In the heart of Gianyar regency, Bali, a sanctuary for abandoned infants has emerged — the Bali Baby Home. Founded in 2019 by Burhan, a former tour guide fluent in French, this facility has become a beacon of hope for babies saved from neglect and dangerous circumstances. With a staggering 2.4 million abortions occurring annually in Indonesia, including 700,000 cases involving teenagers, Burhan’s efforts address a critical issue within the society.
The home welcomes guests and volunteers who contribute donations and spend time interacting with the babies. Since its inception, Bali Baby Home has cared for around 100 infants, with about 30% successfully reunited with their families. However, the statistics surrounding abandonment in Indonesia remain alarming; approximately 80% of abandoned babies are found dead.
Abortion remains illegal in Indonesia except under specific circumstances, such as medical emergencies and cases of rape. This strict law has led to numerous unwanted pregnancies and subsequent abandonment. Burhan is acutely aware of the challenges faced by women in these situations and strives to provide support.
“Indeed, they may have been unwanted but they are God’s gifts to me,” Burhan stated, highlighting his commitment to nurturing these vulnerable lives. “And this is an opportunity for me to raise them into valuable members of society that can lead fulfilling, happy lives.”
Burhan's journey began when he decided to fund the welfare home himself. However, after rescuing ten babies, he quickly realized the financial burden was beyond his means. “Initially, I planned to fund (the welfare home) myself but after we rescued 10 babies, I couldn’t afford to use my own money,” he explained.
With the help of friends and community support, Burhan organized open visits to raise awareness and gather assistance. “I started borrowing money but my friends proposed to organise open visits to inform the community and many came to support us ever since,” he recounted. This grassroots effort has allowed Bali Baby Home to flourish, relying on donations and volunteer support to sustain its operations.
Burhan's dedication is evident in his tireless work ethic. He often spends sleepless nights caring for the infants, stating, “I didn’t know how I could keep going when I only slept two to three hours per day. Just as I was about to sleep, a baby would cry and I would have to make some milk, change his diapers … That was my life every day.”
As the workload increased, he recognized the need for additional help, leading him to hire employees. “When I realised I couldn’t handle it on my own, I started (hiring) employees,” Burhan noted. His efforts have not gone unnoticed; in 2023, Bali Baby Home received the KPAI Award for Community Institutions that Care for Children, a testament to its impact on society.
The home is more than just a refuge for abandoned infants; it also serves as a support system for women facing mental health challenges and those experiencing unwanted pregnancies. Burhan emphasizes the importance of family reunification, stating, “We don’t focus on adoption; our aim is to save and (eventually) reunite children with their birth mothers. I want to protect the child’s and the mother’s rights.”
Burhan’s commitment extends beyond Bali Baby Home. He has established two additional homes in Semarang and Yogyakarta to expand his reach and provide care for more abandoned infants. His income from an IT business helps fund these welfare homes.
The ongoing need for support remains critical. Burhan expressed gratitude for the increasing assistance he has received: “More people are helping us now. I haven’t borrowed money for almost eight months. Things are improving. I don’t take up new loans anymore and I am very grateful.”
Despite the challenges posed by societal attitudes towards unwanted pregnancies, Burhan remains hopeful. He continues to advocate for understanding and acceptance among families of abandoned children. “We want to return the child to the mother but families often express embarrassment, saying things like ‘while we accept the mother, we do not accept the child,’” he lamented.
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