Ibu Sari Inkspot Portrait

Ibu Sari (Founder of PKP Community Shelter) - vector art created by Ellena Li

In the heart of Indonesia, Ibu Sari stands as a fearless advocate for women's rights in a deeply patriarchal society. She is the founder of the Pusat Kajian dan Perlindungan Perempuan (PKP) Women’s Center, a grassroots initiative dedicated to empowering marginalized women through education, advocacy, and community outreach. Through the PKP Women’s Center, she provides women with vocational training, legal support, and a sense of agency—redefining what it means to survive and lead with purpose. Despite surviving a life of abuse and gender-based violence, Ibu Sari transformed her trauma into action, becoming a beacon of hope for others.

This portrait captures the commanding yet warm presence of Ibu Sari. Her gaze is forward and fearless, surrounded by symbols of learning and community to echo her motto: “Everybody is a teacher, every place is a school, every moment is a lesson.” This philosophy, often referred to as the “Three E’s” (Educate, Empower, Elevate), is visualized through an open sky and hands reaching upward—signifying growth, knowledge, and upliftment. The color palette centers on earthy browns and deep oranges, grounding her story in resilience and strength, while her smile radiates an unwavering grace. Her portrait is not just an image; it is a statement of resistance, of enduring compassion, and the transformative power of education.

Behind her, a series of silhouetted women stand tall in solidarity. Each silhouette represents the countless women Ibu Sari has inspired, supported, and uplifted. Their faceless forms emphasize universality—they are every woman who has been silenced, every girl who has fought to learn, and every mother who has chosen hope in the face of adversity. The variation in posture among the silhouettes reflects diverse journeys: some rise with fists raised in defiance, others with hands open in healing. Collectively, they form a visual echo of Ibu Sari’s impact—living proof that one woman’s courage can empower many.

When I met Ibu Sari in Indonesia (for a Global Ed trip), she walked into the room with the brightest smile I had ever seen. Her eyes carried a light that made time pause, and I knew instantly that I was in the presence of someone extraordinary. As she spoke, she shared stories of hardship—of abuse, exploitation, and unthinkable pain. But never once did she let those experiences define her. Instead, she built a school. She built a sanctuary. And somehow, she kept smiling.

That encounter shattered me.

I realized how privileged I was to take education, safety, and even daily inconveniences for granted. She never had access to a proper education, yet she now provides one for others. Her life was marked by suffering, and yet she has become a teacher in every sense—not by title, but by the wisdom and light she brings to others.

I often get consumed by perfectionism, school stress, or small insecurities. But when I think of Ibu Sari, all of that fades. Her smile reminds me to be grateful. Her story reminds me to be grounded. And her strength inspires me to strive for something bigger than myself. I created this piece not just to honour her, but to carry her with me—in the way I think, the way I create, and the way I hope to serve.