We recently met Yudha, one of our former YKIP scholarship recipients, in Karangasem Regency. Yudha is now pursuing a degree in Fine Arts. He graduated in 2022 and took a gap year due to unprecedented circumstances. In 2023, Yudha began his studies at the Indonesia Arts Institute of Denpasar.

Yudha came from a very simple family in east Bali and was born with a congenital condition that affected his legs. One of our partners supported Yudha through his medical surgeries. When he reached elementary school, he was referred to YKIP for education support and received the scholarship.  By consistently maintaining good grades, he continued to get the scholarship until he completed senior high school.

 Yudha’s interest in fine arts

Since a very young age, Yudha has been observing the people around him creating traditional paintings on palm leaves. His village in Nyuh Tebel, near the famous Tenganan village, is also well known for its villagers’ skill in arts and crafts. Many residents create and sell palm leaf paintings, known as ‘Prasi‘, as a source of income. The palm leaves are carved using special knives called ‘Pengrupak’. To enhance the painting, a special oil made from burnt candlenuts is smeared on the surface. This black oil will provide a striking contrast between the carved line and the background.

At first, Yudha learned to make paintings on paper with coloured pencils. When he was strong enough to hold the pengrupak, he started carving prasi. He refined his skill in drawing and creating prasi. In senior high school, Yudha was appointed the school representative for a regional prasi- making competition. In his spare time, he made prasi and sold them to earn additional income for his family.

“I am grateful for the scholarship I received from YKIP in elementary school. I got school supplies every semester, and my tuition was also paid by YKIP. This support meant a lot for me and my family. This scholarship not only eased our financial burden but also enabled me to explore my interests, especially in making prasi and painting. I aspire to be a painter in the future and would like to continue my education at ISI Denpasar, majoring in Fine Arts.” Yudha told YKIP staff two years ago, at the last meeting with sponsored students in Karangasem, just several weeks before his graduation.

We are delighted to see Yudha continue his education at ISI Denpasar and pursue his passion for fine arts. At our last meeting, Yudha was in the process of applying for a scholarship. YKIP wishes him the best in his future endeavours.

Would you like to support our KEMBALI Scholarship Program and provide educational assistance to talented students like Yudha? You can make a difference by donating here.