Small Paintings, Big Hopes: The Journey of Agista, a Child Scavenger Who Wants to Go to School

TANGERANG, KOMPAS.com - Agista Saputri (10), the child of a scavenger couple in Ciledug, Tangerang City, suddenly became the focus of public attention after her drawing talent went viral on social media.

Behind her drawings of mountains and houses, which she sells for Rp 5,000 to Rp 10,000, lies a story of economic limitations and great hopes for being able to pursue formal education.

So far, Agista has never attended school because her parents do not have the identity documents required for school registration.

Now, after her story has become widely discussed, the process of managing the administration has begun so that she can enroll in school.

Agista started selling her drawings two years ago. Every morning or afternoon, she displays her drawings in the Puri Kartika area, Ciledug, Tangerang City.

For A4 size paper, she charges Rp 5,000, while A3 size is sold for Rp 10,000.

“Some are Rp 5,000, some are Rp 10,000,” said Agista when met at her residence on Jalan Raden Fatah, Ciledug, Tangerang City, Wednesday (February 25, 2026).

“The money is for buying rice,” said Agista.

Agista’s mother, Wagiyem (38), confirmed that the first money Agista earned, amounting to Rp 20,000, was immediately given to her.

“She immediately gave it to me. She said it was to buy rice,” said Wagiyem.

Behind her talent, Agista holds a bitter reality. Until the age of 10, she has never received formal education.

Agista’s father, Roni Hidayatna (45), said that this happened because their family did not have identity documents such as an ID card, Family Card (KK), and birth certificate.

“Yes, it’s because we don’t have any identity. We don’t have any identity,” said Roni.