Once a Scavenger, Fikri Finds a New Life at Sekolah Rakyat

The harshness of life forced six-year-old Fikri to scavenge for second-hand goods to make ends meet. A video of him hunting for items on the streets went viral, attracting national attention and giving Fikri the opportunity to start a new life through Sekolah Rakyat.

Fikri is the second child of the couple Sri and M. Ulmi. Fikri’s life is unlike that of other children his age. While other children play football, hide and seek, or study with their parents, Fikri must rummage through rubbish, searching for empty bottles that can be sold to sustain life.

Fikri’s parents have separated and are living their own lives. This separation also separated Fikri from his three siblings.

Fikri and his younger brother Noval (4) live with their father in Jakarta. Meanwhile, his older sibling lives with an uncle in Cianjur, and his youngest sibling lives with their mother, who has remarried, in Cibugel, Sumedang.

The ups and downs of Fikri’s life continued. His stepfather is now behind bars. Fikri was forced to scavenge to help his grandmother support him and his brother. It was then that his video went viral and stirred sympathy from many people.

The virality of the video became a turning point in Fikri’s life and led him to Sekolah Rakyat. The police delivered Fikri to his mother in Sumedang. However, due to his mother’s family’s inadequate conditions and Fikri’s age entering school years, he was proposed to pursue education at Sekolah Rakyat.

Sekolah Rakyat Terpadu (SRT) 4 Sumedang received Fikri on 30 March 2026. Initially, Fikri had difficulty adapting because he had to live in a new environment with unfamiliar people.

However, the foster parents, dormitory guardians, and teachers continuously accompanied Fikri until he gradually adjusted to life at Sekolah Rakyat.

Thanks to this support, Fikri, who previously appeared gloomy, now shows changes. He smiles more often and appears cheerful when interacting with his surroundings.

His presence also received a warm welcome from other children who adore him for his cute and endearing behaviour, making Fikri feel comfortable living at Sekolah Rakyat.

“I live here (at Sekolah Rakyat). The school is really fun. I get to feel like I have older siblings, a father, a mother, lots of friends too. Everyone is kind,” Fikri stated in a written comment on Friday (17/4/2026).

For Fikri, Sekolah Rakyat is not just a place to learn, but also an environment that gives him attention and support. There, Fikri receives assistance from caregivers and teachers who help him adapt and encourage him in every learning process.

He also began to enjoy companionship with peers his age through play and learning activities, an experience he rarely had before.

In addition, Fikri’s nutritional needs are met because Sekolah Rakyat provides nutritious meals for all students. Fikri admitted he enjoys the provided menu because it tastes good and makes him more comfortable staying there.

“I can also eat, the food is really delicious. I become strong,” said Fikri.

Fikri is one of many children who are part of the Sekolah Rakyat programme. Here, Fikri and other children receive care and support from foster parents, dormitory guardians, and teachers, including meal provisions and assistance during the learning process.

Through a safer and more structured environment, children at Sekolah Rakyat are expected to grow healthy, happy, and learn optimally. In this way, they have a greater chance to achieve a better future.