Abandoned children need care, family love

Luh Mulyati was only six-months old when her mother handed her over to Atun and Soleh, a couple who work as scavengers. A prematurely born infant, Mulyati at that time was already suffering from nutrition deficiency. Poor as they were, the couple tried to raise the baby as best they could.

Two years later, Atun and Soleh had to admit that their best was simply not enough. They surrendered Mulyati to the care of staff at the island's largest medical facility, Sanglah Central Hospital. The frail girl suffered from an acute nutrition deficiency and couldn't stand on her own.

After one month of intensive treatment, her weight increased to 8.4 kilograms and she started learning to walk.

"We couldn't provide for her any longer. I have three other children who dropped out of school and don't have jobs. we are struggling to feed ourselves," Atun said, her eyes glistening with tears.

Lying on her lap was Mulyati, a skinny baby with a pair of big, beautiful eyes.

"Once somebody offered us Rp 3 million for her - we refused," she recalled as she stroked Mulyati's hair with affection.

Atun and Soleh had just signed the document that would give Mulyati child of the state status.

This status would enable eligible candidates to adopt the baby legally. The candidate must be a couple, 30-55 years of age and submit a formal adoption request to the social agency.

The hospital had asked the police to track down Mulyati's biological mother before giving the green light for the commencement of the adoption process.

It was a tall order since all that Atun and Soleh could remember about the woman was that her name was Nengah and that she was from Bangli regency.

Sanglah hospital currently provides care for three other abandoned babies. Their mothers fled the hospital right after giving birth.

- Luh De Suriyan