The Story of Agista, a Child Scavenger in Tangerang, Who Paints to Help Her Parents Buy Rice

TANGERANG, KOMPAS.com - In a three by two-meter house in Ciledung, Tangerang, Agista Saputri (10) paints bright colours on a sheet of paper. The house is where her father stores the items he collects while scavenging. From her small hands, drawings of mountains, skies, and unusual colour gradations emerge, which is remarkable for a child her age. In fact, Agista has never attended formal education. This is because her parents’ identities have not yet been resolved, preventing them from enrolling her in school. Meanwhile, Agista’s talent has grown since she was four years old. Her mother, Wagiyem (38), said that since she was little, Agista has shown an interest in drawing. “Since she was four years old, she has enjoyed drawing. At first, she just scribbled, but it turned out to be quite good; her mother can’t even do that. Where did this child get her talent from?” Wagiyem said when interviewed by Kompas.com in Ciledug, Tangerang City, on Wednesday (February 25, 2026). The crayons, which were initially worthless, produce beautiful drawings in Agista’s hands. Although they are used, Agista uses the crayons repeatedly. Leftover notebooks are also used as a place to express her imagination. All of these drawing tools are always brought by Agista every time she accompanies her parents while scavenging. From Pasar Lembang to Mencong, then to Borobudur and back to Pasar Lembang, Tangerang City, she always brings her drawing tools. Even when she is waiting for her parents to rest, Agista takes the time to draw. If her drawing tools are left behind, Wagiyem said, Agista will cry and go back to get them.