space to play and learn, but also strengthen children’s confidence and agency in making choices and developing their potential.

One of Intan’s favourite activities is children’s events, such as speech competitions, dancing, poetry reading, and various other educational games. However, not long ago, Intan had a new experience that was no less memorable: a children’s bazaar.

For the first time in Intan’s village, Plan Indonesia organised a hygiene kits bazaar with the theme of tuberculosis (TB) prevention. BPS data for 2021 shows that South Central Timor District (TTS) still recorded 468 cases of tuberculosis, making it important for children and their families to understand the importance of personal hygiene.

This bazaar was no ordinary bazaar. The assisted children were given cash voucher assistance (CVA) worth Rp145,000 which could be spent immediately that day for their respective needs. For children under 10 years old and children with disabilities, they came with their parents. But for Intan and her peers, aged 11 and above, they were given the freedom to come on their own, a meaningful show of trust.

That afternoon, after school, Intan and her friends did not walk leisurely as usual. They ran a little, eager to join the bazaar. Excitedly, Intan chose soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, sanitary napkins, and towels. All the items she chose were things she really needed. Her friends also looked happy, because for the first time, they could choose their own items, according to their personal needs.

Every year, Plan Indonesia routinely provides direct assistance such as umbrellas, warm cloths, tableware, and other necessities. But this bazaar felt different, more personalised, more meaningful.

For Intan, this experience is an important lesson. Being independent does not mean having to live alone. Independent means being trusted to make your own choices, even for the small things. And from these small things, the future can begin to be shaped.

Ditulis oleh: Donisius Tabati │Editor: Agus Haru│Foto: Plan Indonesia/Donisius Tabati