Who we are
Participation and empowerment - our main goals and working principles
YDTI is an Indonesian non-profit organisation working in the field of Disability and Leprosy.
People affected by leprosy are actively and meaningfully involved in planning and implementing our activities, ensuring that our work is grounded in their real needs, experiences, and ideas.
Our catchment area is the whole of Indonesia, with a focus on South Sulawesi. YDTI is headquartered in Benteng Somba Opu, Gowa, South Sulawesi. Our joint office with PerMaTa South Sulawesi is located in Makassar.
Our Team
Organisational structure
We are a small yet passionate organization, driven by a team of young and energetic persons — all with personal experience of leprosy. This lived reality shapes everything we do, guiding our approach and deepening our commitment to lasting change.
Our board and team combine expertise in disability, public health, and leprosy. Al Kadri and Yuliati stand among Indonesia’s foremost activists against leprosy stigma and discrimination, while Kerstin Beise contributes decades of experience in disability advocacy, leprosy work, and project management.
We take pride in our dedicated team of young women and men affected by leprosy, who bring both expertise and compassion to help others overcome stigma and rebuild their lives.
Notably, half of our team are women, and more than 3/4 are people affected by leprosy—making inclusion a lived reality within our organization.
Our Leprosy Work
What We Do
We support people affected by leprosy and their organizations, working to ensure non-discrimination and equal opportunities—especially in the areas of health, rehabilitation, social protection, and livelihood.
Our work is carried out in close partnership with PerMaTa South Sulawesi, a Disabled People’s Organization (DPO) led by people affected by leprosy. YDTI provides support for management, fundraising, advocacy, and project implementation.
Our activities are led by young people affected by leprosy. We believe in the power of lived experience, and we are committed to building leadership and capacity so that they can stand up for their rights and shape the future of their communities. We place a strong focus on young women, who often face multiple layers of stigma and discrimination, and support them in becoming empowered agents of change.
Our approach is rooted in intersectionality—we recognize that many forms of discrimination are connected. That’s why we work for the rights and justice of all marginalized groups, not only those affected by leprosy.
Read about our activities here.
Our aim is to reach people affected by leprosy in South Sulawesi and beyond, and support them in their empowerment and with their psycho-social, medical and economic needs.
We strive to involve young men and especially women affected by leprosy in our activities, who then can continue helping others as agents of change in their communities.
