YKIP's founders were business people, doctors, officials and volunteers who assisted during the crisis. It soon became evident that in order to accommodate the tons (literally) of medical supplies and monetary donations from well-wishers around the world, a transparent and responsible organization needed to be established. As many of our founders are members of Rotary International, we were able to establish YKIP as such an organization in the eyes of potential donors. We received endorsements from the Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, the diplomatic community in Bali, and the Governor of Bali. Our members come from a variety of faiths and from many different nationalities.

The founders set up and helped to organize the Bali Recovery Group which coordinated the work of the NGOs in the first six confusing months after the blast. All of YKIP's projects in 2002 and 2003 were related to the direct victims of the blast. However, most of their needs are now provided for. Based on the success of our initial projects in 2003 (Children's Education Fund, MREC or Medical Resource and Education Centre and the Wayang Kulit Trauma Counseling), YKIP has turned its focus to Health and Education issues--those projects that can improve the lives of the poor who live on Bali.

YKIP's role is to raise money for targeted projects on Bali and provide easy access for institutions and individuals to respond to as well as a trustworthy and transparent system to work with. Our efforts are intended as a living tribute to the 202 dead and 300 injured victims of the blast.

The impact of the Bali bombings extends far beyond the 202 killed and more than 300 injured. It goes far beyond the victims and their families who are without a husband, son, daughter or mother. It affects practically everyone on this island of a little over 3 million people. It affects the fisherman who cannot sell his fish because there are no people in the restaurants anymore. It affects the chambermaid, who is out of a job due to the downturn in tourism.. It impacts these deeply religious Hindu people who feel that they must have done something terribly wrong for something so horrible to happen to them. The sad truth is that it will take years for Bali to recovery from this disaster. And even then, many would say that Bali will never be the same.

One very tangible issue that emerged from the Bali bomb blast is the inadequate medical facilities on the island. While very few places in the world could have easily handled a disaster of such magnitude, Bali's facilities were totally overwhelmed. Even under normal circumstances, the medical services are poorly funded and underdeveloped.

YKIP is founded by responsible foreign and Balinese community leaders. These are people who have strong ties to the local community and have the desire and ability to see projects through to completion. The founders are very conscious of their responsibility to the community and to donors to ensure that funds are managed correctly and that funds go towards meeting the Foundation's objectives in the most effective and efficient manner possible. As such, none of the founders receive any compensation. All of their work is voluntary. As of November 2003, YKIP has hired on a part-time director to assist with the day-to-day running of the foundation. YKIP is now able, through generous donations from private citizens throughout the world, to fund small to medium sized projects on the island which conform to our charter. In this way, YKIP will be able to better the lives of Balinese and others who live on Bali by assisting local foundations which need help with their worthy projects.

Just after the bomb, we gave immediate aid and assistance while also developing our long term plans. The improvement of medical services and giving educational opportunities to the young will serve as a lasting memorial to those that have fallen. But even more, it will serve the living and in a small way give greater hope for the future. Please help us to make a difference.

Thank you for your support.

“Out of the ashes we create a better future”