W E S T E R L A K E N
F O U N D A T I O N
Y A Y A S A N
W E S T E R L A K E N
A L L I A N C E I N D O N E S I A
HUMAN RIGHTS AND CHILDREN
RIGHTS PROGRAM
MARINE ENVIRONMENT PROGRAM
EMERGENCY RELIEF
PROGRAM
CULTURAL HERITAGE PROGRAM
HUMAN RIGHTS AND CHILDREN RIGHTS PROGRAM
Westerlaken Foundation is committed to enhancing families empowerment and human and children's rights in Indonesia, with a particular focus on the rights of children. The foundation has conducted extensive research on children's rights within orphanages in Bali, which has resulted in the publication of several insightful studies.
As part of its commitment to fostering economic independence, the Westerlaken Foundation supports families in becoming self-sufficient, reducing their reliance on external assistance. Through its family empowerment program, the foundation provides support in various forms, such as job placement assistance, micro-business startup support, small business loans, food packages, and educational funding.
Economic Empowerment for Families
Under this program, each family is provided with business capital to establish a small business. The profits earned are then used to repay the foundation, fostering a sense of ownership and ensuring the sustainability of their business. This model enables families to achieve long-term economic independence.
Currently, the Westerlaken Foundation has supported 40 families, comprising 17 families in East Sumba and 23 families in Bali. Among them:
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17 families have successfully achieved economic independence and now generate regular income, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in helping them achieve financial stability. This includes 14 families from Bali and 4 families from Sumba.
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5 families have secured employment, with assistance in business capital and job registration administration.
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The foundation has also provided motorcycles for individuals to work as online motorcycle taxi drivers.
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Additionally, Westerlaken Foundation/Yayasan Westerlaken Alliance Indonesia provides weekly or monthly food packages to all beneficiary families. The food supply also includes harvests from the Empowerment Garden of Westerlaken Alliance Indonesia, ensuring better nutritional fulfillment for the families.
The success of this empowerment program serves as evidence that, with the right support, vulnerable families can attain economic independence and no longer rely on external aid.
Through this program, we have helped pay for school payment and needs for 51 children including of ex – Jodie O’Shea house as of January 2023. These children are currently in elementary school to senior high school that spread across the provinces of Bali and East Nusa Tenggara. We help them with school fees, additional class fees (if needed), purchasing uniforms, books, stationery, bags, shoes and other needs.
Through its dedicated families empowerment and human rights and children's rights program, the foundation diligently monitors the occurrence of potential abuse within Child Welfare Institutions. It actively advocates for the implementation and adherence to the Indonesian Decree of the Minister of Social Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia No.30/HUK/2011, which outlines the National Standards of Care for Child Welfare Institutions.
In April 2022, the Westerlaken Foundation/Yayasan Westerlaken Alliance Indonesia, in collaboration with Bali Kids and funded by the NEBA Foundation and Wilde Ganzen, launched an HIV/AIDS education program. This initiative aims to raise awareness and provide education on HIV/AIDS, thereby contributing to the overall well-being and health of children and communities in Bali.
In August 2024, the Westerlaken Foundation/Yayasan Westerlaken Alliance Indonesia, in partnership with the Benjamin Foundation, launched a dental care program aimed at improving oral health for children and communities in Bali. Recognising that dental care is an essential aspect of overall health and well-being, this initiative underscores the importance of access to oral health services as a fundamental human right. Good dental health is particularly crucial for children, as it directly impacts their ability to eat, speak, and learn, while also preventing serious health issues that can arise from untreated dental problems. By ensuring access to quality dental care, the program supports the broader human rights framework, which advocates for the right to health as an integral part of a child's development and future potential.
MARINE
ENVIRONMENT PROGRAM
In collaboration with various foundations, movements, NGOs, and governmental organizations (GOs), Westerlaken Foundation provides financial support for research and initiatives aimed at safeguarding the coastal and marine environment. These efforts encompass activities such as raising public awareness, conducting research, campaigning, and combating the practice of captivity.
As part of its commitment to environmental conservation, the Westerlaken Foundation funds the work of Yayasan Westerlaken Alliance Indonesia, its Indonesian counterpart. Yayasan Westerlaken Alliance Indonesia actively responds to stranded dolphins, whales, and sea turtles, providing necessary aid and emergency assistance.
Additionally, the organization passionately campaigns against dolphin captivity in Indonesia.
Westerlaken Foundation has also played a vital role in collaboration with the Jakarta Animal Aid Network and Dolphin Project to rescue and relocate captive dolphins from the former Melka resort. These endeavors represent crucial steps towards saving and rehabilitating captive animals, and further rescue missions are anticipated in the future.
Moreover, Westerlaken Foundation and Yayasan Westerlaken Alliance Indonesia maintain a comprehensive database of sea turtle strandings in Bali. The organizations work in conjunction with governmental agencies to collect DNA samples for research purposes, contributing to the understanding and conservation of sea turtles.
As part of its commitment to education and community engagement, Westerlaken Foundation and Yayasan Westerlaken Alliance Indonesia also conduct awareness programs on marine mammal and sea turtle rescue procedures for coastal communities, particularly fishermen in 10 coastal areas across Bali. This initiative aims to equip communities with the proper knowledge and skills to handle stranded marine mammals and sea turtles, ultimately improving rescue success rates and promoting marine wildlife conservation.
Furthermore, ongoing research conducted by the Westerlaken Foundation and Yayasan Westerlaken Alliance Indonesia assesses the water quality at Petitenget Beach, Mertasari Beach and Batu Bolong Beach. This research, which commenced on January 26, 2022, involves regular weekly assessments. Preliminary findings indicate the presence of Coliform and Fecal Coli, highlighting potential contamination issues.
Detailed research results can be accessed below.
EMERGENCY
RELIEF
PROGRAM
Westerlaken Foundation has been actively providing financial support for emergency relief efforts in various situations. In response to the Gunung Agung eruptions and the 2018 Lombok Earthquakes, the foundation played a significant role in financing relief initiatives to assist affected communities.
Furthermore, the foundation conducted an impact assessment following the tsunami in Palu in 2018. It also embarked on an emergency relief mission to Lembata, NTT, in 2021, following a series of natural disasters including a volcanic eruption, cyclone, and flooding. In the same year, the foundation was involved in providing relief to earthquake victims in Ban and Karangasem, Bali.
During the years 2020 and 2021, the Westerlaken Foundation remained active in emergency relief efforts related to the COVID-19 pandemic in Bali, addressing the pressing needs arising from the crisis.
In November 2022, the foundation extended emergency relief support to Cianjur, West Java, in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake.
Additionally, in February 2023, the foundation returned to Cianjur, West Java, to address the clean water crisis and provide much-needed emergency relief to the affected population.
In December 2024, the foundation responded to the Lewatobi eruption by providing emergency relief and addressing the clean water crisis for the affected population.
Additionally, in January 2025, the foundation distributed water filters to beneficiaries at the Lewatobi evacuation site and monitored the ongoing volcanic activity to ensure safe aid efforts.
CULTURAL
HERITAGE
PROGRAM
Westerlaken Foundation actively engages in efforts to facilitate the return of cultural heritage to Bali, Indonesia.
In 2019 and 2020, the foundation successfully facilitated the return of three tombaks and one keris, which were taken after the puputan (last stand) of Klungkung, back to the palace of Klungkung.
Furthermore, in January 2023, the Westerlaken Foundation facilitated the return of another tombak to the palace of Klungkung.
The foundation has acquired these tombaks and kris from the Dutch commercial market, indicating their commitment to reclaiming and preserving Bali's cultural artifacts.
Additionally, the Westerlaken Foundation continues to actively engage in negotiations and discussions with the Dutch Minister of Education, Culture and Science, as well as both Dutch and Indonesian commissions, in order to address and advocate for the return of heritage in accordance with current policies. This ongoing dialogue reflects the foundation's dedication to promoting cultural preservation and ensuring the rightful return of cultural artifacts to their places of origin.
THE jodie oShea
CHILDREN FUND
Since 2022, Westerlaken Foundation/Yayasan Westerlaken Alliance Indonesia has established and currently manages the Jodie O'Shea Children Fund.
In 2020, the Westerlaken Foundation/Yayasan Westerlaken Alliance Indonesia formed a partnership with Jodie O'Shea House to implement Child Safeguarding Policies and reunification practices. Through this collaboration, the Jodie O'Shea Children Fund was created, which aims to provide education and support for reunified children and their families. These children, who previously resided in Jodie O'Shea House, have now been reunited with their parents in accordance with Indonesian laws and international perspectives on child welfare.
The Jodie O'Shea Children Fund focuses on achieving Sustainable Development Goals 1 (no poverty), 2 (zero hunger), 4 (quality education), and 10 (reduced inequalities). By addressing these goals, the fund aims to empower families, ensure access to education for reunified children, and contribute to the overall well-being and development of the community.
For more information about the Jodie O'Shea Children Fund or to provide support, please click the link below.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WESTERLAKEN FOUNDATION AND Yayasan Westerlaken Alliance Indonesia
Westerlaken Foundation and Yayasan Westerlaken Alliance Indonesia are two distinct entities that maintain a close cooperative relationship. Consequently, both foundations have chosen to operate under a shared website, showcasing their collaborative efforts.
Westerlaken Foundation is a Dutch entity (RSIN 85938694) and is recognized as an ANBI stichting, denoting its status as a Public Benefit Organization. The foundation is responsible for designing programs and allocating funds to support these initiatives.
On the other hand, Yayasan Westerlaken Alliance Indonesia is an Indonesian entity (Akte notaris Nyoman Oka SH. M.Kn, nomor 60 - 30 Nopember 2015. SK nomor AHU-00277001.AH.01.04.Tahun2015. NPWP 94.961.135.4-905.000). It oversees the implementation of programs designated and funded by the Westerlaken Foundation.
Dr. Rodney Westerlaken and Shandy Wijaya serve as board members for both foundations, contributing their expertise and guidance.
To gain a comprehensive understanding of the organizational structure of both Westerlaken Foundation and Yayasan Westerlaken Alliance Indonesia, please click the link below.