Johan

Translated from Bahasa Indonesia

Introduction

My name is Wayan Johan. I am 16 years old, I come from Muntigunung, Karangasem. I'm no longer in school. I'm about to start my culinary training that takes about 4 months to complete. I've tried to make sushi,  and I can cook a little bit, I can do burgers, I've done pizza too. I'm going to New York in two years to try it first, in the housekeeping industry. I was told that I’d be sent off to do housekeeping for a hotel.

Living in Bali Street Mums

I’ve been at Bali Street Mums for 3 years, moved from Karangasem because of Covid. At first I didn’t live here, I lived next door. Then I met Kim and was immediately invited here. I live here with all of my friends. I don’t have a family, it's been that way since I was a kid. In Karangasem I also lived with friends. My friends are my family.

Living here, there are definitely ups and downs.

It's good to be able to hang out, joke around. The hard part is that one by one, people would leave. When the others grow up, they choose their own path because they’re not going to stay here forever. Three of my friends have already left this place. 

Challenges

I've had a lot of challenges since I was a kid. Living without parents, that's the hardest. Seeing my friends who are happy with their parents. I want that too. When I see others who are happy and seeing them joking around with their family, I pay close attention to them but all I can do is look with my phone, look at words. I can't bear to tell this story fully. But, the point is, don't be sad, just smile. For my friends I have to smile, because that story is only for me to know. 

Happy Memories

When I’m with my friends and we tell each other stories. That's the good thing. I don't like to play video games, I just like to joke around and laugh. I'll make fun of my friends a little bit, but not to the point where it's too much. Once, someone hid my pants. It's fun here. I like to tease Agus the most. He never gets angry, he keeps his spirits up. He and I sleep together, both of us. That's my room there, upstairs. 

Message to the World

Keep your spirits up, don't back down. Let the past be the past, just focus on the present, be confident. That's all.